The Moon Is Following Us Vol. 1

The Moon Is Following Us #1-5

by Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo (Artist)

When a mysterious force kidnaps their daughter, parents Sam and Duncan must do whatever it takes to bring her home in this heartbreaking and action-packed graphic novel duology.Sam and Duncan LaMarr love their six-year-old daughter, Penny, more than anything in the whole world. But half a year ago, she was taken by the Cascade, an evil force they barely understand. Now, Sam and Duncan must fight side by side with the magical beings Penny cherished to try and get her back…before she’s gone forever.
Collects THE MOON IS FOLLOWING US #1-5

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comic Book, Manga, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2025

About the author

Daniel Warren Johnson is a Chicago-based comic book writer, artist, and illustrator. He's worked on titles for most major publishers, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image. His current series with Skybound/Image Comics is EXTREMITY, a sci-fi/fantasy title he is writing and drawing, and continues to update his webcomic Space-Mullet in his spare time.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of other dream stories like Inception and Joe the Barbarian.

Two adults jump into the dreams of their daughter who is permanently sleeping stuck in a rem cycle.

It's pretty zany and action-orientated. But DWJ does a good job as always having an emotional hook to fall back on.

This is the first of two volumes and it feels like it. I'll read this again when the next volume comes out. I think it'll be better as a whole story.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two parents are willing to do anything to rescue their child, no matter how crazy it seems.

Daniel Warren Johnson is the master of super-sentimental, fast-paced action bangers (see also: Do a Powerbomb!).

Here's hoping he and Riley Rossmo stick the landing -- probably right through someone's chest . . . and my heart.


Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

FOR REFERENCE:

Contains material originally published in single magazine form as The Moon Is Following Us #1-5.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Warren Johnson's The Moon Is Following Us Volume 1 delivers all the signature feels you'd expect. It's a trippy, fun ride packed with family themes, a girl trapped in a dream, parents braving a dreamworld rescue, and a generous dose of backstabbing and fantastical elements. While it feels like it'll read even better in a complete run, the ending left me eager for more. A solid 4 out of 5!

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Daniel Warren Johnson at the helm of an original graphic novel, you know three things: there'll be lots of violence, lots of pathos, and lots of family. The Moon Is Following Us is basically the epitome of his oeuvre. In it, a mother and father battle foes within their comatose daughter's dreams. The goal, of course, is to save her life. A side project: figure out just what the hell is going on.

This being the initial volume, that side project is mostly ignored in favor of gigantic, thrilling battles between like...demons and stuffed animals (these are a little girl's dreams, after all). The mother/father duo have an assortment of allies in the dream world, but they also return occasionally to the real world (where Johnson's artwork takes over for Riley Rossmo's).

Overall, the drama is heightened, almost to satiric levels. Mom is MAD and Dad is SUBMISSIVE and the villain is EVIL (and confusing). There are a couple twists at the end that have me keen on the next volume, though I'd say this first volume is a bit more proof of concept than finished product. Another half-dozen issues of breathing room would have helped this feel a bit less like a roller coaster and more like Joe the Barbarian.

[cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Story is fun, art is beautiful, but by god this was written by a man and it shows.

(For context, all out war in someone’s dreams)

The main female lead, Sam, has a crop top and essentially underwear on as her armor. She is extremely emotional, and makes a lot of rash decisions through the story that negatively impact the team. She is also only depicted wearing underwear and a shirt in their house, which makes up a fair bit of the story. Like I get it, she’s at home she wants to be comfortable. But at the same time it’s giving.”we’re horny old men trying to write a story.” Idc how you want to spin it, a crop top and underwear is not armor.

The main male lead, Duncan, is also your stereotypical man that is so nonchalant and cool minded, to really hone in on these boring gender stereotypes. He seems to have little emotional availability, which is often the case for men I get that but holy can we write someone unique for once.

Cool story but the character work fucking sucks. I’ll continue reading cause maybe it gets better.

[Valéria. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical DWJ.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say when you're a parent, and you love your child, you will do anything and sacrifice for them.

For as simple a concept as "The Moon is Following Us" is, it makes up for it in character design, world building, and intrigue. The dialogue won't win any awards, and the characters are not deep, but it reads quick, the action is plentiful, and I'm always excited to see what's next. I'm glad I waited till most of it was out at once to keep the flow rolling. Excited to see how the second half runs, and if it sticks the landing. Even with predictable story beats, I'm invested.

[Alican Kunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the greatest artists in the business.
Another story that’s equally creative and childlike.
I would keep reading Daniel Warren Johnson’s books just for the arts sake.

[Sarah AK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've already read this as single issues, but figured I'd give it another go when I saw this volume at the library. I love DWJ but had mixed feelings on the single issues (loved some, meh on others), and felt the same way today. That said, I'm intrigued by the ending and will give Volume 2 a go when it's out.

[Trevor ComicFan · Rating 5 out of 5]

93

This was extraordinary. I went in completely blind and was blown away by the ingenuity and creativity these two guys put together in this book. I just wish I cared more for Riley Rossmo’s art. It would have made GOAT status for sure if DWJ had partnered up with an artist more to my liking.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Image Comics for the ARC of this book!

LOVED! This was great. The art was beautiful, the story was a lot of fun, and that twist? Gasped out loud. I am very excited to read Vol. 2!

[Vlad Tepes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. Very good art, really interesting core story.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★1/2

[Gabriel Xavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lá vem mais um Do a Powerbomb. Os pais de uma garotinha precisam entrar no mundo dos sonhos dela para resgatá-la de um tipo de coma, bem interessante, gostei do volume 1!

[Adelaide Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished 2/11/25 - Really good cliffhanger for this volume! I'm recommending Delta Trion's YouTube channel and giving him credit for convincing me to give The Moon Is Following Us a try. Daniel Warren Johnson is a very creative man, and his art is great, but the concept and story of this comic would make a great television series! It's like Mom and Dad Save the World mixed with Labryinth and Stuff of Legend.

I would love to see more fleshed out and deeper insight to these characters, but I think what Johnson does best is give readers just a sample of what could be a vast and very complex world leaving them wanting more--which is a perfect method for purchasing comics monthly by the issue. But as much as I would like more character development and plot glue to his works, Johnson is a busy man and I would like him to continue working on his many projects.

I look forward to continuing this series and I hope it explores deeper into the main characters at least.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an advance copy of this new graphic novel that looks at the ties between parents, the unconditional love that makes a parent sacrifice anything for their child, like moving to a better school district, or going into the land of nightmare and dreams and killing everything that is stopping their child from waking.

I am not a parent, nor have I ever wanted to be. I grew up with loving parents, but getting glasses at an early age, never being able to be more than pleasantly plump, and being bookish is not something I want anyone else to go through. I am an Uncle of two remarkably smart boys, two smart boys I would do anything for. I happily sacrifice time, mental energy and physical presence to be around them, as I like it, and more importantly they seem to like me. So I understand when people talk about doing anything for their children, for I would do the same for my nephews. Which might be why this story struck so many buttons for me. Not only is it told well, and beautifully, if nightmarishly illustrated, but it captures that feeling that people have for those who love them, the willingness to sacrifice, no matter the cost to themselves. The Moon Is Following Us Volume 1, is a graphic novel created by Daniel Warren Johnson, writer and Riley Rossmo on art with Mike Spicer, and tells the story of dreams, nightmares, parental guilt, what children owe their parents, and what happens when everything we think we understand gets tossed out the window of reality.

Sam and Duncan are happily married and the parents to a Penny a six year old, who means the sun, the moon and the stars to them. Everything is idyllic until one night Penny doesn't wake up. The doctors at the hospital are confused. There is nothing wrong physically with Penny, but nothing seems to rousing her. Sam and Duncan bring Penny to a Sleep specialist who is more enthralled my the mystery than helping their daughter. One night Sam gets a letter, from an owl that promises to help their daughter. A wizard, carried by a parliment of owls arrives with a story. Penny is trapped in the dream world by an evil called the Cascade. Only by entering this world can Sam and Duncan save their daughter. Wearing helmets the couple enters the world, and find an army awaiting them, and army of Penny's toys, facing an unstoppable force. A force that seems to be familiar, and one that is causing the couple to question their actions. Sam has no problem slaughtering everything to get to their daughter, where Duncan has his doubts. As things go wrong and enemies are reveled can the two unite to save their daughter, or will everything be erased, like a dream.

