GRIMM FAIRY TALES: THE GOBLIN QUEEN
Published By: Zenescope
Story: Joe Brusha
Art: Dafu Yu and Studio Cirque
GRIMM FAIRY TALES has been an up and down series for me so far. On the one hand, I really enjoy how dark the series can be yet at the same time retain a certain sense of humor that sets it apart from most other similar series on store shelves. On the other hand, it is remarkably inconsistent. I feel as if I enjoy every other issue I read, with the good typically outweighing the bad, luckily. Up until now, every GRIMM FAIRY TALES issue I have read and reviewed has been in the form of special issues or annuals. Typically those stood alone, though still referenced past story arcs. This time, I’m being thrust into an arc that I have no association with at all.
The story here is a little difficult for me to decipher as I’m clearly not at the beginning of something. Basically, it involves a Goblin Queen, Death and some conflict. It is hard for me to review this not only because I’m unfamiliar with what is happening at this time in the series, but because I do not know what can/should be considered spoilers as I do not know what is a revelation versus what is already known by avid readers of the series.
My shortcomings as a reader of the series aside, this issue features very solid writing. The dialogue flows well from page to page and it never becomes over-saturated with text. I also greatly appreciate the differently colored text bubbles for certain characters, which could be something that the series typically utilizes but I can’t say if that is so. The issue is rather action heavy, not necessarily in battle sequences but in that there is a lot happening rather than the issue consisting primarily of exposition. The writing here is not as sarcastic or humorous as I’ve come to expect from GRIMM FAIRY TALES but it works regardless.
The art is what I’ve come to expect at this point. It is solid, with exceptionally vibrant coloring but nothing truly stands out. It all has a familiarity going for it that is both a strength and a weakness. It looks good, so it is hard to really complain, but it seems stagnant at this point. I personally enjoy the annuals more as they utilize artwork from various artists who tend to work with different materials which makes for a really rewarding experience for the reader. Here, it just becomes serviceable. It does not hinder the experience, necessarily, but it keeps it from achieving something greater.
I imagine that series devotees will find plenty to enjoy in GRIMM FAIRY TALES #55 but anyone who has not been keeping up with the series should find a better place to start. Perhaps the most recent trade or, better yet, the first issue would be for the best. The writing and art are both solid, as expected, and thus I cannot think of any reason to not recommend fans of the series pick this issue up if they have not already done so.
Related articles
- Teaser – Grimm Fairy Tales #55 (graphicpolicy.com)
- Teaser – Grimm Fairy Tales Bloodbath Collection (graphicpolicy.com)
- Zenescope’s Grimm Myths & Legends #1 Sells Out (graphicpolicy.com)
