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Dreamless
A paranormal romance about an American girl and a Japanese boy who have seen each other's lives in their sleep since birth. Written by Bobby Crosby (MARRY ME, LAST BLOOD) and beautifully painted by Sarah Ellerton (INVERLOCH, THE PHOENIX REQUIEM).
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
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610 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 1, 2013
This rocked my socks. Cool concept. Well executed.
I'd be eager to read more of the story... it's certainly open-ended enough for that. But I don't think there's actually more to it.
I'm fine with that. It stands alone well enough. Sometimes the whole point of a story is that we want to know more at the ending.
I'd be eager to read more of the story... it's certainly open-ended enough for that. But I don't think there's actually more to it.
I'm fine with that. It stands alone well enough. Sometimes the whole point of a story is that we want to know more at the ending.
October 8, 2012
This is collects the entire Dreamless graphic novel style webcomic.
Dreamless is the story of two people living worlds apart, one in America and one in Japan, who see through each other minds instead of dreaming when they sleep. The story of the bond they form is very touching, well told and amazingly illustrated. The painted style artwork gives a great feel and resonates well with the atmosphere of the story. The WWII era setting adds a nice layer to things.
My only criticism is that there are a lot of details that I wanted explored more and thus the story could've been much longer, but what's here is great and leaving the reader wishing there was more while still telling a complete story isn't that much of a negative. The story doesn't unfold the way I thought it would (or would've myself) but again that's not really a negative.
Dreamless is original, imaginative and thoroughly engaging.
Dreamless is the story of two people living worlds apart, one in America and one in Japan, who see through each other minds instead of dreaming when they sleep. The story of the bond they form is very touching, well told and amazingly illustrated. The painted style artwork gives a great feel and resonates well with the atmosphere of the story. The WWII era setting adds a nice layer to things.
My only criticism is that there are a lot of details that I wanted explored more and thus the story could've been much longer, but what's here is great and leaving the reader wishing there was more while still telling a complete story isn't that much of a negative. The story doesn't unfold the way I thought it would (or would've myself) but again that's not really a negative.
Dreamless is original, imaginative and thoroughly engaging.
June 15, 2013
I am torn, I loved the art work and the concept of the book, but I am always annoyed with stories that have women (girls) who cannot seem to get along without a man. I need a strong heroine, and this is definitely not one of those. She rejects everything in her real life to spend time and energy just with the boy she sees when she is asleep.
I wanted to like it, and maybe if it continues the characters can actually grown. But alone this one does not do it for me.
I wanted to like it, and maybe if it continues the characters can actually grown. But alone this one does not do it for me.
April 12, 2021
The art and story quality are high for webcomics. You can read it free at dreamless.keenspot.com currently, as the paperback copy is hard to find.
Imagine that as far back as you can remember, every night when you sleep instead of dreaming you experience another person's life from behind their eyes. Imagine that when that person sleeps, he or she experiences your life behind your eyes, like a passenger along for the ride.
The first time I read this comic was so long ago... 2009... the year I completed my bachelor's degree and got married. It's still good as a reread over a decade later in 2021. I wish it had more story, a few more panels past its ending, and I have minor questions/problems with some plot points... but see for yourself. No spoilers here.
Imagine that as far back as you can remember, every night when you sleep instead of dreaming you experience another person's life from behind their eyes. Imagine that when that person sleeps, he or she experiences your life behind your eyes, like a passenger along for the ride.
The first time I read this comic was so long ago... 2009... the year I completed my bachelor's degree and got married. It's still good as a reread over a decade later in 2021. I wish it had more story, a few more panels past its ending, and I have minor questions/problems with some plot points... but see for yourself. No spoilers here.
January 14, 2024
It's rare for webcomics to tell a story so compelling, or illustrate every page as lavishly as a painting. I admire the courage and dedication it required to make the transformation from concept to graphic novel, and am determined to keep an eye out for future projects by either Bobby or Sarah.
If you particularly like the premise, check out the YA fantasy Unspoken.
If you particularly like the premise, check out the YA fantasy Unspoken.
October 24, 2017
Loved this. I wish there where more volumes, but still a fantastic and well crafted story!
April 29, 2015
A decent idea wasted on a trite and melodramatic love story. The webcomic could very easily have been worth a read had it been about two friends sharing each lives and helping each other cope with their respective problems. Instead we get two people pining for one another until I was convinced that it was unhealthy for both of them. The girl barely has a social life and, judging by how much she slept in her childhood, is probably failing her classes. Some people may find the concept of two people utterly obsessed with one another to the point of distraction romantic but to me the characters' behaviors seemed more in line with mental disorders.
Also, the storytelling was a bit confusing. Time jumps occur frequently and certain segments are so quickly paced that more than once I scratched my head. The story could have begun when the two main characters were adults and very little would have been lost.
Kudos to illustrator Sarah Ellerton, whose art is the best I've ever seen from a webcomic, but the writing doesn't do it any favors. Dreamless is the exact opposite of FreakAngels, which boasts good writing but lackluster artwork, and I found that, in a situation where I must choose between the two, I prefer a competent writer to a competent illustrator.
If you want a story about two people who influence each others' lives then watch Cinema Paradiso, which is better written and has more interesting characters.
Also, the storytelling was a bit confusing. Time jumps occur frequently and certain segments are so quickly paced that more than once I scratched my head. The story could have begun when the two main characters were adults and very little would have been lost.
Kudos to illustrator Sarah Ellerton, whose art is the best I've ever seen from a webcomic, but the writing doesn't do it any favors. Dreamless is the exact opposite of FreakAngels, which boasts good writing but lackluster artwork, and I found that, in a situation where I must choose between the two, I prefer a competent writer to a competent illustrator.
If you want a story about two people who influence each others' lives then watch Cinema Paradiso, which is better written and has more interesting characters.
November 30, 2018
Dreamless was quite good!
A little confusing at the beginning (top to bottom or left to right etc) but later on, my brain just made it instinctive and I was fully immersed. The story was so good as well as the art! The second last page...
I usually love anything WWII related. This felt like forbidden love, and some Romeo & Juliet feel in terms of the setting.
But the middle part kind of felt like a drag. The good part is it made me feel, anticipate.
And overall, a good initiation into the comic/graphic novel world. I will be reading more soon!
3 stars!
A little confusing at the beginning (top to bottom or left to right etc) but later on, my brain just made it instinctive and I was fully immersed. The story was so good as well as the art! The second last page...
I usually love anything WWII related. This felt like forbidden love, and some Romeo & Juliet feel in terms of the setting.
But the middle part kind of felt like a drag. The good part is it made me feel, anticipate.
And overall, a good initiation into the comic/graphic novel world. I will be reading more soon!
3 stars!
November 24, 2011
I've been hooked reading Bobby crosby's online comics. This compilation is simply superb. Check out his website to see his works. Here's the URL of the story http:// dreamless.keenspot.com you can read the whole story there. =]
June 26, 2014
"You asked me once if I'd rather live here or in America. I'd rather live wherever you are."
January 3, 2023
Dreamless was written by Bobby Crosby and illustrated by Sarah Ellerton. At first glance, the absence of brilliant colors in the imagery and the usage of neutral tones in the pictures are noticeable. This relates to the narrative, which features a female protagonist who appears ill and is being assessed by a priest and a doctor. The woman is visibly agitated and insists that both visitors leave since she can sleep in the presence of anyone. The illustrator emphasises this emotion through the look on the woman's face and the ticking clock's inclusion.
Crosby and Ellerton delve further into the plot of Dreamless to expose more characters. Once asleep, a young girl named Elanor witnesses the life of a Japanese boy named Takashi. Surprisingly, he can see life through her eyes as well. Their dreams linked them. Elenor and Takashi are drawn to each other and spend most of their time lost in the world of dreams to be close.