A dark story that at first seems kind of simple, but becomes something far more. Not just about parents love, but the guilt, the fear of being a parent. Is one doing the right thing? What is the right thing? Am I hurting more than helping? Why won't my spouse love my child as much as I do, as I stand here covered in blood of my enemies. Warren is an excellent writer, really enjoying a strong run, as his current work on the Absolute Batman annual is showing. The story is seemingly a fantasy, until again it isn't. The narrative is strong, starting right away, filling in when needed, and never letting up. There are revels, changes in plot, betrayals, deaths, and lots of questions with an ending that sets up further adventures, further adventures I want more of. The art is also really good, nightmarish, bizarre, and yet realistic. One can see why Warren was excited to work with Rossmo, both work really well together.

A story that is lot more than what is seems from the description. And one that I really enjoyed. There is a lot going on here. One can read for the fantasy adventure, one can read for the ultraviolence. Or one can read for the strong feeling of family, the confusion of being both guardian and companion to little ones, how that messes with you, and makes you better. I can't wait to see where this story goes, and I will be along for the ride.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A six-legged deer with several eyes. A buff teddy bear with a rifle. A toad with one eye. All manner of rabbits, raccoons, gnomes and dragons with pole arms, guns, and grenades. A princess doll who commands like a general. These are Penny's best allies, but they're fighting a losing battle.

THE MOON IS FOLLOWING US curls its callused hands around the familiar but unwieldy virtues of parental ambition, filial piety, and communal trust. But sometimes, oftentimes, gripping something too hard paradoxically weakens one's ability to retain what one desires. Duncan and Samantha's daughter, Penny, has been in a coma for roughly six months. The girl is trapped in a wayward dreamland, occupied by hard-pressed stuffed animals and plushie characters who fight against a rampant infection that consumes and consumes and consumes. Duncan and Sam pledge to save their daughter by taking to their daughter's dreams. Except, the moment they crossed this magical threshold, they learn they are, again, fighting a losing battle.

This comic book manifests frustration on several levels: The parents feel helpless to save their child; the dramatic and impressive supporting cast of characters struggle against the demons of a child's trapped mind; and readers will bear witness to the various demises and failures of both. In narrative terms, readers will have to stomach an uncomfortable bit of irony in that nothing is going well for anybody and resolve themselves to sticking with these characters to learn whether they survive (and whether they deserve to).

Brio, the toad with one eye, is brash and smokes cigars, but he's the most reliable rebel fighter against the scourge that's taken over Penny's brain. True to form, he's just the type of guy who'll sacrifice himself in a pinch. But what then? Tash, an old wizard (in the real world), beseeches Duncan and Sam to contribute to the cause, but refuses to illuminate his own sordid past. What happens when the truth gets out? Duncan is a kind-hearted man. Sam is outspoken and doesn't flinch at anything. When the fight against the dreamland's corruptive forces gets grisly, and it's kill or be killed, which of the two will endure? Does a willingness to behead an enemy fairly represent a parent's love for their child? Who can say? Who can judge?

DWJ's well-tendered affection for strong but pliable female lead characters persists in Sam: long, dark hair; an impenetrable love of family; a fearlessly foul mouth. And the author's skill in blending compelling, chaotic action sequences with meaningful character drama likewise continues: Queen Ashley, the princess-doll character, leads the resistance, demands respect, and has the power to thunder the ground with a tremendous power that destroys her enemies.

The book's pacing is solid, and the current spread of character arcs is exquisite. Sam, for example, is increasingly desperate, and well-aware of the consequences of her actions. Meanwhile, the demonic baddies running rampant in Penny's mind aren't exactly directionless. As the family fights for Penny, the baddies, when unmasked, offer a plaintive, unobvious explanation for the logic of their nefariousness: What if the oblivion of sleep was all it took to ensure your loved ones were never sad again?

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

So, I read through this. Twice. And I just don't know what to make of it!

A six-year-old girl, Penny, is in trouble - she was kidnapped by some really Bad people and now she won't wake up. Doctors don't seem to be able to help her, but a strange little dude appears out of nowhere and now Penny's parents, Duncan and Sam are going to jump into Penny's dreams to combat the forces that are still holding her.

Yeah. That's kinda the story. So now 100 pages of bizarro action as Duncan and Sam fight strange dream creatures to save Penny.

In case you can't tell by my description, this didn't make much of a positive impact on me. I didn't hate it - I actually kind of like dreamworld and bizarre circumstances - but it didn't hook me. The need to save their child is a pretty commonly used device to draw a quick sympathy response.

