Review: The Dreaming (Australia)

The Dreaming is an impressive teen horror/suspense anime graphic novel series by Sydney author/ artist Queenie Chan. Set in Australia at an exclusive bushland boarding school it tells the story of twins who uncover the mystery of a series of supernatural disappearances at the school. It is released through Tokyopop and distributed in Australia through Madman Entertainment.
The Dreaming signals the beginning of a potentially long and exciting career by Sydney artist and author Queenie Chan. In a format traditionally dominated by the Asian artists, Chan shows that Australians are more than capable of holding their own, delivering a superbly atmospheric mystery/horror story that encapsulates the core essentials of the genre but also brings a distinctly Aussie flavour to her work.

The series follows the story of twins sent to a secluded bushland boarding school in Australia. After hearing of strange disappearances which have plagued the school for 100 years, Amber and Jeanie share the same nightly dream of being lost in the surrounding bushlands. When the disappearances start again, the pair realise the answers to the school’s dark past may lie in their dreams.

With a distinct artistic style rich in detail and shading, Chan creates an eerie but realistic visual atmosphere to compliment the ghostly story. Her understanding of narrative and characterisation is strong, unveiling the mystery at a pace that heightens the dramatic tension and draws you in.

The horror element of the Dreaming is subtle, working on mood rather than blood and gore. The illustrations use light and dark to hint at the unknown, and often it’s what’s just out of frame that’s more terrifying than what is in view.

Volume one is the first of an intended three-part series and sets up more questions than it answers, but the engaging characters and eerily chilling story ensures you’re locked in for the ride to come. An extremely impressive debut from an author/artist with a big future.