The graphic novel presents a delusional perspective of two young lovers wasting away their lives sleeping in the name of love. When reaching the end of the graphic novel, one understands that the woman at the beginning whom a doctor and priest visit was Elanor. She loved but had not lived. Reading elicited several thoughts. Both characters understood that they were separated by distance and that it was unlikely that they would meet except in their dreams.
This reader saw themes of mental illness, delusional thinking, love, sacrifice, and self-harm explored throughout the work since both protagonists failed to love themselves enough to live in the moment and instead chose to sleep. Their dreams of one other appeared to be better than the reality they had to face. Another observation made during the reading was the shift in illustration style near the end of the work. The illustrator skillfully creates the mood of each slide by using dismal hues when the thoughts were somber and brighter hues for the visuals near the climax of the narrative when both lovers were reunited.
Crosby and Ellerton delve further into the plot of Dreamless to expose more characters. Once asleep, a young girl named Elanor witnesses the life of a Japanese boy named Takashi. Surprisingly, he can see life through her eyes as well. Their dreams linked them. Elenor and Takashi are drawn to each other and spend most of their time lost in the world of dreams to be close.
The graphic novel presents a delusional perspective of two young lovers wasting away their lives sleeping in the name of love. When reaching the end of the graphic novel, one understands that the woman at the beginning whom a doctor and priest visit was Elanor. She loved but had not lived. Reading elicited several thoughts. Both characters understood that they were separated by distance and that it was unlikely that they would meet except in their dreams.
This reader saw themes of mental illness, delusional thinking, love, sacrifice, and self-harm explored throughout the work since both protagonists failed to love themselves enough to live in the moment and instead chose to sleep. Their dreams of one other appeared to be better than the reality they had to face. Another observation made during the reading was the shift in illustration style near the end of the work. The illustrator skillfully creates the mood of each slide by using dismal hues when the thoughts were somber and brighter hues for the visuals near the climax of the narrative when both lovers were reunited.
June 19, 2021
2.75 ★
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"Dreamless" tiene un con concepto interesante: dos personas se encuentran conectadas mentalmente, mientras una duerme, la otra puede "ver" la vida de la otra y viceversa, con la gracia que si ambos están durmiendo, no sueñan.
El lazo funciona en gran parte debido a que nuestros protagonistas están separados físicamente (Estados Unidos y Japón) y esta diferencia geográfica le agrega drama a la trama porque la historia sucede cuando la Segunda Guerra mundial está tomando forma.
El arte del comic es muy atmosférico, con colores apagados y mucho detalle en las expresiones. Sin embargo, aunque eso ayuda a contar la historia, algunos agujeros argumentales no pueden salvarse con planos bonitos.
Aunque hay una parte histórica jugando en el argumento, es apenas un detalle para generar angustia, el foco del libro es el romance a larga distancia. Y no es que no esté bien contado, sino que se apura en partes y no nos muestra otras, da por sentado que vamos a confíar en el amor que se tienen los protagonistas.
Al final del día, "Dreamless" deja cosas sin cerrar (cierta revelación del padre) y otras sin profundizar (la enfermedad de la madre), por no hablar de la última escena en sí, que es un final que me habría convencido si tan solo hubiéramos tenido una construcción más clara del romance.
Es una linda historia que se lee rápido pero tenía potencial para lograr cosas más interesantes.
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A solid read and short with a very atmospheric art.
"Dreamless" follows our MCs , two people living worlds apart (America and Japan) that instead of dreaming when they go to sleep, they can see each other lives. Also, the WWII is looming in the horizon so the levels of angst are high.
Even though it could rely in the historical setting a little more to make it interesting, the core of the story is the romance. Which is not a problem since the bond the characters share is so intimate, but it ultimate push aside a few more interesting plot points.
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"Dreamless" tiene un con concepto interesante: dos personas se encuentran conectadas mentalmente, mientras una duerme, la otra puede "ver" la vida de la otra y viceversa, con la gracia que si ambos están durmiendo, no sueñan.
El lazo funciona en gran parte debido a que nuestros protagonistas están separados físicamente (Estados Unidos y Japón) y esta diferencia geográfica le agrega drama a la trama porque la historia sucede cuando la Segunda Guerra mundial está tomando forma.
El arte del comic es muy atmosférico, con colores apagados y mucho detalle en las expresiones. Sin embargo, aunque eso ayuda a contar la historia, algunos agujeros argumentales no pueden salvarse con planos bonitos.
Aunque hay una parte histórica jugando en el argumento, es apenas un detalle para generar angustia, el foco del libro es el romance a larga distancia. Y no es que no esté bien contado, sino que se apura en partes y no nos muestra otras, da por sentado que vamos a confíar en el amor que se tienen los protagonistas.
Al final del día, "Dreamless" deja cosas sin cerrar (cierta revelación del padre) y otras sin profundizar (la enfermedad de la madre), por no hablar de la última escena en sí, que es un final que me habría convencido si tan solo hubiéramos tenido una construcción más clara del romance.
Es una linda historia que se lee rápido pero tenía potencial para lograr cosas más interesantes.
---
A solid read and short with a very atmospheric art.
"Dreamless" follows our MCs , two people living worlds apart (America and Japan) that instead of dreaming when they go to sleep, they can see each other lives. Also, the WWII is looming in the horizon so the levels of angst are high.
Even though it could rely in the historical setting a little more to make it interesting, the core of the story is the romance. Which is not a problem since the bond the characters share is so intimate, but it ultimate push aside a few more interesting plot points.
October 25, 2019
Instead of dreaming when they sleep, these two young people live in each other’s minds, talk to each other, and see each other. They live in different countries, one in America and the other in Japan. They lived in hope to see each other in reality rather than just in dreams, and this strong wish came true in a fascinating open-end.
The graphics in this novel made it more engaging. They depict the feelings of the characters on their faces and their motions in a realistic way. I like this style of art, a dreamy three-dimensional art. Therefore, the story with the help of the artwork style was very touching. Before reading, when I saw the webcomics I thought that the genre would be child literature, but I realized that it is not. The reason for that is related to my culture, we usually don’t see adult novels with graphics; graphics are only related to the kids’ world. Yet while reading, I recognized that if I read the same story and conversations without seeing the comics, it would not be understandable.
The graphics’ function was to portray emotions; it also aided in conveying the message the writer wants to tell the readers. The girl in the drawings seems to be a delicate girl and there are melancholy profiles on her face. The general characteristic of the graphics is sad romantic. The environment behind the characters looks like it is in autumn because of the role the yellow and the blue colors play in the drawings.
The graphics in this novel made it more engaging. They depict the feelings of the characters on their faces and their motions in a realistic way. I like this style of art, a dreamy three-dimensional art. Therefore, the story with the help of the artwork style was very touching. Before reading, when I saw the webcomics I thought that the genre would be child literature, but I realized that it is not. The reason for that is related to my culture, we usually don’t see adult novels with graphics; graphics are only related to the kids’ world. Yet while reading, I recognized that if I read the same story and conversations without seeing the comics, it would not be understandable.
The graphics’ function was to portray emotions; it also aided in conveying the message the writer wants to tell the readers. The girl in the drawings seems to be a delicate girl and there are melancholy profiles on her face. The general characteristic of the graphics is sad romantic. The environment behind the characters looks like it is in autumn because of the role the yellow and the blue colors play in the drawings.
April 27, 2019
this is one of the best graphic novels I have ever read. the art is not extraordinary, but is beautiful and well done. and the story is quite original and well written. I only have two issues with the story: it centers too much on the girl and her issues with her parents while we never get to see anything about the boy's family. and, worst, is that it leaves you with an open ending, in serious need of a sequel. you won't regret reading this graphic novel, but will suffer for the need of a continuation.