It also uses some fairly standard gimmicks such as having a teddy bear actually be a gruff talking badass. Who saw that coming?

There is some interesting story here, but it could so easily be contained in half the space as we tend to spend too much time trying to be interesting.

If someone were to give me volume two, I'd likely think "Oh, yeah, I remember reading the first volume" and then give it a read, but I am in no way interested in making sure I get to read it.

Looking for a good book? The Moon is Following Us is a graphic novel that features a Wonderland-like dream world where a pair of parents and some oddball associates go into their daughter's dream to try and save her.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[Johan Haneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

8- I am a fan of the dynamic art of Daniel Warren Johnson (whose Wonder Woman Dead Earth is awesome). There is no comic book artist who draws visceral action like him, with a bit of gore and real viscera thrown in as well. His characters are not squeaky clean and conventionally beautiful, but are a bit raw around the edges, which makes it easier to identify with them and not see them as invincible super heroes.
This story is not the most original - a young girl is in a coma and her father and mother have to enter her dreams in order to wake her, fighting invaders in her mindscape. Entering dreams is a bit of a trope nowadays. As are toys coming alive in a dreamscape. The story was brought well enough to still be enjoyable, and there are original elements, like the dynamic between the two parents (who have different approaches), and a mysterious character who helps them in their own world and in the dream. This first book of two ends on a cliffhanger that promises a lot for the second volume, that will probably have more original elements and lead to ideas on a large scale (the title of the book is not explained yet, for example).
One for the fans of out there, imagination filled comic books with lots of monsters and action, but with human concerns at the core.

[Rustic Red Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and Image Comics for proving an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All issues (1-5) included in this issue are publicly released...

...even issues 6-10. The Moon is Following Us is fully released.

Rating: 3.5 (rounded up to 4)

I generally disliked reading one issue monthly, no matter who the creative team is and so far all the Daniel Warren Johnson (DWJ) comics I've read so far is great. I was shocked that this was fully released, Netgalley just reminded me of it.

This one is still very entertaining, but it kinda feels similar to DWJ's Do A Powerbomb, since it has a group of person saving their love ones. But this one with a childish fantasy twist. Personally not my favorite DWJ but I really, really love the art it is SO DYNAMIC.

And Riley Rossmo's art, who is a divisive artist - even I sometimes didn't really like his art, but in this his art really complements DWJ's. It was beautiful. I don't know if Mike Spicer, the colorist, partnered with Rossmo before but his way of coloring also enhances Rossmo's (and DWJ's) art.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is art. There is nothing perfect about it and I would describe it as a beautiful mess. Illustration? Beautiful chaotic whimsy. Story? Messy heartfelt disastrous humanity (and it seriously, does not take itself too serious... if...that makes sense?). The parents are a wreck and it shows (of course they would be their child is in danger). This struggle brings out the worst of them, in the most human way possible. Mom is ready to rush in without a second thought to save her baby and Dad is trying to plot a reasonable course through a scenario that allows no time to think things through (while hesitation could have dire consequences). They could literally lose their daughter forever. This frantic journey takes place inside of a cartoon world that is very creative and quite impressively drawn. Stop and appreciate the art before the worry kicks in again. There is plenty to critique but I enjoyed the "mess" of this book the most. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Jose Villanueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for the ARC!

I was really surprised by this graphic novel! I'm usually not the biggest fan of sci-fi driven stories, but this one really worked for me.

"The Moon is Following Us," tells the story of two parents who are attempting to rescue their daughter from another dimension of sorts. There's not much more I can say that doesn't give away what I thought was a very cool twist that happens early on.

The beginning of the story felt a bit action heavy for me, as we're just dropped straight into a battle scene. This method can often be effective but I felt like it went on too long before we were offered any backstory or context to ground us in what exactly the characters were fighting against. However, once that reveal did happen, I was totally onboard.

The cliff hanger ending absolutely got me and I can't wait to read the rest of this story!

[Joey Nardinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been very in the DWJ hyper train for the last year and change and this might be the first thing to knock me off a little. This story felt immediately reminiscent of Joe the Barbarian, another “toys and dreams” narrative grounded in the surreal amid some real serious violence. I remember that comic sort of puttering out, and while this is only the first half of a duology, I was really disappointed by the deus ex machina ending of this volume. There’s an emotional core, but the thread about inherited generational trauma causing stagnation is really thin. Some fun character designs, with Brio reminding me a bit of Ghüs of Saga fame. If the best volume looks to be holding a similar critical average, I’ll go back. Also won’t be terribly surprised if it comes in a bit lower since I think the characters just aren’t really clicking in this one.

