Let’s face it: Usually, the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET films are often better in idea than in execution. Sure, there are the classic episodes – one, three and NEW NIGHTMARE – but for the most part, they often leave something to be desired, trading in what could be truly disturbing Freddy imagery for dumbed-down stoner jokes and one-liners that would make even James Bond scoff.
But this has usually been remedied by the spin-offs. The TV show FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES was immensely fun and the late-’80s black-and-white Marvel mag was short-lived but equally awesome. I never got a chance to read some of the novels when I was kid (my mom refused to buy them for me with her money), but now, as an adult who can do whatever he wants (like eat ice cream for breakfast), I can read all the Freddy novels I want. Take that, mom.
This is great because Black Flame is releasing a whole series of original Freddy novels, the first of which I got my hands on is A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: PERCHANCE TO DREAM. Like one of the films, Natasha Rhodes’ novel has a great premise, but no distinct destination to where to take it. Westin Hills patient Jacob has the power to stop himself and others from dreaming. This of course doesn’t bode well with Freddy, who take regular delight in tormenting the young man. With help from a Hills counselor named Jack, he escapes, but it seems Jack has alternate designs for Jacob, as he fancies himself the next Krueger. This alone works and is actually a fantastic idea that I’m surprised no one has thought of yet.
The problem is that Rhodes adds in too many other characters that are not interesting, not important and quite honestly, when they appear, drag the story down to a snail’s pace. Every time one of the snotty teenagers appeared, I had to fight the urge to skip ahead to find out what was going to happen next to Jacob. This, compounded with the fact that Freddy is kind of relegated to second-banana status (he shows up, says something quasi-funny, kills a teen) makes for a “coulda-been-a-contender” read.
But it is worth it? Does it hold up the NoES mythos? I would say yes. It’s entertaining enough, showing extreme promise for the series. If anything, I actually do want to go out and buy the other titles in the series (SUFFER THE CHILDREN, DREAMSPAWN and PROTÉGÉ), seeing how the stories of the Springwood Slasher would continue. Maybe they will be the return to form that so many fans are waiting for. –Louis Fowler
Related posts:
