Between Books - Figment

 

Here it comes again, Between Disney to bully a children’s book!

And to make it even more likely, it’s about Figment. And Between Disney has only experienced the current and least beloved versions of his attraction! What could go wrong?

Figment written by Jason Grandt and illustrated by Scott Tilley, Nick Balian, and Jason Grandt is the latest Little Golden Book to catch the interest of Disney fans. The basic plot is that Dreamfinder introduces readers to his newest creation Figment. The two heroes then explore the pages of the book to collect ideas to inspire imagination. The two explore art, science, sound, and more to fill the idea bag. The book ends with the gift of an idea from Figment to Dreamfinder, the type of gift that every parent can understand!

I don’t dislike Figment. I don’t love Figment. I do like the idea of Figment and his boostering of imagination. I do love imagination! But I also was never the right age or saw the right version of the attraction to go deep into Figment fandom.

I do like the book. It’s colorful. The illustrations are delightful. And Jason Grandt, being an Imagineer knows how to give Dreamfinder and Figment all the homages they need with references to the Dream Moblie, Dreamport, and other Disney attractions. I am convinced that future readings will uncover new Easter eggs.

Storywise it’s pretty simple. And the team does use Sherman Brother’s lyrics which eliminates my only real worry. And for a kiddo, it does support the idea to be curious and that inspiration for imagination can come from anywhere…and no one can complain about that!

Figment by Jason Grandt and illustrated by Scotty Tilley, Nick Balian, and Jason Grandt completes the assignment. It introduces kids to Dreamfinder and Figment or keeps them connected if the child met them in the park. The Little Golden Book captures the spirit of the attraction with a call to imagine.

Don’t we all need a little imagination? 

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that Between Disney receives a percentage of sales purchased through links on this site.  

 

Cap's Comics - Figment 2 #5

Figment 2 # 5 “The Legacy of Imagination Part Five: Big Dreams” by Jim Zub and Ramon Bachs brings the latest chapter of Figment and Dreamfinder to a conclusion.  The Academy Scientifica-Ludicus is overrun by doubt thanks to Doubtfinder’s fear gas.  And Doubtfinder is able to battle Dreamfinder by pointing out the fear and doubt in all of Dreamfinder’s dreams.  Can Capri and Dreamfinder’s friends defeat the villain?  And most of all can there be a payoff for the cover and its mosaic of imagination creations?  The story does wrap up this chapter of Dreamfinder’s life, but Zub does not answer all questions and the next chapter is foreshadowed as Dreamfinder steps into his next adventure.

I will admit I liked Figment a little better than the sequel.  The prior story was more fantasy while this is more allegory and internal struggle to me.  I worry that this struggle was lost at times on the Between Kid.  But the Kid did ask to have me finish the tale and was eager to have it read.  And while not my favorite overall arc I did enjoy Figment 2 and find myself hungry for the next edition.

John Tyler Christopher Action Figure Variant Cove

But the big question is will these adventures continue.  The first issue for this series initially sold 20,551 copies according to the Comichron and debuted at 109.  But with this final issue only 7, 291 issues were sold with a ranking at 202.  I do feel some comfort that it was barely beaten by the 224^th issue of G.I. Joe A Real American Hero while also beating out the very strong title X-O Manowar, a title I creatively enjoy.  Basically this final single issue sales does not tell the full story since this ranking zone does have strong titles.  But I do assume that much of the excitement over this title is direct single issue sales.  But in the end it may be trades that get Dreamfinder to share his next chapter.  On Amazon, the first trade is 235^th amongst Marvel comics and Graphic Novels in sales.  And with it being a title you can sell in the parks and other Disney locations…well I have hope.  Because the story really does warrant a continuation of this Disney Kingdoms mainstay, so I hope. 

Figment 2 was a satisfying all ages story that the family enjoyed.  And yes I want these titles to continue!  They really do help me get my Disney fix as my visits to the park get further and further apart.  And it amazes me the Between Kid loves Figment, despite never enjoying his Epcot attraction! 

Cap's Comics - Figment 2 #1

Blarion Mercurial and his sidekick Figment are back.  After saving London and seemingly disappearing, we catch up with our heroes moments after the shocking ending of Figment.  Can the newly minted Dreamfinder show others the power of imagination, or will rules and doubt crush our heroes' spirits?

John Tyler Christopher Action Figure Cover

As our story opens we are introduced to a young dreamer today who's ambitions are checked by rules.  She hopes to become a student at the Academy Scientifica-Lucidus USA, but it seems this dream is not to be.  Meanwhile, Dreamfinder emerges in our day in front of a familiar building.  This structure houses the new Academy Scientifica-Lucidus which has moved from London to the United States.  Figment and Dreamfinder explore, discover what some believed occurred to them after saving London and meet the staff.  Some of the staff are very familiar while others just have familiar attitudes.  The Academy is attempting to harness a new type of energy to power their many endeavors, and save the school, but Dreamfinder in his fancy Dream Machine offers another potential energy source...imagination!  Can Dreamfinder deliver and have old opinions changed about the power of imagination?

Jim Zub returns to write Figment 2 and it is clear that he enjoys the characters and theme of imagination.  If anything my biggest concern with the writing is a replay of Figment as the Directors in both books seem to share very similar opinions about imagination.  The time has just changed.  The art duties are taken over by Ramon Bachs, who's models are slightly different than the first story arc.  But honestly, it feels like the character models have been updated for a story taking place now instead of in the past.  So the art change feels really appropriate.  There are a number of Disney Easter Eggs, ranging from architecture to the Dream Machine to a mention of Medford.  They grab the Disney fan and challenge you to pay attention for whatever could pop up next.  Additionally, the story which appears to be about the power of imagination definitely has a Disney feel.  

X Atencio Imagineer Variant Cover

I did read this story aloud to the Between Tween and Between Kid.  They loved the story and the return of familiar characters.  And I think they would enjoy seeing Figment return on a regular basis.  Maybe this would be a good opportunity for a reoccurring limited series under the Disney Kingdoms label, helping to keep Dreamfinder and Figment fresh as kids and Disney fans crave their return.

Jim Zub brings us back to the story of Blarion (Dreamfinder) and Figment in Figment 2 #1 "Part One: Living Legends".  And the duo delivers as they evangelize the power of Imagination.  I am hopeful that this second series will be as well written and as praised as the first.  

At the moment, I have no doubts!

Cap's Comics - Figment #5

I can truly say that Figment #5's last page is one that delights.  As I read it to the Between Kids, because they fought about who got to experience it first and so a family read was the only way to break the tie, a large whoop of excitement rang out as we flipped to the last brilliant full page panel  with art by Filipe Andrade and colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.  It is a true payoff to the entire Disney Kingdom's comic series, one that will tickle even the non-comic Disney fan!

Jim Zub completes his origin of Dreamfinder and Figment in 'Journey Into Imagination Part Five."  Blarion and Figment return to London with Chimera and Fye in tow.  But London is now falling under the control of the orderly Clockwork Control and its robotic leader the Singular.  A physically, intellectually and spiritually changed Blarion has become someone new.  He is the Dreamfinder.  Dreamfinder uses his control of Dreams and his newly created Dream Machine to fight Clockwork Control for London, or Lon-don.  The cost of battling Clockwork Control in the end could be a high one, one that could lead some of our heroes starting a new journey.

Figment has been wonderful.  And I say that as a guy who does not obsess about Figment and Dreamfinder.  The Between Tween has fond memories of Figment from our last trip to Walt Disney World...over 5 years ago!  And for the Tween it has been nostalgia (yes I am aware some of you are shocked by this).  But for the Between Kid it has been an first introduction to Figment, which might lead to the question of where's Dreamfinder in the future?  And it is Dreamfinder that we get in this final issue, complete with the traditional model we would expect.  I am guessing that both will be tickled in the future when they find the Dream Machine hidden in Epcot!  Zub and his team have introduced a whole new batch of fans to this classic Disney characters.

As an adult Disney fan I find myself now placing Figment higher on my like list.  But that is an emotional response.  You see, I was able to share a comic book with my kids.  We all talked about the story.  I got to read it with them.  And I loved the excitement when I would come home with the newest issue.  This is a major win for a comic fan dad.  The fighting was appropriate.  The costumes were not skin-tight.  I got to share with my kids the fun.  And is not something that would have made Walt Disney happy?

