There are dreams we grow out of, and dreams we chase after. Right now, Robbie Boone is caught in between both. The creative son of a single working mother, Robbie’ s imagination is his refuge, and his love of cartooning, his voice. But it’ s Sophomore year, and his hopes for getting a summer animation internship are being challenged by bullies, mean teachers, and a family schedule that puts a lot on his shoulders.
Good thing his imaginary friend’ s back to help him out.
But The Princess of the Dreaming Realm, Robbie’ s erstwhile childhood companion, isn’ t actually a figment of his imagination. Far from making her up, she’ s the long-lived daughter of King Morpheus, the ruler of the literal realm of dreams. Tired of a series of human companions connecting with her, then leaving her, she’ s determined to find out what’ s so special about the waking world.
Both Robbie and The Princess are in for more than they bargained for. Because, if they can reconnect in our world, then the door is open for a host of dreams to start coming into our reality.
And that’ s including the bad kind.
Waking Life marries the relatable adolescent drama of Raina Telgemeier or Svetlana Chmakova with the seminal dream-logic adventures of Winsor McCay. A tribute to (and update of) Little Nemo in Slumberland, the first volume of this character-driven dramedy is perfect for readers young and old alike. It’ s an unexpected coming-of-age story about two teens that mixes fantasy hijinks with slice-of-life drama, inspired by classic American cartooning.

Edited by Sean E. Williams.