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Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story
The never before told origin story of the first trans superhero ever to appear on TV!
Nia Nal’s spent her whole life taking a back seat to her older sister, Maeve, who’s expected to inherit their mother’s Naltorian powers––the ability to see the future through dreams. They’ll soon learn the dreaming powers had other plans…
When Nia’s hit in the face with a kickball, the powers that weren’t meant for her are suddenly triggered. Saddled with guilt, Nia resolves to suppress her powers in an attempt to protect her relationship with her sister. But Nia can’t keep the dreams out forever…
From Nicole Maines, the actress, activist, and writer who originated the role of Dreamer on the groundbreaking Supergirl TV show, and with stunning art by Rye Hickman that captures Nia’s fan-favorite personality, comes the origin story of a girl who must accept her own power to fulfill her destiny in a long lineage of female superheroes. Luckily, Nia won’t have to go through it alone.
Nia Nal’s spent her whole life taking a back seat to her older sister, Maeve, who’s expected to inherit their mother’s Naltorian powers––the ability to see the future through dreams. They’ll soon learn the dreaming powers had other plans…
When Nia’s hit in the face with a kickball, the powers that weren’t meant for her are suddenly triggered. Saddled with guilt, Nia resolves to suppress her powers in an attempt to protect her relationship with her sister. But Nia can’t keep the dreams out forever…
From Nicole Maines, the actress, activist, and writer who originated the role of Dreamer on the groundbreaking Supergirl TV show, and with stunning art by Rye Hickman that captures Nia’s fan-favorite personality, comes the origin story of a girl who must accept her own power to fulfill her destiny in a long lineage of female superheroes. Luckily, Nia won’t have to go through it alone.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2024
12 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 6, 2024
Wow. This was amazing. Lots of strong messages about integrity, overcoming bigotry, and the power of found family.
April 8, 2024
Nia is a trans teen living on earth, but her mother is from another world. Nia may or may not be able to tell the future, a power her sister desperately craves. But the real magic she finds in this story is trans community and friendship! The dream sequences and the queer ballroom scene in this book particularly shine; the story would probably have hit me harder if I'd seen the TV show Nia debuted in, but I haven't. Do check this out if you are familiar with Dreamer on the Supergirl TV show.
June 14, 2024
3.5 Stars. CW: misgendering and transphobia
I haven't been a HUGE fan of all the graphic novels that DC has been putting out that are seemingly geared towards a teen audience; however, this one worked. It's an origin story for the character Dreamer who made her debut on the Supergirl TV show and became the first trans superhero on TV. I am familiar with Supergirl, but never found myself compelled to watch the TV show. To be honest, I would have probably rated this a little higher if I was more familiar with that narrative before diving in. Nevertheless, the showcasing of queer culture, found family, complex family dynamics, and the discovery of one's own internal power were great. This graphic novel is sad in a lot of ways and ends on a pretty somber note; however, it is that exact element that makes it feel real. Nia dealt with a lot of issues associated with her family especially her mother and sister. And those things don't necessarily get resolved, but Nicole Maines does leave the reader with hope which I think is most important. This could have used a little more world building especially if the intent was to draw in readers who were not familiar with the TV show. I found it to be interesting and wanted to know if there were any connections to Superman; however, readers are left a little in the dark about the history of this specific group of aliens and the world from which they came. Overall, a solid read and I'm interested in knowing more about this character.
I haven't been a HUGE fan of all the graphic novels that DC has been putting out that are seemingly geared towards a teen audience; however, this one worked. It's an origin story for the character Dreamer who made her debut on the Supergirl TV show and became the first trans superhero on TV. I am familiar with Supergirl, but never found myself compelled to watch the TV show. To be honest, I would have probably rated this a little higher if I was more familiar with that narrative before diving in. Nevertheless, the showcasing of queer culture, found family, complex family dynamics, and the discovery of one's own internal power were great. This graphic novel is sad in a lot of ways and ends on a pretty somber note; however, it is that exact element that makes it feel real. Nia dealt with a lot of issues associated with her family especially her mother and sister. And those things don't necessarily get resolved, but Nicole Maines does leave the reader with hope which I think is most important. This could have used a little more world building especially if the intent was to draw in readers who were not familiar with the TV show. I found it to be interesting and wanted to know if there were any connections to Superman; however, readers are left a little in the dark about the history of this specific group of aliens and the world from which they came. Overall, a solid read and I'm interested in knowing more about this character.
February 29, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much, more than I expected. I was worried that Maines’ transition to writing comics would be bumpy, as is often the case with folks coming from film, but this is a really solid graphic novel. The themes and metaphors just really hit and are so well done. Don’t let the awkward “ass butt” line near the beginning put you off; this was worth the read. My only complaint is I wish the ending had been fleshed out a little more; there was a hint near the end that Nia’s one bully had a softer side, and I wanted to see that explored. Nia’s relationship with her dad wasn’t ever really established either, but that seemed like it would have been good to get into more in depth near the end. I’d add 10 ish more pages to explore those two things near the end, if I could! But bravo, this is such a welcome addition to the queer side of DC Comics. And I loved the exploration of A-Town and Nia’s friendships with other queer girls, including GALAXY!!!! Hickman also did a stellar job on the art, with the style fitting this story so well, and the dream splash pages were beautiful. 4.5/5 stars.
August 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I knew nothing of this character or if this graphic novels existence but I'm very glad I picked this up at the library!
This novel deals with some pretty difficult issues and does so very well, but one thing that was unclear was the fact that Nia is transgender. The fact that she is isn't a problem to me, but I feel that had the author made this clear earlier, the novel would have flowed much easier than it did.
This novel deals with some pretty difficult issues and does so very well, but one thing that was unclear was the fact that Nia is transgender. The fact that she is isn't a problem to me, but I feel that had the author made this clear earlier, the novel would have flowed much easier than it did.
October 21, 2024
very queer story with aliens and superpowers! cool characters and a lot of trans representation. the storyline was at times a little too chaotic. still the cliffhanger ending left me craving for more.
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May 29, 2024
This is effectively a sequel to Galaxy: The Prettiest Star, but in truth it's a corrective. See, "Galaxy" was SUPPOSED to be trans propaganda, but what they accidentally created was a clear de-transitioning narrative. "Bad Dream" is clearly supposed to compensate for that blunder, an attempt to create yet another alien trans character -- for REAL this time! While Galaxy was a full-alien born female and forced to masquerade as a human boy by her faux-family, Mia is a half-alien born male who chooses to identify as a female and is 100% loved and accepted by everyone in town except one full-alien guy with whom Nia picks fights. And, oddly enough, the way Nia picks fights with others (because it happens more than once) is extremely masculine.
Aside from all the Current Year-isms, oddly incoherent messaging, and tedious preaching, the book itself just...isn't good. The art is serviceable at best, very 2010s Tumblr. The pacing is awful. The characters are unsympathetic and narcissistic. The dialogue is classic "Hello, fellow kids!" And it creepily presents the whole LGBTQIAP2+etc. "found family" trope as more like a cult where blind obedience and unquestioning conformity are required.
Oh, and the book's narrative is also supposed to be a metaphor for xenophobia in America, a criticism of those who don't want outsiders invading their little communities, but the narrative ACTUALLY demonstrates that the xenophobes are 100% right to fear the xenos. Aliens in this book seem to be murderous tyrants & sinister subverters unless they join the LGBTQIAP2+etc. fold...at which point they become self-righteous bullies.
Clumsy. Hamfisted. Dumb.
Aside from all the Current Year-isms, oddly incoherent messaging, and tedious preaching, the book itself just...isn't good. The art is serviceable at best, very 2010s Tumblr. The pacing is awful. The characters are unsympathetic and narcissistic. The dialogue is classic "Hello, fellow kids!" And it creepily presents the whole LGBTQIAP2+etc. "found family" trope as more like a cult where blind obedience and unquestioning conformity are required.
Oh, and the book's narrative is also supposed to be a metaphor for xenophobia in America, a criticism of those who don't want outsiders invading their little communities, but the narrative ACTUALLY demonstrates that the xenophobes are 100% right to fear the xenos. Aliens in this book seem to be murderous tyrants & sinister subverters unless they join the LGBTQIAP2+etc. fold...at which point they become self-righteous bullies.
Clumsy. Hamfisted. Dumb.
December 7, 2023
Thanks to DC for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. A very sweet story about acceptance and resentment, this title will be an excellent addition to the DC Teen YA lineup!
January 7, 2026
I knew going in that this version of the character Dreamer's backstory would be somewhat different from what it was on the Supergirl TV series. I even knew going in it would be at least a little sadder.. But man, I was not ready for how much sadder. None of that detracts from how good this was to read though. Deeply emotional with beautiful artwork. I am so glad that the character will survive beyond the Arrowverse now that it's over.
August 21, 2024
Let's start off with, I think this is a solid 4. The art, while slightly overly stylized, fits the story being told. And the writing, though very good, came off a bit uneven at times. It was not terribly uneven, but it was more compelling than, not as much.
That being said, these types of stories need to be told, and they absolutely need to be told in comics. It's important. I want more of them. The community as a whole needs more of them. We need audacious, larger than life stories. We need more than just cookie cutter superheroes. Every child, every last one should have the opportunity to see themselves as being heroic, no matter their background, no matter where their personal journey takes them. Every child should feel seen. A comic book like this, a few decades ago could not have been written, I'm glad it can be now. And bravo to Nicole Maines for doing it, and in such a spectacular way, with such proud characters. The art is indeed stylized, but I also couldn't pick a different style that could so perfectly match the energy in the story. Rye Hickman, Bex Glendining, great job.
For that, this is 5 stars.
That being said, these types of stories need to be told, and they absolutely need to be told in comics. It's important. I want more of them. The community as a whole needs more of them. We need audacious, larger than life stories. We need more than just cookie cutter superheroes. Every child, every last one should have the opportunity to see themselves as being heroic, no matter their background, no matter where their personal journey takes them. Every child should feel seen. A comic book like this, a few decades ago could not have been written, I'm glad it can be now. And bravo to Nicole Maines for doing it, and in such a spectacular way, with such proud characters. The art is indeed stylized, but I also couldn't pick a different style that could so perfectly match the energy in the story. Rye Hickman, Bex Glendining, great job.
For that, this is 5 stars.
October 17, 2024
"Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story" is a strong addition to DC's stable of YA graphic novels. This one has the usual focus on self reliance, acceptance, diversity and found family that has become a hallmark of this series. Additionally, it features a wide cast of LGBTQ+ characters in a realistic and non cliched manner. The strongest feature of this book is writing from actor and activist Nicole Maines, who spins a dramatic and compelling origin story for the character she played on the CW network's "Supergirl" series. All in all this is a fun fast read that should be enjoyable by a broad range of readers.
April 7, 2024
I am a big fan of the CW DC shows and absolutely loved Nicole Maines' character; Dreamer, in Supergirl. This book was written beautifully and I especially loved the artwork on the pages featuring Nia's dream depictions. I loved the characters and each of their different styles and personalities that really shone through the pages. Overall hands down is worth a read, I highly recommend and can't wait to see what she has in store next for us.
April 23, 2024
I love how much Nicole’s writing has gotten even better!! And the art goes so well for this story and Nia’s age and dreamy (come on, you have to make puns, Maines surely appreciates them) surrounding.
The little winks every now and then to the tv show and Nia’s future relations are awesome to see too (Andrea’s Diner, Kara at the end with her cape, her friendship with Yvette!!).
The little winks every now and then to the tv show and Nia’s future relations are awesome to see too (Andrea’s Diner, Kara at the end with her cape, her friendship with Yvette!!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
The writing on this one is...really fun. And the art matches that.
June 5, 2024
More from the DC Young Adult line, which it's not exactly my cup of tea to start with; but this one felt particularly plain, and like a failure when it came to the whole plot and narrative.
I'm all for trans representation, but I don't think that was well portrayed here, at all. It might have to do with me not being familiar with Dreamer as a character, but the fact the main character is trans wasn't clear to me till midway through. And, believe me, that is a fundamental fact to understand all her interactions with family and neighbors, so can't say the writer did a great job here.
The whole personality development is pretty absent in this graphic novel, full of teenage angst and stereotypes. So, once again, good when it comes to representation and some of the dialogue around the topic (i.e. chosen families), but quite boring and flat over all.
Art wasn't bad though!
I'm all for trans representation, but I don't think that was well portrayed here, at all. It might have to do with me not being familiar with Dreamer as a character, but the fact the main character is trans wasn't clear to me till midway through. And, believe me, that is a fundamental fact to understand all her interactions with family and neighbors, so can't say the writer did a great job here.
The whole personality development is pretty absent in this graphic novel, full of teenage angst and stereotypes. So, once again, good when it comes to representation and some of the dialogue around the topic (i.e. chosen families), but quite boring and flat over all.
Art wasn't bad though!
Read
May 12, 2025Reading books I already own. Not for me, will be "unhauling". It's very queer, it's just also very YA.
August 30, 2024
First of all, I am a fan of Nicole Maines and loved her portrayal of Dreamer (the first televised trans superhero) in
Supergirl
.
I also love the fact that she loved Dreamer so much, she advocated for there to be more stories about this superhero - to the point where she pitched the idea to DC Comics (which they loved, thank goodness), and she's been writing Dreamer comics ever since!
Bad Dream is a Dreamer origin story (and if I'm not mistaken, the first Dreamer origin comic). This origin story differs from the one in the SupergirlTV show, but the major elements remain unchanged. In this version, Nia Nal is a half human, half Naltorian trans teenager growing up in an alien sanctuary on Earth. Nia's sister, Maeve, much like the Supergirl version, is anxiously waiting to come into her dreaming powers and ability to see the future, and has spent her entire life studying dream interpretation in preparation for the powers that she will inherit (as the powers are only passed on from mother to daughter).
But when Nia realized that she had inherited the powers instead, she was overwhelmed by the new powers and the fear of being hated by Maeve. So Nia turns to the only solution she could think of - running away from home.
I enjoyed this comic. The falling out between Nia and Maeve wasn't as emotional and didn't hit me as hard as it did in Supergirl but this new origin story worked, made sense, and opens up a lot of opportunities for future comics to expand on this story. I also loved that Nia was able to befriend a group of trans aliens and allies while in Metropolis (also, Taylor/Galaxy is so pretty and seems really cool 😍). I also really liked the artwork and the dreamy pastel colour palettes.
If there's a sequel comic for this book, I'll definitely check it out.
*** #39 of my 2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A fiction book by a trans or nonbinary author ***
Bad Dream is a Dreamer origin story (and if I'm not mistaken, the first Dreamer origin comic). This origin story differs from the one in the SupergirlTV show, but the major elements remain unchanged. In this version, Nia Nal is a half human, half Naltorian trans teenager growing up in an alien sanctuary on Earth. Nia's sister, Maeve, much like the Supergirl version, is anxiously waiting to come into her dreaming powers and ability to see the future, and has spent her entire life studying dream interpretation in preparation for the powers that she will inherit (as the powers are only passed on from mother to daughter).
But when Nia realized that she had inherited the powers instead, she was overwhelmed by the new powers and the fear of being hated by Maeve. So Nia turns to the only solution she could think of - running away from home.
I enjoyed this comic. The falling out between Nia and Maeve wasn't as emotional and didn't hit me as hard as it did in Supergirl but this new origin story worked, made sense, and opens up a lot of opportunities for future comics to expand on this story. I also loved that Nia was able to befriend a group of trans aliens and allies while in Metropolis (also, Taylor/Galaxy is so pretty and seems really cool 😍). I also really liked the artwork and the dreamy pastel colour palettes.
