Grimm Fairy Tales #110
Zenescope Entertainment
Writer: Pat Shand
Artist: David Lorenzo Riveiro & Maria Laura Sanapo
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: As the battle between Wulf and the monsters from the Beowulf story continues, this time it's Arcane Acres turn to get shuffled into the mix. Grendel's Mother comes out to play, and it seems not everyone makes it out of the fight alive. We also see the swift return of a certain character from a few issues back, what schemes does he have to wrought this time?
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: In terms of story, this was a pretty solid issue. In terms of art, not so much, but we'll get to that. Shand is weaving a pretty tightly knitted story around the school of Arcane Acres, even when we seem to be getting away from them for awhile they're still brought into the fold thanks to the mystery that is the Convergence. We also get the return of the Mad Hatter, something I actually wasn't expecting to see, at least this soon after his previous two-part arc.
Having a Beowulf story makes absolute sense for a character like Wulf, not only in the shared name but I wonder if this isn't a precursor to some big, grandiose tale that Shand is secretly weaving for the character. After all, he gets sent away from Arcane only to be forced to return just a few issues later.
I do appreciate Shand working hard to relegate the adults to the background in this comic. When it was announced GFT was going to focus more on a Young Adult aesthetic, it made sense. The next generation is in, and the old generation is too powerful. Even when it looks like the Mother is being overpowered by all the magic users at Arcane, Mad Hatter uses a spell to get rid of all the adults, so now that he may wreak havoc upon the young minds that are still growing.
This all being said, I probably would've appreciated this two-parter a bit better if we just focused on Wulf and the other school, sense there are actually multiple schools out there training the next generation of Realm Knights, but I digress.
On the art side, this issue was a little hard to read. Not because the art was bad, although it's not the best this series has offered in awhile. I found it to be a little too.. I dunno, bland? I honestly can't tell you why I wasn't huge on the art this issue, there was just something about it that was throwing me off.
Although, I can say about the art that there were whole panels where I wasn't able to tell what exactly was going on, and the shift between one part of the story to the next was hard to decipher. Like one panel change where the Mother is holding Wulf in her hand and threatens him that she knows exactly how to hurt him, and then in the very next panel he's being thrown away from her and the hand she was literally just holding him is now holding a wand (I know who the wand belongs to, not how she got it though) which she uses to teleport to Arcane.
That's just one example, and there are a few like that that made this issue a hard one to read, when it really didn't need to be.
Final Score: 3 Fractures of the Mad Hatter's Soul out of 5
Zenescope Entertainment
Writer: Pat Shand
Artist: David Lorenzo Riveiro & Maria Laura Sanapo
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: As the battle between Wulf and the monsters from the Beowulf story continues, this time it's Arcane Acres turn to get shuffled into the mix. Grendel's Mother comes out to play, and it seems not everyone makes it out of the fight alive. We also see the swift return of a certain character from a few issues back, what schemes does he have to wrought this time?
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: In terms of story, this was a pretty solid issue. In terms of art, not so much, but we'll get to that. Shand is weaving a pretty tightly knitted story around the school of Arcane Acres, even when we seem to be getting away from them for awhile they're still brought into the fold thanks to the mystery that is the Convergence. We also get the return of the Mad Hatter, something I actually wasn't expecting to see, at least this soon after his previous two-part arc.
Having a Beowulf story makes absolute sense for a character like Wulf, not only in the shared name but I wonder if this isn't a precursor to some big, grandiose tale that Shand is secretly weaving for the character. After all, he gets sent away from Arcane only to be forced to return just a few issues later.
I do appreciate Shand working hard to relegate the adults to the background in this comic. When it was announced GFT was going to focus more on a Young Adult aesthetic, it made sense. The next generation is in, and the old generation is too powerful. Even when it looks like the Mother is being overpowered by all the magic users at Arcane, Mad Hatter uses a spell to get rid of all the adults, so now that he may wreak havoc upon the young minds that are still growing.
This all being said, I probably would've appreciated this two-parter a bit better if we just focused on Wulf and the other school, sense there are actually multiple schools out there training the next generation of Realm Knights, but I digress.
On the art side, this issue was a little hard to read. Not because the art was bad, although it's not the best this series has offered in awhile. I found it to be a little too.. I dunno, bland? I honestly can't tell you why I wasn't huge on the art this issue, there was just something about it that was throwing me off.
