Hatter M. Hardbound Geo-Graphic Novel
Created by: Frank Beddor
Written by: Frank Beddor with Liz Cavlier
Illustrated by: Ben Templesmith
Published by: Automatic Publishing and Desperado Publishing
ISBN 978-0979593956
Website: www.lookingglasswars.com

Reviewed by: Shawn Swanson

There are so many reasons to love this book that I couldn’t possibly hit on every single wonderful detail within a simple article. Assuredly time could not possibly allow such an in depth report, and to be honest the sheer volume of words spent would ruin the tale of The Hatter.

I love Hatter M.; that has been established, but will you love Hatter M? I say you will, but here are a couple questions you can ask yourself that may solidify this response: Are you interested in history or find yourself attracted to the concept of time travel? Do you feel deep down in your heart of hearts that other worlds exist beyond our own? Do secret societies intrigue you? Would you be willing to believe that a classic tale of a little girl and a rabbit hole could be more then an odd fairytale? If you can open your imaginations eye and accept the indelible truth that miraculous events occur all around us every day, then you must read “Hatter M”.

The premise of “Hatter M.” revolves around the fact that Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” got it all wrong, he even misspelled her name. The Truth is that Alice never fell down a Rabbit hole; Princess Alyss Heart was lost in our world for a time. The Mad Hatter was not mad at all, though he does seem on edge through much of the story. “The Hatter” is Hatter Madigan and he is Alyss’s bodyguard. Madigan is kind of like secret service except incredibly lethal. “Hatter M.” follows Madigan through his frustrating, exciting, and sometimes heartbreaking search for Alyss. The story is initially set in Paris, France in 1859 as Hatter M. finds himself separated from the child he has sworn to protect. Volume one begins to tell the story of Hatter’s thirteen year search for Alyss.

Frank Beddor, along with Liz Cavalier, have crafted and pieced together the historic path of Hatter Madigan and Alyss Heart with such care and devotion to the truth that one cannot help but become emotionally involved.

The phenomenally unique and magical artwork of Ben Templesmith melds so perfectly with Frank’s writing that I can’t personally imagine these characters any other way. It’s rare to find a book so perfectly suited to an artist. Ben Templesmith stepped up to the plate with “Hatter M.” and knocked it out of the park.

“Hatter M. The Looking Glass Wars Volume One” is beyond what is expected. The Hardbound book is lavishly illustrated by Templesmith and crammed with extras, including research materials and an explanation of how Cryptolinguist, Sir Cook was able to decipher Madigan’s journal. I have been enjoying “Hatter M.” since the first issue was published. With this collection I found myself reading the series all over again. I read the covers, the notes and the research materials. I wandered through the pages of artwork and studied the process gallery. The few flaws I have found in this book seem in a weird way to be appropriate and maybe aren’t flaws at all.

Just like any other graphic series, the “TPB” (Trade paper back) or in this case the “THB” is a fantastic jumping in point. Hatter M. is no exception to the rule, but with this particular edition you receive so much more. Hatter M. Volume one is like buying a wallet and finding a twenty dollar bill inside. Every page is a surprise, you can just feel the love and pride and that was involved in the book’s creation. It feels like a collector’s item; like something special. I began this article by announcing my love for this book, and as promised I haven’t documented every detail, but I hope your interest is peeked. “Hatter M.” is unique and refreshingly original. It’s unlike anything you have ever read. “Hatter M.” is a masterpiece. Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier and Ben Templesmith should be proud.

I have included links to my individual reviews of the Hatter M. books along with a link to the “Looking Glass Wars” website.

Interview with Frank Beddor
Hatter M. Review for issues 1 and 2
Hatter M. Review issue 4
Order Hatter M. Hardbound Geo-Graphic Novel: