Nightmare Escape

Dream Jumper #1

by Greg Grunberg, Lucas Turnbloom (Illustrator)

Ben has a gift. He can jump into other people's dreams. Preview of Book One: Nightmare Escape

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Comics, Childrens, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

Greg Grunberg is best known for his roles in the award-winning series Heroes, Alias, and Felicity. Nightmare Escape is his first graphic novel series, which was inspired by dreams described by his son, Ben. Greg lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old concept made new again...  
 
In Dream Jumper: Nightmare Escape Ben learns that he has a gift. He can jump into the dream world and see other people’s dreams. When Kaylee (his not girlfriend), falls into sub-rem sleep and can’t wake up, Ben decides he must find a way to save her. While asleep, Ben meets Lewis, a mysterious rabbit who helps him fight evil forces in the dream world.
 
There are currently two books in the Dream Jumper series. The idea for this series came from a dream that author (and actor) Greg Grunberg’s son had. The drawings are bright and cinematic feeling. They match perfectly with the story’s sense of adventure and mystery.
 
I really enjoyed this one. The concept reminds me of the Freddy Kruger movies, but this is much tamer - meant for the younger set. Ben is a great character and I really like him. I will try to read the second book too. I also think I will suggest we add this to our elementary school library.

[Scott Robins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thin, cliche plot, a lack of distinct characterization and artwork that doesn't quite fit with the tone of the book and the subject matter. It's a bit of a mishmash that doesn't quite come together. Unfortunately this a miss for me. Read from an ARC with unfinished artwork.

[Abigail]

Dream Jumper is a graphic novel written by Greg Grunberg. It is one of my favorite books I have read this year so far. It is very entertaining, and makes you just wanna keep flipping pages and finish the book. Ben is the main character in this book. Ben is a normal boy till he starts having dreams, then he realizes people from his school are in his dreams, and his close friends Kaylee and Jake. Ben goes to one of the best doctors, he found his other friends there, the doctor said they were having sleeping problems and dreams, like Ben was.

In Dream Jumper it starts off with Ben sleeping, having one of his dreams, he wakes up and talks to his mom. His mom tells him they are going to a doctor after school this week about his dreams. Ben gets frustrated and doesn't want to go to the doctor. At school, he sees his girlfriend Kaylee, him and Kaylee talk and Kaylee asks if he is still up for tutoring after school. Ben waits and waits for Kaylee but she never showed, he tried texting her but no answer. The next week Kaylee didn't show at school once. After a couple of days passed it is now time for Ben to go to the doctors. Once Ben goes there he sees Kaylee and some other kids in a room all sleeping, Ben asked what the room was for and the doctor said it was for a sleeping issue, and people having the same dreams as Ben, but at the time the doctor did not realize Ben was having the same issue as those other kids in the room. After Ben saw Kaylee he wanted to get that treatment done right away. They started the treatment and Ben fell asleep into his dream right away. Ben saw a bunch of other kids from his middle school including his best friend Jake, and Kaylee. Ben has a weird dream and has to fight creatures with other animals...or are they animals? Read Dream Jumper to find out who those “animals” really are. Once you start flipping those pages I promise you won't want to stop.

Dream Jumper is one of the best graphic novels I have read. You won't want to stop reading it.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Dream Jumper series by Greg Grunberg.

I loved that J.J. Abrams wrote the forward of this story and I anticipated that it would be a strange and wild tale.

Having undergone numerous sleep studies myself, I could sympathize with Ben's trepidation about having to get covered in sensors and being monitored all night. It's no fun, and washing out the goop they put on your skin and in your hair is the absolute worst!

Overall, it's a dramatic tale and a fun, fast read. I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading Curse of the Harvester next.

interesting quote:

"What's with this random energy blast thing I can do now? What am I, a Tesla coil?" (p. 93)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben Maxwell spends many nights in a restless fashion, stuck in a series of nightmares. When he awakens, he recognizes some of the characters and features of his dreaming. Oddly, his classmate Kaylee disappears into a dream state one afternoon instead of showing up for their tutoring session. Since Ben's mother has been worried about her son, he volunteers for a sleep study and ends up going into a sub-rem state during which he is able to move into the dreams of others. He finds help from some unlikely sources, one of whom gives him a somni stone that has certain powers and is the goal of the evil Erebus. Readers will be able to use the hints on the final pages to guess what may lie ahead for Ben and the identity of Erebus. While I liked this well enough, I didn't find it nearly as compelling as other graphic novel series such as Amulet to which it's been compared. I will reserve judgment to change my review depending on the next installments. Still, it has appeal for late intermediate and early middle grade readers.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

NIGHTMARE ESCAPE by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom is the first book in the exciting new Dream Jumper graphic novel for middle grades.

Like all kids, Ben has nightmares. What makes Ben unique is that his nightmares are real and he’s able to jump into the dreams of others. When his girlfriend is caught in an endless nightmare, Ben must defeat the nightmare monster with a little help from a talking rabbit. The book’s conclusion is satisfying, but leaves many questions unanswered and ready for the next book in this engaging series.

Librarian will find this graphic novel series popular among children who enjoy fantasy and adventure. The book’s high-quality, full-color illustration will add to the appeal. Build a library display featuring GRAPHIX titles to feature this new addition to the this popular collection. Or ,create a “nightmare” display featuring books connected to dreams and nightmares.

Published by GRAPHIX, an imprint of Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an OK graphic novel. Kids would probably prefer it to adults.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son actually requested this from the library and I decided to read it before we returned it. This was a surprisingly well done middle grade fantasy graphic novel that I enjoyed a lot.

I liked the main character Ben and how he helps other kids with their nightmares. His mom is concerned because of how tired he always is and rightfully so.

This is an interesting storyline in itself, but the storyline gets infinitely more complex when Ben finds out that some of the kids he’s been helping actually have some sort of sleeping sickness that won’t allow them to wake up.

The illustration is colorful and fun and I enjoyed it a lot. The illustration is also easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and both their family ties and friendships with each other. The story is intriguing and interesting.

My 10 year old son absolutely loved this book as well and him and I are both dying to read the next installment in the series!

Overall a very well done middle grade fantasy graphic novel. This book has great characters, a great story, and wonderful illustration. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here! I would definitely recommend to those who like middle grade graphic novels and fantasy adventures.

[Rey Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Warning spoiler alerts*

this book was about a kid named Ben that had lots of sleeping problems but not going to sleep it was his dreams he can go into anyone dreams and he has some power he had that he can save people in other peoples dreams/ nightmare and save them but every time he woke um he felt tired so his mom says that his sleeping problems reminds her of his dad and thing were the same with him till he past away, i notice this part that it seems like a mystery... Bens mom takes him to a special doctor and he lays down and falls asleep and something in his dream happens and shuts off the power and the machines and so nothing worked cause it was a power he had so they couldn't fix it so Ben said that he was gonning to use it to jump into dreams and help people so thats why its called dream jumper and he help his freinds because they had some night mares that were bad so it was up to him to save them.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Grace, age 8, 1/26/19

I recommend this book to anyone who has Very Weird Dreams.
Splat! Yawn! That's exactly what happens to Ben every day. Weird dream. (Aaah!) Wake up! (Ugh!) Go to school.
Ben's mom wants to take him to the sleep clinic because he cannot sleep because of his weird dreams and he's failing school. Ben does not want to go to the sleep clinic. Ben is in 4th grade. He has two friends, Jake and Kaylee.
When he goes to the sleep clinic and sleeps, he goes into Ward Z, which means he sleeps but he can't exactly wake up. So he has to figure out how to wake up and he's doing stuff like saving children from doctors in his weird dream. He's called a Dream Jumper, and he happens to have weird powers. Then he meets a bunny named Lewis. Lewis helps him free all the children.

My favorite part was Jake, his best friend, wearing a Sumo diaper and tied to a tree with bacon.
I want to read every book in this series!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adventure graphic novel will surely be a hit with Oddly Normal, Hilo, Amulet and Explorers fans. The main character goes in between reality and the dream world in a way that is both exciting and hilarious. There are many moments where the authors comedic timing really shines through.

I shared the ARC with my students and they are impatiently waiting for book number two.

The only point that was off was the needles in the first sequence. I felt that it was unnecessary and left the reader with a bizarre vibe.

[Library Lady 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of my favorite graphics, unfortunately. The art is pretty stellar, though, so it gets a higher rating than the story itself. It had all the components that usually draw me in--a kid from a single-parent home, some magic, great illustrations. But for some reason I just didn't connect with the character or find him particularly sympathetic.
The story won't stick with me forever, like some of my favorite graphics like Amulet or Zita the Spacegirl. I probably won't continue this series, but if you're into graphics, it's worth checking off your list.

[Yessenia o.]

(Dream Jumper#1) Nightmare Escape by Greg Grunberg is a nice book. i really loved the art on the book. well, this story is about this guy who has trouble sleeping but it was because he is a dream jumper in the story he tries to save the people in a sleeping comma. they are in a comma because the have been captured by a nightmare lord thing. and they will awaken if they get free in their dream. and it is his job to free them.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

will be interested to see the final product as this was an ARC that didn't have color throughout or completely illustrations in the last third

the story is a little choppy and confusing for middle-grade. it is not always clear when Ben is jumping into and out of his own dreams, or that of his friends

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A fun read about a kid named Ben who is a Dream Jumper which means he has the ability to interact within the dream world. Unfortunately there is an evil power at work within the dream world and Ben and his friends must stop it.
First in a series.
Vivid, colorful illustrations will appeal to students grades 3rd-8th

[Niki Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew Greg Grunberg from Heroes was working on a graphic novel series? Cool concept--boy has ability to enter into the dreams of others (who kinda have the same experiences and share space in the alternate dreamworld)--and good artwork, but I was not super invested.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read an ARC with unfinished artwork. Lots of cliched dialogue and plot devices and YET the main story is interesting enough that I want to keep reading. I'd give it 21/2 stars if I could.

[Kim Mento · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute graphic novel. I thought the illustrations were amazing.

In our library in the graphic novel section.

