Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Book One

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey #0-4

by D.J. Milky, Kei Ishiyama (Contributor), David Hutchison (Contributor)

When Jack Skellington's faithful pet Zero gets lost, the ghost pup must get the help of the residents of Christmas Town to find his way back. With Halloween plans on hold while Jack mounts a search, will they be reunited in time to save both holidays?

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Christmas, Halloween, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2018

About the author

D.J. Milky is the author pen name of creator and entrepreneur Stu Levy.

Born in Los Angeles, Stu is the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of the manga media company TOKYOPOP. Stu also produces, directs, and writes for graphic novels, film, and television. His preeminent work "Princess Ai" debuted at #1 on the National Bookscan charts for Graphic Novels.

Stu’s creative works include writing the children’s novels “Sailor Moon – A Scout is Born”, “Sailor Moon – The Power of Love”, and “Karma Club”; children’s books “Stray Sheep” and “Kung Fu Klutz & Karate Cool”; and the graphic novels “Juror 13” and the “Princess Ai” series, created with Courtney Love. He has also translated manga volumes of “Parasyte”, “Sailor Moon”, “Ice Blade” and “Magic Knight Rayearth”. He also has written and produced a series of songs including anime theme songs and a soundtrack from “Princess Ai”.

Stu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Business from UCLA and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He studied at Tokyo University and Keio University in Japan and is a California attorney. Currently, Stu chairs the Producer Guild of America's International Committee and was previously a Board Member of its New Media Council. He is fluent in Japanese.

Reviews

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free e-copy of Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Zero's Journey by D.J. Milky from NetGalley for my honest review.

First off, I realize this is a children's book but I love anything Tim Burton. I am also a big Art freak. I love drawing, painting, sketching and have a huge appreciation for the talent of others who create it.

This is a comic cartoon type book. I really enjoyed all the never before seen character and location sketches that were in this book, all created by a team of dedicated Artists. So beautiful and creative and a joy to see. The comic book was cute and I enjoyed it the only thing I wish is that it was more of a children's story versus the comic. Still an adorable book with lots of creativity.

[TheSleepyLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 Stars

Oh my word is this graphic novel so adorable!! The color illustrations are so well drawn and so like the characters!! I seriously want my own ghost dog with a glowing jack o' lantern nose Zero is the best!! I'm glad that Jack feels guilty for not giving enough love and attention this poor boy needs it. But I'm still upset over the ending with the evil gingerbread man sticking him in a boiling pot and in the oven. I really hope he is alright last time I checked he is already dead and a spirit but from the comic it seems like he is a tangible one. Please be okay Zero!!!

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you adored The Nightmare Before Christmas and you still want to continue the journey with these quirkisome characters, then this manga book is for you!

Zero's Journey is beautifully illustrated and the colors are wonderful. I was able to follow the story easily. It is adorable. It is what we, the pet owners go through when our pets go missing.

I love Zero! I want him as my pet now!

I've always liked The Nightmare Before Christmas movie. Imagine my delight when I saw this manga novel. I just had to read it despite my age. It's heartwarming, whimsical, feel good reading.



Get this . I promise it won't let you down. Even though it's meant for middle aged kids, any age will enjoy this comic.



I recieved this colorful ARC from Diamond BookDistributors and Tokyopop through Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey is a cute, fun story about Zero getting lost and ending up in Christmas Town while the residents of Halloween Town search for him.

The art in this volume is gorgeous and very reminiscent of the movie. I liked that the illustrators chose to use an art style that was similar to the movie instead of something completely new. I definitely liked this volume more because it reminded me so much of the movie, but that said there are new characters and locations that aren’t in the movie. The new additions perfectly mesh with the old and I think the creators made a good choice including some new elements.

There isn’t a ton of content in terms of story considering Zero is a dog and therefore doesn’t really have dialogue outside of barking and such. However, the creators do a good job of showing Zero’s reactions to the situation he’s found himself in.

I definitely enjoyed The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey and I’m looking forward to reading future volumes to see how everything turns out for our favorite little ghost dog. I highly recommend this for fans of the movie.

**I received an advance copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many, I grew up on The Nightmare Before Christmas, and it still holds a certain nostalgia for me, even though I feel like one of the few horror-loving people of my generation who isn't still particularly captivated by the film. That aside, I was pretty eager to check out this new Disney Manga series about my favorite character, little Zero the pup. The story follows Zero as he gets lost in the land of Christmas, and has to survive there on his own until he can make it back home to Jack.