At this time Disney Kingdoms has not announced the next journey.  I will say I think Zub and Andrade should be approached about another chapter!  Dreams are big and as endless as imagination.  And I feel there is more story to tell.  The Between Kids want more story.  And I want to share more with them.

Figment has been a major success in Betweenland.  I have discussed comics with Disney fans who do not read comics.  I got myself a pull list!  And I am just one of a few that would love to see and read more!

Cap's Comics - Figment #4

Alas friends, things do not look well for Blarion Mercurial, Figment or all of London.  In the last issue Blarion and company escaped the Sound Sprites, but their escape led them right into the Nightmare Nation.  And in this installment, our heroes face the consequences of entering a realm of bad dreams.  For each of our company the attack is very powerful and emotionally draining. Meanwhile in London the Singular and his Clockwork Army are enforcing order on London.  The consequences for disorder are very painful and I am guessing right now Chairman Illocrant wishes his imagination was not so orderly.  The issue ends with the reader wondering how and if Blarion and his friends, at least the ones that escape the Nightmare Nation, can free London from orderly control and bring a little chaos.

Let me first say the Between Kid is not a fan for things that are not Disney Infinity, Lego Marvel Superheroes or YouTube videos about those games.  But for Figment there were no complaints about settling down to read a book.  In fact this time I made my first pass on the issue with the Between Kid instead of alone.  The first significance is engaging a kid and getting them to leave their valuable video game research for a story about imagination!  Okay, the big deal is no complaints about reading.  But there is another significance.  The Between Kid has not seen Figment in any incarnation inside a theme park.  And the Between Kid likes Figment a lot.  Now I know a lot of Disney fans have enjoyed the title because it is extending the story of the beloved Figment.  But I think it is important to note that for some Disney fans this comic is their first taste of Figment, and they like it.

Yet again Jim Zub has presented a well written story.  And despite the fact that it is a "scary", we are talking about Nightmare Nation, it is still a strong all-ages story.  Honestly, it may be Figment's reactions as he faces this threat that may help kids feel less scared despite the fact the little guy is in danger.  I really enjoyed Filipe Andrade's art in this issue in representing the Nightmare Nation.  As each hero is tortured, I could imagine a booming voice to accompany the formations in the sky.  Sorry, I don't want to give it away.  But it is a very imaginative way to communicate dialogue in a story about a fantastic land of imagination.

I am ready for next month.  I want to see what Blarion does to save London.  I want to see how Figment functions on a grander scale in our world.  But what I really want to know is what is next for the Disney Kingdom's series.  If you told me another series of Figment was coming I would be very happy.  But I am also more than willing to try another park's based title.  But I really want this experiment to keep going...and maybe get us a yearly installment of Figment.

Yeah, so we have an older and more mature Blarion.  And he has to fight demons in a museum of strange things.  Yes, yes...and let's just keep the ball rolling!

Cap's Comics - Figment #3

From the sound of it, Blarion Mercurial is in some trouble!

Blair and Figment have been arrested by the Sound Sprites for making bad sounds.  The sprites have used their control of sound to create a net to capture the duo.  In their imprisonment they meet Fye the Flawed who has been arrested for his bad audio.  The trio must learn the rules of the game in the Audio Archipelago and imagination could be the key.  Meanwhile back on Earth, Chairman Illocrant and the Singular take steps towards bringing us all order!

The first two issues of Figment have gone to second printings, which I think is awesome.  I had to create a pull list at my local comic shop or I would not be getting the title.  And this is all great news and the title has been in the news a lot.  But I have noticed that the success of Figment may be giving the impression that this title is much more successfully than Disney Kingdoms Seekers of the Weird.  Let us do some comparison.  According to comichron.com, the first issue of Seekers sold an estimated 24,910 copies.  It went to second printing.  The first issue of Figment sold out and went to reprint with 12,735 copies.  So, Disney has created a demand by giving us a beloved character in a title with half the copies!  Now Seekers did see a big drop off, with issue #5 selling 7, 185 copies.   And perhaps this is Marvel's strategy of controlling the drop that naturally occurs in a mini-series month after month.  They are partially creating a demand by printing less than they did of Seekers!  Oh, and they have cut down the number of variant covers being offered!  Now, I personally do find this interesting because I feel like a little social engineering is going on.  But I want people talking about Figment, so I will just keep smiling and buying my copy.