[Eujay D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good and it was werid

[TheMistressofBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, this was a little meh and cliche, but I thinks kids will probably get a kick out of it. :/

1.5

[J.O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for all ages!

[Liam G · Rating 4 out of 5]

to never give up

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-developed plot, great art style, and just enough suspense to keep me interested in the series.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9 year old loved this. Exciting, scary and funny, apparently. The first in the Dream Jumper series. Suitable for Year 4 and up.

[Bayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream Jumper by Greg Grunberg is an action packed graphic novel filled with suspense. My adrenaline got higher and higher as I read it. 12 year old Ben is just an ordinary kid until he finds out he can jump in and out of peoples dreams. What makes it even more exciting is the fact that Kaylee, his crush and Jake, his friend can do it too. Together as a team they go into dreams to save people and things. Ben and Jake have to go through many obstacles on their journey to defeat the monsters and save their friends. Once you start this book you can’t stop flipping the pages.
Greg Grunberg did so amazing with the use of dialogue. There is quite a bit, but not too much. He used descriptive words and good humor within the dialogue. Greg Grunberg really mastered the characters. Even if there weren't pictures, I would still be able to imagine what they look like. All of the characters are very protective and outgoing towards each other. Each of them have something that makes them really special and unique. The author uses great imagery and great descriptive language. It is easy to understand and process. Also, this book is very easy to remember because it is mainly all pictures.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action packed graphic novels, very funny characters, and amazing detail in the pictures.

[Kenya Starflight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for interesting-looking graphic novels, and so when I spotted the "Dream Jumper" series at the library, I was immediately intrigued. The bright colors and cartoony art style caught my eye, and the concept of being able to visit others' dreams seemed like a fascinating one. And I wasn't disappointed when I picked it up -- "Nightmare Escape," the first volume of the "Dream Jumper" series, is a fun read, with great art and a story that's shaping up to be an epic adventure.

Ben has been having recurring nightmares of late -- nightmares involving being chased by strange creatures and, somehow, infiltrating the dreams of his friends! His mom, worried that something medical is going on, takes him to a sleep clinic... where Ben learns that a strange illness is trapping people in their dreams. When he falls asleep at said clinic, he's catapulted back into the dream world, where he learns the awful truth -- an evil entity is locking people in their nightmares and feeding off their souls! With the unlikely help of a talking rabbit and his crush from school, also trapped in the dream world, Ben must find a way to free all those stuck in the world of dreams, defeat an ancient evil, and make his way back to the waking world...

The art style of this book is bright and cartoony, nicely stylized and conveying motion and action quite well. I tend to shy away from ultra-realistic art in graphic novels, as too often it strays into the uncanny valley, but the art style of "Dream Jumper" avoids that pitfall, giving us character designs that are unique without being grotesque or creepy. And the various creatures Ben runs into in the dream world straddle the line between ugly and weirdly cute -- save one of the villains, who looks nicely spooky.

The story itself is nothing incredibly groundbreaking, but is still a great deal of fun to read, especially with the added element of a boy being able to travel between others' dreams. Sometimes a cliche story can still be made enjoyable and new via good characters, good writing, or the addition of a unique element, and "Dream Jumper" manages to deliver. The characters are a little forgettable, but still sympathetic -- and some revelations regarding a few characters lay the groundwork for the inevitable sequel.

A fun read, especially for fans of Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet" series or Jeff Smith's "Bone" series.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I️ believe kids will love the adventure aspects of this.. Ben (5th grade?) suffers from nightmares. Essentially he is a dream superhero rescuing other kids from their personal fear driven horrors. Turns out he is part of a group of special individuals charged with protecting the Day world from horrors of the Night world. Cliches abound- tubby best friend, demure yet spunky love interest, missing, mysterious Dad. Many elements are borrowed from Star Wars. The colors are bright and the art style is Saturday morning cartoon. There is enough action and the plot, despite being packed with characters, manages to hang together. Demand for graphic adventures suitable for 4th & 5th grade are boundless and I️ bet this will fly off the shelves.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben has an interesting ability. He can jump into other people's dreams. Unfortunately, there's a dream jumper turned evil who traps kids in the dream world. In the real world they are in a coma. Only Ben, with the help of a dream jumper rabbit (it gets explained), can rescue them.

I love graphics in this book. Full color and vibrant. The story itself isn't as good as Amulet, but it would probably appeal to the same kids.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a weird dream-trip, adventure, battle of good & evil, where an unassuming white boy can jump into people's dreams, and help them escape an evil force who traps them there...I'm not sure if I'm forgetting why, or if that wasn't answered, but I've returned the book to the library already.

Anyway, it's weird but fun, not-too-scary, but a little scary. It feels like Hilda and the Troll, but not as pretty.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard this compared to the Bone series or to the Amulet series, and I was excited to read it when I heard this because there are never enough read alikes for kids for these. I really enjoyed this, and look forward to a sequel. It was a little bit bumpy and a tad predictable, but hey, I'm a grownup, this is a first book, and I think that some of that may be ironed out in the second. Very enjoyable characters, liked the art, and I'm hoping that the villain isn't his dad.