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While Marvel is busy turning the Museum of the Weird and Journey Into Imagination into comics, Disney’s own publishing group has recently released a theme park-inspired graphic novel.
“”Space Mountain” is set in the year 2125. It’s a time travel tale that follows two cadets of the Magellan Science Academy on a time-bending mission to save the galaxy with the help of space heroes and android friends.
It’s an interesting take on the classic theme park roller coaster, best known for being completely enclosed in near darkness. There isn’t much of a story to the ride beyond blasting off into space, so writer Bryan Q. Miller (“Arrow,” “Smallville,” “Teen Titans”) has penned a plot that’s aimed at kids 8-12 years, but filled with enough Disney references to make any fan excited. The Moonliner and Carousel of Progress imagery make multiple noteworthy appearances within its 176 pages.
Artwork from Kelley Jones (DC Comics’ “Batman”) adds a gritty style in his first work for Disney that definitely does not look childish, but stays playful enough to appeal to younger audiences.
Space Mountain” is a fun read that can be consumed in just a couple sittings, adding a bit more depth to one of the most famous Disney theme park experiences. And with The Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, and “it’s a small world” all having been or being considered to translate to films or TV, it would surprise no one if this novel some day became the basis for “Space Mountain: The Movie.” Until then, it’s worth picking up.
Space Mountain: A Graphic Novel is available now on Amazon.