While the artwork is adorable and I love spending time with Zero, as well as Jack and Sally, and a lovable new elf character from Christmas, there's simply not much of a story to this volume. Most of the book is just artwork depicting Zero running around getting into trouble without anything really happening, and during a pivotal scene in Halloweentown involving Lock, Shock, and Barrel, things go predictably enough that it began to feel redundant. If you're a massive fan of the film or have a young reader in your life, I'd recommend this, but if you're like me—an adult in her twenties whose love for the film has begun to fade—I'd probably leave things be on this one.

Thank you so much to TOKYOPOP for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this e-book from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Jack's dog Zero goes missing, Jack decides to send a search party to find him. Will he find him not knowing Zero is in Christmas town? Read on and find out for yourself.

This is a pretty good Manga from the Nightmare before Christmas Universe. It had an awesome storyline and the artwork is great too. If you love Nightmare Before Christmas, definitely check this book out for yourself. It is now available to buy in bookstores everywhere and on Amazon.

[Marianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zero is the most lovable ghostly dog ever, but the story is so short and simple I can't rate it more than 3*. The drawings are stunning, I loved them, expecially the first section that contains sketches for the covers. They're gloomy but will also warm your heart, I don't know how.
The book is perfect both for Christmas or Halloween, but very, very short. I wish it was longer!
Many thanks to both NetGalley and the authors for a free copy of their ebook.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUPER cute, I'm excited for the next volume! The one thing I didn't like was that the creators tried to write in musical numbers, which is tedious to read when you don't even have a tune for the songs and the verses are just repeating over and over. Aside from speeding through those portions, this was really enjoyable.

[The Half-blood Reader]

10/04/20 - Free atm at https://www.tokyopop.com/together

Cute art. Full coloured. Target audience: Children.

So Christmas town people aren't that nice after all. Why am I not surprised?

That end turned this into a horror story

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Diamond book Distributors for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This collects issue 0 - 4 of Zero's journey.

Zero gets lost in Christmas town and has to find a way to make it back to Jack. Beautiful artwork

[Stay Fetters · Rating 1 out of 5]

What’s this? What’s this? Disappointment everywhere!

The story was a huge nope for me. It contained a lot of animal abuse against Zero and I’m not into that at all. It really turned me off from this book.

The art was cute and I enjoyed that but it wasn’t worth my time.

[Suhailah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Issue #4 only

This one probably had to be the funniest so far! Zero starts getting into trouble by eating foods he is not supposed to. There are some elves mean-girling him and a feisty gingerbread fight. Loved it!! Can't wait to continue this adorable little series!

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read this one when I herd about it and I wasn't disappointed at all. It was amazing.
I just love Zero!

[Mariah Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When Jack Skellington's faithful pet Zero gets lost, the ghost pup must get the help of the residents of Christmas Town to find his way back. With Halloween plans on hold while Jack mounts a search, will they be reunited in time to save both holidays?"

[Brittany McCann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun but definitely geared to a really young audience. My favorite thing about it was how much the deer in Christmastown looked like Zero :) Worth a read for those obsessed with the Nightmare Before Christmas.

The art was the strongest part of this, and it definitely left off with Zero in serious peril.

3 Stars.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the title says the story is more about Zero (that's the dog) then Jack (the skeleton). Still it's fun to get back into this crazy universe, illustrated beautifully, even if the story is not that strong.

[Erica Robyn Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #1 of Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey was a quick and fun read!

I cruised right through this book! It only took me about fifteen minutes to read it. Granted I was so anxious to see what was going to happen next, I didn't take my usual time looking at the artwork. So of course, when I finished the story, I went back to get a better look at the art... Which of course, I just loved!

I was very excited to see that this was fully colored! When I read the preview, I was curious to see if this would be full color or if we would go back to the black and white style of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Jun Asuka. I really enjoyed how dark the Halloween Town panels were, especially when compared to the brighter panels from Christmas Town!

Overall, I thought that the story was interesting! I like that Zero ends up back in Christmas Town where he learns more about the holiday first hand. Jack is clearly still a bit obsessed with the holiday!

Where this book ended just killed me! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next! I wonder if we will get to see some of the other holiday towns...

If you're a fan of the film or books, I definitely recommend checking this one out!

[morgan ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just love zero, and now i definitely need the next book

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art was cute, and there was only a little text, most of which rhymed. That ending is rather dark for Christmas Town though dang...