Now the great news is I have read the first two issues again.  And both kids are excited to read this third issue.  The Between Kid who I read the first ones to, grabbed it and asked if we could read it now.  And I did get a little stressed out as I am looking at it as a collection not literature!  I love it, an all ages comic that all ages are enjoy while I am picking up a Disney collectible!

I found this story interesting and engaging.  Jim Zub continues to craft a story that makes me want to see what is next.  And I do feel like the spirit of imagination is bursting from the pages.  In fact at one point where imagination was needed, I found myself dreaming up options of what could come next.  And the youngest member of the Between Family wants to meet Blair's new and interesting friends as drawn by Filipe Andrade.

Figment #3 continues to be a win.  And I am anxious to see where the next installment of this adventure is going.  And maybe we might all learn to dream a little more while we dive in.

Cap's Comics - Figment #2

Would you like a copy of Figment #2.  If you do, good luck.  Marvel was sold out to retailers before the issue even hit the stands.  At least Figment #1 did not officially sell out until after its release date. Both issues are currently being reprinted, so you do have hope if you did not snag a copy yet.  I personally noticed that a major online retailer sold out before the release date.  I called my local comic shop which always has plenty of everything in stock, and found out they were done to one copy!  So I made the comic book lover step getting myself a pull list for the first time, and at the top is anything from Disney Kingdoms (Disney please take notice). Last month I had picked up copies for non-comics readers.  This month they were on their own!

Blarion Mercurial and Figment are falling.  Mercurial's attempt to turn mental power into reusable energy has instead ripped a hole in reality, and the two are falling, falling, falling.  The pair begin to explore this land that they reached through the power of imagination.  Meanwhile in London, Chairman Illocrant attempts to bring order to Mercurial's Integrated Mesmonic Converter, but something climbs out of the hole that our heroes fell through.  Meanwhile, back in the strange new land Mercurial and Figment make new friends and perhaps enemies.

Overall, this is an adventure story.  Our heroes explore and discover.  And the best part is that exploration includes Figment's infectious attitude.  He loves learning.  He loves this new place.  He finds it fascinating as everything is completely new in his short three day life.  How exciting it would be if we could capture some of his spirit.  I am not a Figment fanboy but I am digging him.  With Mercurial, I do not feel like he is Dreamfinder yet.  While Figment is curious, Mercurial is a little afraid.  He seems too conservative, perhaps the Chairman's desire for order is impacting him?  And if I could guess I would say a battle between order and chaos (or imagination) is coming.  And I am already picking my side.

There is a really cool element to this story that things that you cannot see have power and create imagination.  It is imagination that created Figment, and he is very alive.  He is more alive than many of us are!  But another peoples in this strange new land can create also with something that you cannot see but with a skill that most of us have.  Sometimes you do not need material to make matter! 

The Between Tween loves this.  The Tween was attracted to Figment and he was the Tween's in character. The Tween identified with Figment not understanding big words and the spirit of optimism. But best of all  I am reading and discussing a comic with one of my kids.  And it was the Tween who was most nervous that we would not get a copy of this issue!

This is getting crazy, this Jim Zub story has to be sold at Epcot!  It only makes sense.  Kids meet Figment on the ride and get to take his origin home with him.  I am not holding out for a Museum of the Weird addition to the Haunted Mansions after Disney Kingdoms Seekers of the Weird, but this comic and its popularity has to lead to some serious consideration to get Dreamfinder added back to the park.  Kids come, ride, read and then want to come back to meet their heroes.  Now this is a plan I could see happen!

I really hope Disney is storyboarding a sequel, because this is a hit.  And one of Disney's toughest collectibles to get hands on is a comic.  You cannot buy it in the parks.  You might be able to find it in your local comic shop.  Okay I am sure that you can find it on Ebay.  But as a comics and Disney fan this is what I have been waiting for, a Disney comic home run!