Although, I can say about the art that there were whole panels where I wasn't able to tell what exactly was going on, and the shift between one part of the story to the next was hard to decipher. Like one panel change where the Mother is holding Wulf in her hand and threatens him that she knows exactly how to hurt him, and then in the very next panel he's being thrown away from her and the hand she was literally just holding him is now holding a wand (I know who the wand belongs to, not how she got it though) which she uses to teleport to Arcane.
That's just one example, and there are a few like that that made this issue a hard one to read, when it really didn't need to be.
Final Score: 3 Fractures of the Mad Hatter's Soul out of 5
Rapid City Below Zero #2
Monolith 2015
Written by: Josh Dahl
Illustrated by: Shawn Langley
Coloured by: Micah Faulkner
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: I really like this as Josh manages to really write a very good story with gripping characters and placing them in situations where we get know them this well. Icicle is trying her best to cope with the events of last issue and it’s that 'why, why did he do this, why did he take her lover’s life, why is she still alive', all the why’s that build up and you have no way of accurately knowing or sometimes dealing with this that Josh brings in out in her. When she finally is able to get ahold of herself Coil is going to rue the day he did this.
Coil and the Crimson Ghost have gone somewhere else to have a meeting with an old associate of Coil’s. I’m not gonna lie I am somewhat intrigued here, while this King Shard looks familiar in the face like an old television Batman villain, as Shawn and Micah’s work here gives this character some real life. Even more interesting however is what Josh reveals and that’s something that came as a big surprise.
When Coil was just a punk kid named Hot Wire he worked with Shard and then up and left. Then another small timer pops up in Rapid City going by the name Coil where he’s working with the MRA and he’s one of the good guys. King Shard doesn’t know what to make of Coil, who he’s working for what his angle is and more importantly can he trust this man? Meanwhile at the MRA offices in Rapid City we see a man, Hartborn, going over the tape of what happened when Coil and his crew pulled the crown job. Something there doesn’t add up for him but he can’t quite place it yet.
This issue has so much going for it as the characters become fleshed out more and the story surrounding Coil becomes more complex and interesting. I’m impressed and excited for what’s coming next as I had originally thought this would be a simple tale of revenge and instead it’s turned into something with a much larger mystery behind it where we aren't sure of the characters motives. The expansion of characters we get to know makes that mystery deepen in ways that surprise you as a reader and keep you wanting to come back to see what is going to happen and just what Coil is really up to. Villain, good guy or purely an opportunist we don’t know but what’s revealed may surprise you.
The interior artwork is really nice here too. Yes it has some issues of consistency but honestly that doesn’t bother me. The black and white with shades of gray tones really does a great job setting the tone, mood, and feel of the book and expressing the characters emotions.
I think it’s worth your time finding this one and checking out. Sometimes it really is true that the self-published stuff is sometimes the most interesting and can herald the coming of some industry talent to keep your eye on.
Monolith 2015
Written by: Josh Dahl
Illustrated by: Shawn Langley
Coloured by: Micah Faulkner
Reviewed by: Steven Leitman
Review: I really like this as Josh manages to really write a very good story with gripping characters and placing them in situations where we get know them this well. Icicle is trying her best to cope with the events of last issue and it’s that 'why, why did he do this, why did he take her lover’s life, why is she still alive', all the why’s that build up and you have no way of accurately knowing or sometimes dealing with this that Josh brings in out in her. When she finally is able to get ahold of herself Coil is going to rue the day he did this.
Coil and the Crimson Ghost have gone somewhere else to have a meeting with an old associate of Coil’s. I’m not gonna lie I am somewhat intrigued here, while this King Shard looks familiar in the face like an old television Batman villain, as Shawn and Micah’s work here gives this character some real life. Even more interesting however is what Josh reveals and that’s something that came as a big surprise.
When Coil was just a punk kid named Hot Wire he worked with Shard and then up and left. Then another small timer pops up in Rapid City going by the name Coil where he’s working with the MRA and he’s one of the good guys. King Shard doesn’t know what to make of Coil, who he’s working for what his angle is and more importantly can he trust this man? Meanwhile at the MRA offices in Rapid City we see a man, Hartborn, going over the tape of what happened when Coil and his crew pulled the crown job. Something there doesn’t add up for him but he can’t quite place it yet.