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet manga format series about Zero's adventures when he is accidentally separated from Jack.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just feels like a repeat of the original. The art for the most part is lovely. But it's like hey let's swap jack and Zero and rerun it as a silent movie. Not the cute perfect for the season read I was hoping for.

And in a 'that's the world of the movie and not the writer's fault but it still pisses me off' even as a kid who loved the movie, I was bugged by the fact that the doors are a mix of Christian and secular holidays, further implying Christian is the default and everyone else can shove off. And with the comic having the Christmas Book just talking about snow and how all the children love it more than Halloween the comic further reinforces that assumed default. I mean, I'm not saying they even have to bring up the religious aspects since the movie doesn't, but surely you could talk about Christmas in generic tones without exclusionary language.

Dude, also, Jack? Having Finkelstein (thanks btw for having the only Jewish coded character as a nagging parent stereotype as well as an utter creep) as your default go to for help when he locked up and emotionally abused your girlfriend...

[Jacquelyn Reel · Rating 1 out of 5]

We are back in Halloween Town where Jack is setting up plans for Halloween Town’s next Halloween celebration. Poor Zero is feeling a bit neglected and in his lovable way, begging Jack for attention. Without giving too much away, Zero ends up lost in Christmas Town and Jack needs to find a way to save him. I was VERY disappointed with this opening trade. I finished this trade within 5 minutes. There is nothing new in story in this trade and I feel that it is a way that Disney is getting money off of this cult classic story that is so well loved. Hopefully the story picks up but I don’t see it playing into anything original. Not to say that this will take anything from my love of Nightmare Before Christmas but it certainly didn’t add anything to it and it made me more annoyed that I just wasted $15.99 on it.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Jack is back, and he's busy working on an experiment leaving Zero feeling a touch lonely. Events happen and Zero finds himself in Christmas Town and meets some new characters. Not knowing where Zero went Jack works (along with the help of old friends) to find his loyal companion.
I had to really ponder my rating for this. Its artwork was beautifully done and it's too cool to be back in this world especially with an emphasis on Zero. BUT this was such a short read since there's minimal dialogue (Zero not talking and all) and not much happens. I wish they would've made this volume (there will be four total) longer. Most of my stars are directed at the artwork and excitement to be back in Halloween Town and Christmas Town.

[Ioanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

During playtime, Zero gets lost and ends up in Christmas Town. But, after all that has happened between Halloween Town and Christmas Town, who can go bring the sweet pup back to his master?

This is a wonderful spin-off story from the all-time classic movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, with ghost pup Zero being the main hero. It's funny, sweet, and involves all our favorite movie characters. The illustrations are true to the movie and absolutely impeccable.

Strongly recommended for fans of anything Halloween, especially The Nightmare Before Christmas.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free e-copy of Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Zero's Journey by D.J. Milky from NetGalley for my honest review.

I know this is a children's book, but I absolutely love Tim Burton and the illustration is absolutely gorgeous. Jack loses Zero and the members of Halloween town help him with a search party for Zero. It's an adorable story line with beautiful illustrations on Zero's journey back to Jack.

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Jack Skellington's cute little best friend, the dog Zero? Finally, my secret hero of The Nightmare before Christmas stars in his own fantastic story. Told in beautiful pictures that perfectly match the original movie's style, the pages are brimming with color, at the same time spreading thespirit of Halloween and Christmas. I can't wait to see how the story of poor lost Zero continues. Perfect for readers of all ages.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disney Manga: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas - Zero's Journeyby D.J. Milky
When Jack Skellington's faithful pet Zero gets lost, the ghost pup must get the help of the residents of Christmas Town to find his way back. With Halloween plans on hold while Jack mounts a search, will they be reunited in time to save both holidays?
This was a great comic. I loved the pictures. 5*.

[Tyffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books and the illustrations, but I was sad they were so short. I love Zero and defiantly wanted more! I understand now that they are short because it is a comic book series. I did not get that before my initial review. I have book 1 and 2 and now on the hunt for book 3 and four. Every excited!

[Anna Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute and quick read. While there was not a lot of substance, and it's not a book that people unfamiliar with the movie would be able to pick up, it was still a fun read for those of us who are fans of Tim Burton.

[Jodi Geever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure delight! The art is enthralling, you are drawn into Christmastown and Halloweentown. There are alternative covers, character concept sketches, and location concept sketches as well as interviews with creators and artists on the movie and on this project.