Cap's Comics - Figment #1

 

I'm not obsessed with Journey into Imagination.  There I said it.  You might think me a lesser Disney fan for saying it but it is true.  I have never and will never see Figment and Dreamfinder in their glory.  I enjoyed the book From Dreamer to Dreamfinder, but I am not really the target Disney fan that Marvel and Disney are trying to reach with Disney Kingdoms second comic offering Figment.

Figment #1 written by Jim Zub with art by Felipe Andrade introduces us to Blarion Mercurial, a young man with some facial hair that we could imagine eventually sprout into Dreamfinder hairy greatness.  Mercurial works for the Academy Scientficia-Lucidus in 1881 London and has been charged with discovering new forms of energy.  He creates the Integrated Mesmonic Converter which makes energy from brain power.  However, his employer doubts his creation and threatens to send him back into the arms of his childhood poverty.  In experimenting with his machine he unlocks his own memories and imagination, re-introducing himself to an old friend!  In the final pages his experiment is interfered with and he begins a journey that looks to shape the young man.

Disney Original Figment Variant Cover

Here just let me say it, I liked it!  Figment was a well-written, beautifully illustrated tale that I felt achieved exactly what it wanted, part one on a heroic adventure of discovery.  I liked the 19th century setting and found the art a good mix.  I have heard many say the previews had a steampunk look.  But I felt like the steampunk aspects, like a owl like helmet, were not forced but were a natural part of the story set in our world.  And even though I am not in fanboy love with Dreamfinder or Figment, I found myself feeling connected to Mercurial.  And I could not help but hear Billy Barty's voice when Figment spoke.  I thought it was a huge success with my only major criticism being a lack of creator credit for Tony Baxter and Steve Kirk.

Tom Morris Imagineer Variant Cover 

What I am really enjoying about this Disney Kingdoms series is the all-ages aspect of a comic.  This line is not bloody and something that I can share with my kids.  And the Between Tween really likes Figment from a past trip to Epcot.  The Tween also came to connect to Mercurial, and I do wonder if we should consider this story canon for the origins of Figment and Dreamfinder.  And the Tween really liked the fact that Mercurial blew some stuff up!

I joke around with my local comic shop guy quite a bit.  So when he saw me put down three issues of something called Figment he began to tease me.  I noted it was Disney, which lead him to fly to the shelves to pull a copy for another regular who buys all Disney!  And he quit teasing me realizing that Figment is a beloved pop culture icon.  He did not realize what he had when the title went out!  Why three?  I was buying two for none comic fans!  I hope Marvel is taking note that some non-regular customers are buying these books.  

The Tween said it all with, "That's it, you can't stop me there."  Figment was really enjoyable and I look forward to next month's installment!  This is the sort of title that makes me realize all the fun that Marvel can have with Disney's characters and not just how much fun Disney will have with Marvel's! 

Walt's Windows - Dreamfinder on The Today Show

Once I picked up From Dreamer to Dreamfinder I found myself looking for videos of incidents Ron Schneider included in his memoir.  One of the first I wanted to see was his October 1982 interview with Imagineer Barry Braverman on The Today Show being interviewed by Bryant Gumbel. 

Schneider describes the interview as, “The wig and hair were all wrong and I’m pushing too hard…like a new employee on his first day (Schneider, 100).”  Have a look for yourself:

I am no Dreamfinder expert, but I do agree that the beard looks as if it could fall off any moment.  And I know understand Schneider’s comments in his memoir about his early fake arm and how it did not look correct.  I think for me my biggest concern is that Gumbel treats Dreamfinder as a created character and not a living being.  But overall with failing beards and all, this interview would have gotten my young self excited if I had seen it for this new thing called Epcot. 

Dreaming Disney - Imagination

Throughout my days in Betweenland I have found plenty of high tech ways to connect back to my Disney experiences.  There are apps, video games, DVDs, websites, podcasts, music clips, audio books, and etc., etc. etc. etc.  

The Castle Front

But it took the Between Kids to remind me of one of the best ways to connect to Disney, imagination.  I was doing errands in the house when I heard, “Daddy, come here castle.” The youngest Between Kid had built a castle with blocks; multicolored, cardboard, square blocks.  There were no buttons, no Wi-Fi connections, no plug ins.  It was just a simple block castle and the whole family could clearly see Sleeping Beauty Castle on the playroom floor.  Of course the oldest Between Kid could not be satisfied with a smaller castle, so the two added blocks and soon Cinderella Castle was dominating the playroom.  Of course, a castle has to have residents so they then gathered up every Disney action figure they could find; with Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbarossa dwarfing three stories of the castle and making Sully look short.  They spent hours with this low tech play set, not manufactured and sold in any stories, powered purely by imagination.  A few hours later they built a Carsland expansion!

