Step into the whirlwind adventure of Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars, where a blade-wielding bodyguard redefines Wonderland’s wild legacy! This graphic novel series by Frank Beddor spins a darker, action-packed tale inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, following Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan on his epic quest to find the lost Princess Alyss. Packed with fantasy, historical twists, and a dash of steampunk, it’s a must-read for fans of reimagined fairy tales.
Unlike Carroll’s whimsical tea parties, Hatter M dives into a gritty Wonderland torn by war and betrayal. With stunning artwork and a narrative that hops from Victorian Paris to Civil War-era America, this series captivates readers with its bold reimagining of a beloved story. Ready to follow Hatter’s hat-flinging journey? Let’s explore!
How Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars Began
Frank Beddor, a former world champion skier turned storyteller, launched Hatter M as a spin-off from his bestselling The Looking Glass Wars novel trilogy. Inspired to flip Carroll’s dreamy Wonderland into a battleground of imagination, Beddor teamed up with writer Liz Cavalier and artist Ben Templesmith for the first volume in 2008. The idea? To flesh out Hatter Madigan’s 13-year search for Alyss, blending graphic novel grit with historical settings. Beddor’s vision was to make Wonderland real, raw, and relevant, appealing to both young adults and fantasy enthusiasts.
The Heart of Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars
The series spans five gripping volumes, each charting Hatter’s relentless pursuit. Far From Wonder (2008) kicks off in 1859 Paris, where Hatter, separated from Alyss after escaping a coup by the villainous Redd, battles supernatural foes while tracking the princess. Mad With Wonder (2009) takes him to Civil War America, where he grapples with Black Imagination’s influence. The Nature of Wonder (2010) explores the Wild West, blending shamanic visions with Hatter’s haunted past. Later volumes, like Zen of Wonder, deepen his quest with mystical allies and foes.
Themes of loyalty, identity, and the power of imagination pulse through the series. Hatter, no tea-guzzling eccentric, is a stoic warrior whose deadly hat and unwavering duty redefine heroism. The steampunk-infused art—dark, surreal, and vivid—complements the story’s mix of historical and fantastical settings. Critics note the series’ fast pace and inventive world-building, though some find the plot dense without prior knowledge of The Looking Glass Wars novels.
Why Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars Resonates
Hatter M has carved a niche among fantasy and graphic novel fans for its bold take on Wonderland. Its blend of historical events with speculative fiction appeals to readers craving more than traditional retellings. The series’ cult following praises Hatter’s complex character and the immersive artwork, which earned an Eisner nomination. While not as mainstream as other graphic novels, its innovative storytelling keeps it alive in fan discussions and rereads.
Beddor’s multimedia approach—spanning novels, games, and music—has also amplified its impact, inviting readers to dive deeper into Wonderland’s lore. For those who love tales of duty and adventure, Hatter M remains a hidden gem that redefines a classic.
- Publication Years: 2008–2014
- Number of Books: 5
- Key Creators: Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier, Ben Templesmith
- Genre: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Steampunk
Grab Far From Wonder and dive into Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars’s thrilling, hat-flinging world! Whether you’re a Wonderland purist or a fantasy fanatic, Hatter’s quest will keep you hooked.