This issue has so much going for it as the characters become fleshed out more and the story surrounding Coil becomes more complex and interesting. I’m impressed and excited for what’s coming next as I had originally thought this would be a simple tale of revenge and instead it’s turned into something with a much larger mystery behind it where we aren't sure of the characters motives. The expansion of characters we get to know makes that mystery deepen in ways that surprise you as a reader and keep you wanting to come back to see what is going to happen and just what Coil is really up to. Villain, good guy or purely an opportunist we don’t know but what’s revealed may surprise you.
The interior artwork is really nice here too. Yes it has some issues of consistency but honestly that doesn’t bother me. The black and white with shades of gray tones really does a great job setting the tone, mood, and feel of the book and expressing the characters emotions.
I think it’s worth your time finding this one and checking out. Sometimes it really is true that the self-published stuff is sometimes the most interesting and can herald the coming of some industry talent to keep your eye on.
Grimm Fairy Tales #111
Zenescope Entertainment
Writer: Pat Shand
Artist: Luca Claretti
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: Coming off of the events from last issue, the Mad Hatter brings true devastation to Arcane Acres through the psyche of one tormented Violet. The Convergence has been released, and the Horde can sense from thousands of miles away. This is what the kids have been training for.
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Well Bruce be Almighty, this was a fantastic chapter. So much happened! Mad Hatter rampaged through the Castle again, this time using poor Violet to get what he wants. Skye was put through a nightmarish ringer, and the Horde showed up at the last minute to add to the craziness that is going on. Shand really wasted no time this issue, as we get to know a bit about each of the students and why exactly they're at Arcane, why they're important and how it ties into what's going on here.
I like the Mad Hatter as a villain, I think he's a wonderful addition that fills the role of this universe's Joker. He has grand schemes, but the whole order in which he takes to get them doesn't really bother him, as long he gets there and there's a lot of destruction to boot. Everyone is kind of scattered this issue, with Ali and Wulf still at the bottom of the well, Skye and Violet going at it in the bowels of the Castle, Hailey was a puddle for most of this issue, being turned into one by the Hatter. And the adults are outside of the Castle, trying any way they can think of to get in.
It's a one-man siege, that quickly turned into an all-out one now that the Horde is here to take the place down for good. I love issues like this, when a lot happens, and the stakes are raised. There's quiet moments in this as well, but it's all about the big moments this issue and Shand really does them justice. There's one I haven't been talking about, just because I don't want to spoil too much, but there's a big occurrence that happens this issue that's bigger than any of those mentioned before and, well, man, I honestly wasn't expecting it to happen. Basically someone big dies.
The art this issue is back to form, I really enjoyed Claretti's style. It's clean, but it's got edge to it, and the action and panel placing are so nice. The story flows really well in Claretti's hands, and they do a good job at making sure that everything is easy to read. Even with the high stakes this issue, they make the book feel grounded and I like that.
Bascially, this was a really good issue and one of the strongest of the new wave this series has been offering up since issue #101. I really look forward to seeing what happens next, and I feel like there's at least going to be one other person who gets the axe before this story is over. Only time will though. After this issue though, let's take a break on the Hatter. I love him, and this most definitely won't be the last time we see him, but now that he's caused this much trouble, now's the time to let him be for awhile.
Final Score: 4.5 Deaths in the Family out of 5
Zenescope Entertainment
Writer: Pat Shand
Artist: Luca Claretti
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: Coming off of the events from last issue, the Mad Hatter brings true devastation to Arcane Acres through the psyche of one tormented Violet. The Convergence has been released, and the Horde can sense from thousands of miles away. This is what the kids have been training for.
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Well Bruce be Almighty, this was a fantastic chapter. So much happened! Mad Hatter rampaged through the Castle again, this time using poor Violet to get what he wants. Skye was put through a nightmarish ringer, and the Horde showed up at the last minute to add to the craziness that is going on. Shand really wasted no time this issue, as we get to know a bit about each of the students and why exactly they're at Arcane, why they're important and how it ties into what's going on here.
I like the Mad Hatter as a villain, I think he's a wonderful addition that fills the role of this universe's Joker. He has grand schemes, but the whole order in which he takes to get them doesn't really bother him, as long he gets there and there's a lot of destruction to boot. Everyone is kind of scattered this issue, with Ali and Wulf still at the bottom of the well, Skye and Violet going at it in the bowels of the Castle, Hailey was a puddle for most of this issue, being turned into one by the Hatter. And the adults are outside of the Castle, trying any way they can think of to get in.