Jack Sparrow Takes Charge!

We can’t forget the power of imagination.  The Disney parks were built on imagination.  Walt Disney said of his first park, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”  Without imagination we would not have the magic Disney experiences give us.  And Disney noted that imagination sparked his creative endeavors, “I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."  Imagination triggers inspiration. You don't get Imagineering without imagination!

Regardless of the toys we have, we have to remember that imagination is the best fuel for dreams Between Disney. To quote Figment, “Imagination, imagination. A dream can be a dream come true, With just that spark in me and you (One Little Spark)."  Go imagine my friends. 

Between Books – Mousejunkies!

Do you ever have someone say to you, “Are you going to Disney again?”  Have you seen the eye rolls as you discuss your vacation or love of Disney parks?  Do you feel like no one understands you ad you discuss “ADRs”, “Extra Magic Hours”, or “Fastpass.”  Do all of your friends and family believe you have snapped since as a grown adult you talk about wanting to spend more time at the home of a cartoon mouse?  Stand tall, you are not alone.  And Mousejunkies! is the book that shows you that there are more people like you than you think. 

Bill Burke in Mousejunkies!: More Tips, Tales, & Tricks for a Disney World Fix updates his unique guidebook of the Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney obsessed.  After establishing answers to some simple questions, like why he hates Figment (his reasoning is very compelling), Burke jumps right into changes that have occurred or will soon occur or may not occur at all in the Disney parks since the first edition.  He then introduces what a Mousejunkie is and his fellow Mousejunkies who aided him with the writing of the book, including their specialties, which range from traveling as a teen to price is no-object touring.  Burke and his cohort then charge forward on vacationing basics ranging from weather, crowds, food, accommodations, and attractions in every park, naps, kids, getting sick on vacation and much much more.  Most of the overviews are straight to the point, not providing too much or too little information.  These overviews are often accompanied by advice from the Mousejunkies.  Additionally the text is sprinkled with segments like “Mousejunkie U” with facts about Disney, “The Straight Dope” clear concise advice on how Walt Disney World works, and “Awesome/Stupid Disney Idea” in which Burke shares well his crazy stupid awesome ideas on improving the Disney experience. 

So what is Mousejunkies!?  First it is a guidebook.  It has the essentials that any vacationer would need to know about planning a Disney vacation.  This includes overviews of food, attractions and accommodations.  This planning guide includes checklist for basics that vacationers need to pack, reserve and consider when preparing for a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.  Second in is a humorous travel book.  I had many a hearty chuckle as I read Burke’s and his Mousejunkies’ stories and advice.  Even though I feel comfortable with my planning ability I still really enjoyed this book just in reading the funny anecdotes the Mousejunkies provided.  Finally, Mousejunkies is a manifesto.  Burke has identified who we are as Mousejunkies, makes it clear that more of us exist than we thought in the wild, and gives us permission to glory in our obsession. 

There are two audiences for this book.  First, newbies who are looking for advice on traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort from experienced Disney travelers.  There is a lot of information in this book, but again it’s not so detailed that it will scare off the first time Disney traveler.  For example, the menus may not be as in-depth as AllEars.net but it’s enough to help a vacationer decide if they want to eat at a specific restaurant.  And for these readers, Mousejunkies! will be a very helpful primer with plenty of solid vacation advice.  The second audience is the experienced Disney traveler who are likely to see this book in four stages.  Stage 1) Hey, these Mousejunkies speak my language.  Stage 2) Hey, this is really funny, I love puns about my favorite vacation destination.  Stage 3) I definitely agree/disagree with this piece of advice.  I would always/never share this advice myself.  Stage 4) You know I have heard of (insert Disney activity here) but I have never truly considered it for my family.  I think both potential audiences for this book will be highly satisfied with this guidebook with some extra punch!

Review Copy Provided by Traveler’s Tales/Solas House, Inc.