Review by Ian Keogh

Willow’s family have moved to the town of Nowhere, seemingly perpetually shrouded in fog from the nearby lake, in the middle of which the annual summer camp is held, as seen in Secrets of Camp Whatever. It’s an area where supernatural beings wander, most of them nicer than their reputation would suggest, although they’re selective about who they reveal themselves to. Willow and the friends she made at summer camp are among the fortunate few.

It’s immediately apparent that Chris Grine is making more effort with the art of The Doors to Nowhere. The way he draws people has been attractive from the start, but he’s now varying the viewpoints instead of telling as much of the story as possible via head and shoulders panels. There’s also more scenery, which rectifies the major fault of dull art not reflecting the story’s potential.

Mr. Elric giving Willow a book of gnomish spells created by a distant ancestor of hers begins the story, unknowingly setting off unfortunate events. Others want the book, and Willow learns that in the wrong hands it can bring about considerable danger, although the safety element is that only gnomes can read their language. Except so can Willow.

While the first book was good at introducing characters and their purpose, the story dragged in places, so it’s not only improved art making The Doors to Nowhere a better experience. There is an unsubtle dumping of information occupying several pages just before halfway, but there’s also tension throughout, via the relatively early disclosure of who the sinister presence is this time. They operate in plain sight, and Grine also includes some funny moments to accompany suspense and quests. He’s also surprisingly unsentimental when it comes to the cast. Be prepared for tears.

The Witching Hour follows.