To be fully honest, I didn't read the first volume of Hatter M nor have I read any of Frank Beddor’s “Looking Glass Wars” novels. So, when Hatter M: Mad with Wonder arrived at my doorstep, I wasn’t sure what to expect, let alone if I was going to be able to understand what was going on.

However, the book opens with an introductory prologue that reminds fans what’s happened and that helps those who may be seeing this series for the first time. I found that exposition to really be all I needed to be able to enjoy this book. If anything, that prologue made me want to go seek out volume one to fill in the holes.

I had only heard of this series in passing--briefly on various podcasts that I listen to--and I’ve always been curious by the concept. That curiosity has been wonderfully rewarded.

Hatter Madigan (or Hatter M) is a royal body guard for Wonderland’s former Queen Genevieve, who waas ousted in a coup by Redd Heart--Genevieve’s sister, who employs the use of Black Imagination (a kind of black magic). This second volume of Hatter M continues the title character's search for Wonderland’s lost princess, Alyss (Genevieve’s daughter).

First let me say, this is a fun and interesting book. Reading Hatter Madigan’s adventures in Europe and a Civil War-torn America is fascinating--especially in seeing fictional characters interacting within historic events. Beddor’s spin on Lewis Carroll’s world has created a whole new tale of Wonderland’s people and creatures--some nicer and some not so nice.

One of the ironies I enjoyed of Mad with Wonder was the idea that Hatter Madigan is not “mad” at all. In fact, he’s a pretty tough fellow who is trying to do the right thing for Wonderland. However, his journey from a Wonderland in peril to our world, in the midst of revolutions (i.e. the Civil War) is enmeshed in madness.

In fact, Hatter M even spends a small amount of time in the world famous Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, which was built during the Civil War. His journey in volume two is a sprawling one, but I never found myself wondering what is going on. I fully intend to see where he’s been (volume one) and where he’s going in volume three.

The art in this current volume is incredible. If you are a fan of such artists as Ben Templesmith (who did the art for volume one), then you will enjoy new Hatter M artist Sami Makkonen.

Makonnen’s artwork is moody, descriptive and emotional; it is a perfect fit for a Wonderland story.

I also have to give this book “mad” props in the extras department. Not only do readers get a 160-page Hatter M story, but they are also treated to a sneak peak of volume three, a process gallery (making of the book), a brief historic look at the actual Lunatic Asylum, and a preview of the new Looking Glass Wars novel and more.

For $20, Hatter M: Mad with Wonder is a great value for a hardback graphic novel. I recommend everyone look into this interesting take on Wonderland and its characters.

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