August 10, 2020
This webcomic can be read here .
The illustrations of Sarah Ellerton have something dreamy, what accords really well to the theme of this book.
Although the story of Bobby Crosby has much potential, a lot of details could have been worked out better. Also the end is very abrupt and thus leaves the reader with an unsatisfied feeling.
Nice read with lovely artwork, but it feels as if the story is only half told.
Accordingly 2,5*.
The illustrations of Sarah Ellerton have something dreamy, what accords really well to the theme of this book.
Although the story of Bobby Crosby has much potential, a lot of details could have been worked out better. Also the end is very abrupt and thus leaves the reader with an unsatisfied feeling.
Nice read with lovely artwork, but it feels as if the story is only half told.
Accordingly 2,5*.
January 19, 2021
Didn't really work for me. I liked the concept, but didn't actually feel like it worked that well. Part of the problem definitely was that I was reading it in black and white on a kindle. The pictures didn't seem to add a lot of depth or nuance to the story, but just went along with the storyline.
I don't know what I was after, I didn't even realise this was a comic until I started reading. I guess I felt a lot of emotional detachment from the characters. I wasn't invested in their story.
This might grow on me with more time to think about it.
I don't know what I was after, I didn't even realise this was a comic until I started reading. I guess I felt a lot of emotional detachment from the characters. I wasn't invested in their story.
This might grow on me with more time to think about it.
May 28, 2017
An interesting graphic novel which I read online, this is the story of two people who share an unusual bond. Living in different countries, when one is asleep they experience the life of the other person. A fascinating premise which is well explored in this short but very enjoyable story.
October 23, 2017
I guess this is the perfect story if you are really romantic at heart - which I am not. I would have liked this so much better if the two of them were simply best friends, instead of two people pining over one another. There are also a few details I would have liked to see explored more (like when her father comments about the fact he can speak German), but I liked the overall idea and artwork.
December 18, 2024
Found this online years ago and bought the comic when it first came out. Revisiting it now and it still holds up.
Cool concept. I like the characters and the ending was good. Makes me wish there was a sequel.
Recommend? Yes
Cool concept. I like the characters and the ending was good. Makes me wish there was a sequel.
Recommend? Yes
March 21, 2017
interesting story, albeit very cheesy. Draws you in and keeps you reading. But once again, terrible illustrations.
July 12, 2019
This was lovely. Great art. Well written. Feels like the first of a series but apparently isn't. Dang.
April 20, 2021
I cried. Multiple times. It was so hear wrenching seeing all this and I wish there was a continuation but maybe this is how it ends. It’s a nice ending, if that’s how the author intended to end it.
January 6, 2012
Adapted Review from my blog, http://rosesandvellum.blogspot.com/20...
Dreamless is a free online web comic about Elanor and Takashi. Born on opposite sides of the world on the same day, when they sleep, they never dream, but instead see each other's lives in real time. They form an unshakeable bond, but their strangeness of their situation and the impending war threaten their relationship.
This is a fairly short online comic, and I read it last night. I loved the idea of being connected to someone else and seeing their life instead of your own dreams. There is so much I want to say about the clever plot and concepts, but I don't want to ruin the story for you and it is quite short. Suffice to say that as it is a free online comic, you should definitely read it! There are also other online comics you can read on this site through the 'select a spot!' bar in the top right hand corner. I haven't had time to check any others out yet.
Dreamless is presented in a lush visual style as graphic novel panels painted in beautiful three dimensional art that appears to be done in gouache paint. It is a real pleasure to read and highly recommended.
Dreamless is a free online web comic about Elanor and Takashi. Born on opposite sides of the world on the same day, when they sleep, they never dream, but instead see each other's lives in real time. They form an unshakeable bond, but their strangeness of their situation and the impending war threaten their relationship.
