"Little Nemo in Slumberland" dated July 28, 1907:
Transcript of Tweets by @LittleNemo1905 (AUGUST 29, 2020):
I'm fascinating by the spatial design of this strip and the optical illusion that it evokes in me. - 1/26
While there's a bit of a higher panel density than normal (though far from the most we've seen), the irregular panels in an implied grid combined with the number of characters portrayed and the unusual text density makes the strip feel almost claustrophobic to me. - 2/26
At least once the action begins that is; the kick that send Flip into the drink really begins a chain reaction… it's reminiscent of the Slumberland band strip (#26: April 08, 1906) where the members all crowd the horn player to see the chaos. - 3/26 [INSERT IMAGE]
Impy is immediately aware of the bedlam that his action causes and scoots (or is scooted) over against the pillar while the Navy Slumberlandians fish Flip out of the water. - 4/26
In panel 4 and 5 we see Impy staring beyond the panel hyperframe's as the tall-hatted characters (presumably) come rushing forward to see the commotion. - 5/26
It's curious that, as a result of the bustling crowd that has formed, I can't be 100% certain who is speaking in panels 5, 6, and 7 on the right. My instinct is the Princess (she's looking his way in panel 6), but it could realistically be any of the Slumberlandian party. - 6/26
I also tend to think it's her because it seems that, with the return of her Slumberland best, the Princess has resumed a leadership role. She is comfortable taking back this mantle after it had been worn by Flip during their excursions away. - 7/26
I'm actually sort of glad to see this as it's the Princess that I (personally) most enjoy. I don't read her as spoiled or entitled, but rather as bold; the type of personality that commands respect (whether it is mandatory or not). - 8/26
This also makes sense given Flip's newfound role as "teacher" to Impy. His focus cannot be squarely on the adventure (though why would it need to be; they're back in the Princess' domain now) as he is monitoring Impy to make sure that he "behaves like a gentleman". - 9/26
Even without Impy speaking a word, the boot to Flip's behind certainly tells Flip how he feels about his little tongue lashing in panel 1. The wind up in panel 2 is a thing of beauty and really emphasizes his gestural communication abilities. - 10/26
That Flip doesn't react at all to being tipped over by Impy's kick is strange though; he maintains nearly an identical position just at more of like a 110-degree angle (estimate because I don't have a protractor, but you get the idea…). - 11/26
This is another silent strip for Nemo. I don't get a sense that there is much to this silence, though it's interesting that the Princess speaks for him in panel 1. Almost in a faux-replication of Flip/Impy, the Princess makes sure that Nemo acts accordingly. - 12/26
And this moment made me wonder: Is Flip adamant about keeping Impy with him because, in his warped perception, it somewhat reflects the power dynamic that the Princess and Nemo share? - 13/26
Obviously, the (problematic) relationship between Flip and Impy is severely exaggerated, but is that dynamic much different (at it's basest level) than the Princess and Nemo's? - 14/26
Nemo is a visitor from a faraway place (the waking world) and has been taught the customs and traditions of Slumberland (civil society) just as Flip tries/intends to teach Impy. - 15/26
Now, the problematic racial elements of the Flip/Impy dynamic doesn't exist with the Princess/Nemo, so it isn't a perfect match. Even the gender dynamics are reversed from what might be traditionally expected as the Princess is, without question, the dominant personality. - 16/26
I'm not sure what I think of this (I'm not sold by any means), but it does create a more nuanced reasoning as to why Flip would want to bring Impy to Slumberland if he's attempting to cultivate a twisted photo-negative version of the Princess/Nemo dynamic. - 17/26
He reiterates his intention to "train" him in the penultimate panel and outright refuses to have Impy taken back to the Candy Islands even though that is what would be best for all involved. - 18/26
This both supports and challenges the reading I just presented. It supports it because Impy can't go back if Flip intends to make him his "Nemo", but it also challenges it by recoding the oppressive narrative we discussed yesterday. - 19/26
I'm not sure what to make of it yet, but I'm eager to hear everyone else's thoughts. - 20/26
The last thing I'll mention is how CLASSIC the Candy Kids response to the whole debacle is: "They ought to take Flip back to the Jungle too…" - 21/26
The Candy Kid, who has not been on the journey that the trio has together for the last 30+ strips (since #60: December 02, 1906), still sees Flip as the troublemaking ne'er-do-well that he was before his more complete integration into the team. - 22/26
It reminds us that we've returned to a place that has stayed the same, though our characters have changed based on their experiences together. - 23/26
Inevitably, this will either cause friction as the group slides back into a more comfortable or "normal" dynamic established prior to their journey, or new adventures and experiences as their dynamic influences the Slumberland social heirarchy. - 24/26
Let's find out together shall we? - 25/26
This is my reading of "Little Nemo in Slumberland" #94. What's yours? - 26/26