If there's a sequel comic for this book, I'll definitely check it out.
*** #39 of my 2024 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A fiction book by a trans or nonbinary author ***
August 22, 2025
Definitely going insane, this is the third comic I’ve read today that I have rated 5 stars… Insane
Nia is one of my favorite characters, I’ve loved her ever since she debuted in Supergirl TV, and after my best friend picked up this comic I need to do so as well.
This comic tells Nia’s backstory. And while I already knew most of it, it didn’t stop me from getting hit by a runaway train. Nia is written to perfection, and while that doesn’t mean she is perfect the writing was incredibly compelling, it makes us feel for her in more than one way. Nicole is a genius, her writing style is amazing, she is completely in sync with the characters, and that connection really shows.
There’s nothing in this life that could make me not hate Maeve. She is such an important person to Nia, all she does and tries to do is for her. For her sister’s wellbeing. She tried giving up her powers for her, she ran away for her. She even endured all the passive aggressive love that Maeve showed her over and over again. It is pretty clear that Maeve guilt tripped Nia so much that she thinks she owes everything to her. When in reality Maeve only cares about herself. It broke me every time I read someone saying that Nia’s powers were Maeve’s, when they were clearly never hers and never would be. “People who want to be superheroes are not the people you actually want as superheroes.” This quote is was so powerful in many ways. It showed Nia —even if she hadn’t realized it yet— that Maeve wasn’t right to be a Seer.
Nia was downing in guilt. Guilt of having “stolen” her sister’s powers, guilt of what her parents have to endure due to the close-mindedness of the people in Parthas, and most importantly the guilt that was imposed into her from the moment she ran away.
The dynamics between Nia and her recently-found-friends are amazing. They are supporting while still being flawed beings, they help and are there for each other even when everyone else has failed them.
The art was perfect for the story. It’s vivid and expressive without being obscene. Nia’s character design was awesome. We definitely need more of Maines and Hickman.
This comic was incredible.
Nia is one of my favorite characters, I’ve loved her ever since she debuted in Supergirl TV, and after my best friend picked up this comic I need to do so as well.
This comic tells Nia’s backstory. And while I already knew most of it, it didn’t stop me from getting hit by a runaway train. Nia is written to perfection, and while that doesn’t mean she is perfect the writing was incredibly compelling, it makes us feel for her in more than one way. Nicole is a genius, her writing style is amazing, she is completely in sync with the characters, and that connection really shows.
There’s nothing in this life that could make me not hate Maeve. She is such an important person to Nia, all she does and tries to do is for her. For her sister’s wellbeing. She tried giving up her powers for her, she ran away for her. She even endured all the passive aggressive love that Maeve showed her over and over again. It is pretty clear that Maeve guilt tripped Nia so much that she thinks she owes everything to her. When in reality Maeve only cares about herself. It broke me every time I read someone saying that Nia’s powers were Maeve’s, when they were clearly never hers and never would be. “People who want to be superheroes are not the people you actually want as superheroes.” This quote is was so powerful in many ways. It showed Nia —even if she hadn’t realized it yet— that Maeve wasn’t right to be a Seer.
Nia was downing in guilt. Guilt of having “stolen” her sister’s powers, guilt of what her parents have to endure due to the close-mindedness of the people in Parthas, and most importantly the guilt that was imposed into her from the moment she ran away.
The dynamics between Nia and her recently-found-friends are amazing. They are supporting while still being flawed beings, they help and are there for each other even when everyone else has failed them.
The art was perfect for the story. It’s vivid and expressive without being obscene. Nia’s character design was awesome. We definitely need more of Maines and Hickman.
This comic was incredible.
April 8, 2024
I knew about this book since the day Nicole posted about writing the first words for it. I've been a fan of Nia Nal and Dreamer since her first episode on Supergirl. This story is everything I hoped it would be, and more! Beautifully written, heart-breaking and heart-warming, and it looks amazing because that's what Rye Hickman does!
I flipped the last page and immediately wanted more pages.
I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could
I flipped the last page and immediately wanted more pages.
I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could
June 18, 2025
I absolutely loved the character development in this novel. The friends, the bullies, the family. The unique spin on the trans daughter's inherited powers. I'm not usually one for superhero stories or anything like that, but the whole idea of the seers and the dreamer are pretty unique and make for some incredible art. Overall I enjoyed it and am so happy to see Nicole Maines' work come to life ! I look forward to reading more of her work. And I certainly look forward to more representation of the queer community in the superhero world !
April 12, 2025
4 stars
the fact that i've never consumed any dc media yet i understood and appreciated this story proves that this graphic novel is good. i liked the art style and colouring, found the storyline digestible, and LOVED the emphasis on queer joy and belonging. i hate to say it but i just might have to care about superheroes!
the fact that i've never consumed any dc media yet i understood and appreciated this story proves that this graphic novel is good. i liked the art style and colouring, found the storyline digestible, and LOVED the emphasis on queer joy and belonging. i hate to say it but i just might have to care about superheroes!
October 28, 2025
I reaaaaaaally enjoyed the found family aspect of this. It was great! But I feel like it left a little to be desired by the end. It gave SOME answers, but not all of them. I loved the trans representation and the alien allegory for immigration in America.
I hope there’s a sequel because I need some more information!
I hope there’s a sequel because I need some more information!
January 6, 2026
I really liked the idea and the artwork for this book however, I found the execution pretty lackluster. I hope the author improves as she goes and the illustrator did an amazing job and I liked the community Nia found.
December 30, 2024
An incredibly beautiful story about navigating small town prejudices and big town troubles, found family, and bio family. Bonus: a corgi side kick!
May 23, 2025
Great art, love the style and color. The story is great, even constrained by being a one-shot. Love the message, love the characters; beautiful diversity.
December 21, 2025
A beautifully told and illustrated story about found family and embracing the destiny you never planned for. ❤️
July 23, 2025
for all the trans people who dreamt of being superheroes- Nia Nal is for us.
she means so much to me. thank you Nicole Maines
she means so much to me. thank you Nicole Maines
August 18, 2024
I wasn’t familiar with dreamer as a character and initially thought that this was a new gods series. I think because I wasn’t familiar with her I enjoyed this a lot although I’ve generally enjoyed a lot of the dc comics for young adults works. I really enjoyed the pacing and I thought it was a lot of fun as a work. It works really well as a stand alone series especially for people unfamiliar with dc comics. I found the art really fun. My only mild qualm was that I didn’t know Nia was trans until like chapter three when she literally says “I’m trans” to one of the other characters and it would’ve been nice to have that set up earlier in the story (I’m not sure how they would’ve done that though) because it felt very heavy handed especially as someone who wasn’t familiar with the character. All in all a very fun read.
August 17, 2024
Really incredible addition to DC's YA novel collection! Nicole Maines continues to prove herself to be a strong comic writer and teaming up with Rye Hickman was exactly the right move. Really wonderful reading this version of Nia Nal's origin, especially as someone who has been a fan of her since she first appeared on CW's Supergirl. Great little easter eggs (and foreshadowing?) peppered for long-time DC and Dreamer fans tucked into a touching and honest story about being trans, especially in rural America, and coming to terms with your family's expectations of you and how you may not be exactly what they imagined. Highly recommend, even if you aren't into comics or graphic novels!
August 11, 2024
i know NOTHING about dreamer so this was kinda confusing. they didn't make it clear that Nia was trans for some time, so the beginning didn't blend well with the rest of the story at all. But I did really like the themes talking about xenophobia and transphobia using the aliens and world they're in for a unique view. I don't really know how to feel about the ending and everything with her family but I loved the ending where the galaxy characters become her found family after it. I think dealing with her feelings and running away after getting powers she didn't understand were hers was done really well and I like how that blended with her finding a place of acceptance.
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