This is a fairly short online comic, and I read it last night. I loved the idea of being connected to someone else and seeing their life instead of your own dreams. There is so much I want to say about the clever plot and concepts, but I don't want to ruin the story for you and it is quite short. Suffice to say that as it is a free online comic, you should definitely read it! There are also other online comics you can read on this site through the 'select a spot!' bar in the top right hand corner. I haven't had time to check any others out yet.
Dreamless is presented in a lush visual style as graphic novel panels painted in beautiful three dimensional art that appears to be done in gouache paint. It is a real pleasure to read and highly recommended.
May 17, 2016
As far as the writing, the concept was fantastic and interesting, but I wish there was more plot. DREAMLESS seems more of an origin story, a roundabout way for the author to explain this cool concept they thought up. A lot of this feeling could be attributed to the flashback nature: the bulk of the story is told in flashback while Elanor is on her seeming deathbed. Elanor was pretty sprightly for somebody dying though, so I knew she wasn't REALLY going to die. Since I knew the story was leading up to a point where our main character is kinda okay, all the tension just deflated for me. I was constantly waiting for the characters to do something in the present. This plot concern really kept me from giving it another star.
However, THE ART IS SO AMAZING! I burn, I pine, I perish. Everything's full color and just as beautiful as the cover. Sign me up for this artist forever. It's so, so brilliant. I would finish the story for that alone.
However, THE ART IS SO AMAZING! I burn, I pine, I perish. Everything's full color and just as beautiful as the cover. Sign me up for this artist forever. It's so, so brilliant. I would finish the story for that alone.
April 22, 2014
So I read an article indicating that Joss Whedon's new movie, "In Your Eyes," is a bit of a rip-off of this web-comic. I'll let people who are more in the know than me figure that out but I did decide to give it a read in advance of seeing the film and I'm glad I did. This is really a spectacular package. The art is beautiful and the story is told perfectly. The themes are spot on and developed well throughout. My only frustration was the ending - that is, that it had one! I really want more from this mythology and wish this wasn't just a one-off. Whether Whedon was aware of this work or not when he wrote his script, I'm interested to see the movie and as I think the concept is really great.
August 2, 2013
I first heard about Dreamless in the summer of 2010, when I started getting to know someone I would later love, someone with whom I shared my dreams. The motif of this graphic novel runs close to home, as I've always been a vivid dreamer. Also, the premise behind Dreamless is right up my alley — time travel/sci-fi, plus romance, plus dreams and psychic connections — and the art is gorgeous. However, the story felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved more development in the supporting characters. Nevertheless, it was an appreciably creative endeavor that I'll hold in a special place simply because it hits home in many ways.
August 22, 2012
The premise is incredible, the artwork is gorgeous, but the comic didn't blow me away as it seems to have done with so many people. I wish it had been longer, because I didn't feel like the characters were sufficiently developed for me to truly care about them. I felt the story could have been more fleshed out--there were a lot of unanswered questions, and apart from requiring a massive suspension of disbelief, the ending was a little too abrupt for me.
June 20, 2013
I read this on the website. The artwork in this comic was unbelievable. My problem with this story is that its too short. Now that they are together (in a very forced happy ending) the writer needs to further develop not only their illness but also the characters as right now its very one dimensional. I sincerely hope the author continues the series because I see the potential for 2 or 3 more volumes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2013
The only reason I didn't give it the whole 5 stars is because I felt some of the pages were disjointed. Plus I didn't understand everything going on. What was with the doll? Her dad was experiencing the same thing? What happened to her mom now??
I know a lot of people hate the open ending, but I kind of like it. Makes me think. Think and Wonder.
This was my first web graphic comic, and it was a good one!
I know a lot of people hate the open ending, but I kind of like it. Makes me think. Think and Wonder.
This was my first web graphic comic, and it was a good one!
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