[Dan Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the team of Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo, and Mike Spicer "The Moon is Following Us volume 1." Thanks for the copy off Netgalley before the release of volume 2 on 17 December from Image Comics.

Sam and Duncan are fighting a war they don't fully understand for their daughter. Inside her mind. Six months ago she was taken by the Cascade and now can not wake. A man, delivered by a parliament of owls so you know he is legit, offers them a chance to free her. Now they fight in her dreams along side battle hardened toys and friends from her mind.

Reasons to read:
-Eyepatch frog
-That ending makes me impairment for the conclusion
-The lengths and lines parents might or might not cross
-The escalation immediately to dream violence

Cons:
-Well that might have messed the child up

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moon Is Following Us, by Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo, Mike Spicer.

'The Moon Is Following Us' is a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt graphic novel that tells the story of parents on a journey through a strange and magical world after everything they knew has fallen apart. This book shows how powerful the bond between parent and child can be—even in the middle of chaos. It’s a story that’s easy to follow but full of deep emotions involving action, imagination, and stories that come straight from the heart.

#1 - "I knew sneaking was a bad--"
#2 - "Psychosis, paralysis, insomnia.. but never waking? It's new ground."
#3 - "I can save your baby girl, but I'll need your help to do it."
#4 - "... Mom?"
#5 - "We are Penny's nightmares. We're here to rescue you."

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Moon is Following Us” is the story of parents on a journey to save their daughter. But, oh, what a journey it is. Crazy dreams, talking frogs, self-healing mothers/mothers-in-law (gotta read to understand), and more.

The question is what will parents be willing to do to save their child. What price are they willing to pay?

There is some cartoon violence and language, but other than that, this is a great adventure and lesson for all ages. The only thing I didn’t like was the dad was so weak. Hopefully, there will be some character development in the second volume.

This was a wild ride and I’m on board for Volume 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Peter Derk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storytelling isn't my fave. It kind of drops you into a world/situation, which I like, but then really slams on the brakes and does a bunch of infill of the *record scratch* "Yep, that's me. Bet you're wondering how I became a barbarian babe in a weird dream realm," variety.

It also plays a bit on the ol' "Wouldn't it be funny if a teddy bear was like a big tough guy" thing, which just isn't my jam.

And the places the plot goes didn't give me much to gasp about. Oo, wait, was that a gasp? No, it was a yawn. Not because this was boring, it's just a natural human thing, okay? Jesus, you wouldn't get all pissy if I sneezed and be like, "What, are you allergic to me now!?"

[Ya Boi Be Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun somewhat sci-fi-ish take on dreams vs nightmares. But even more so this is a wonderful story about the lengths parents go to for their children’s sake and the different mindsets that go into it from more cautious approaches to more brash approaches with a message seemingly about the importance of both instead of one extreme or the other. The twist ending where the gnome guy betrays them for his own daughter, the villains being a manifestation of trauma, and the nightmares helping out the parents have me hooked for the next trade. The action is well-drawn though very hectic and at times hard to process. But the battles themselves definitely go into the idea of a chaotic battlefield so I don't mind and the dialogue and flow help you know the necessary details.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.
How much would you do for your ailing child? What about a child who is close to death in a hellish childhood nightmare?
Let that question sink in before exploring Daniel Warren Johnson's worldscape in The Moon is Following Us. Before the full weight sinks in hang on for the ride!! Most action comics have a small starting tiff or a slow build to a final battle scene. This is NOT most action comics. The action is hard-hitting and fast-paced. Do not snooze because it moves faster than a Fast & Furious car chase. Johnson should get an award for the art and world-building alone.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve heard many good things about Daniel Warren Johnson’s comic book work, so this a book I was interested in.
This book is about two parents who are trying to rescue their daughter who has been taken from them.
I can honestly say that while I enjoyed it, I was also disappointed by it.
The artwork was good. All the characters were fantastically designed and drawn. The action scenes were top notch.
My problem was with the story itself. Even though this is Volume 1 of the story, it still seemed like I was dropped into the middle of a story that was already going.
I might look into Volume 2, but I haven’t decided yet.