It's a one-man siege, that quickly turned into an all-out one now that the Horde is here to take the place down for good. I love issues like this, when a lot happens, and the stakes are raised. There's quiet moments in this as well, but it's all about the big moments this issue and Shand really does them justice. There's one I haven't been talking about, just because I don't want to spoil too much, but there's a big occurrence that happens this issue that's bigger than any of those mentioned before and, well, man, I honestly wasn't expecting it to happen. Basically someone big dies.
The art this issue is back to form, I really enjoyed Claretti's style. It's clean, but it's got edge to it, and the action and panel placing are so nice. The story flows really well in Claretti's hands, and they do a good job at making sure that everything is easy to read. Even with the high stakes this issue, they make the book feel grounded and I like that.
Bascially, this was a really good issue and one of the strongest of the new wave this series has been offering up since issue #101. I really look forward to seeing what happens next, and I feel like there's at least going to be one other person who gets the axe before this story is over. Only time will though. After this issue though, let's take a break on the Hatter. I love him, and this most definitely won't be the last time we see him, but now that he's caused this much trouble, now's the time to let him be for awhile.
Final Score: 4.5 Deaths in the Family out of 5
Unit 44 #3
Alterna Comics, Inc 2015
Written & Lettered by: Wes Locher
Illustrated by: Eduardo Jimenez
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: With the extraterrestrial invasion of Earth imminent, Agents Gibson and Hatch make a final play to recover the Freedahken crystal from Lance Albright. To no one's surprise, the agents wind up in over their heads as the former Area 51 agent uses the crystal to launch a counter attack on the alien who ruined his life. Warning: heavy use of jetpacks within!
Review: Well last issue Agent Ballard, or Bally, received a “phone call” from Snahkhun the Alien that crash landed to Earth causing the whole Area 51 mythology. The crystal that the boys have been searching for was a gift from Snahkhun to us and he knows that Bally lost it and he’s not very happy about it and he’s here about to land on Earth once again. Now however it seems that he’s not the nice little Alien we once knew instead he’s much more a bad guy whose intentions seem hostile.
This issue Agent Ballard sends out the alarm that we’re being invaded. Agent Hatch does something funny just after being told by Agent Lieu that he, Lieu, found the truck and the location of the stolen crystal. This really is silly kind of stupid humor but incredibly funny considering and the reference I took from it was classic.
Agent Ballard tells Hutch and Gibson to go locate the warehouse the crystal is being stored in and retrieve it. Sounds simple enough right? But let’s not forget Lindsay’s there and she’s pretty darn competent and much more effective than either of these goofballs are. Still as kind of ridiculous as they behave the dialogue throughout all this is hysterically funny, it really belies the whole seriousness of what an alien invasion could be and instead of going the route of say MIB where it’s humorous this one goes full tilt fun.
So when the boys finally catch up to Albright and watch him escape after making a declaration as to why he’s doing what he’s doing, which by the way doesn’t make a lick of sense to me but is completely in line with everything that’s happening in this series. I do have to wonder though why not let him go and do his thing as it would kind of solve a few things. Well he kinda does though and the result is pretty much what you’d expect. What happens next when Snahkhun does land, well it’s apropos.
This series has been a great escape from the normal nitty gritty, overly dramatic or angst ridden books on stands today. Wes is having fun here there and Easter baskets full of eggs for you to find, laugh out loud at and generally just appreciate the kind of humor involved here. At the end of the day I expect the boys to somehow pull a rabbit out of their ass and save the day but even if that doesn’t happen it’s okay because this whole thing has been that kind of ride where you just enjoy yourself. Wes has the mind of a genius and he’s able to really tell this story full of things we all know and point out the inherent silliness that come with conspiracy theories.
Eduardo’s work is perfect for this series. It showcases the seriousness of the Agents and what they believe and are doing with the sheer silliness we associate with them and their actions. I’m sorry but anytime we see that Ike in a shirt too small and pants that don’t fit either with the hairy belly and equally hair butt crack just makes me laugh.
Folks this really is and afternoon’s worth of delight. You’ll laugh, possibly till you cry and most importantly just smile and enjoy.
Alterna Comics, Inc 2015
Written & Lettered by: Wes Locher
Illustrated by: Eduardo Jimenez
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: With the extraterrestrial invasion of Earth imminent, Agents Gibson and Hatch make a final play to recover the Freedahken crystal from Lance Albright. To no one's surprise, the agents wind up in over their heads as the former Area 51 agent uses the crystal to launch a counter attack on the alien who ruined his life. Warning: heavy use of jetpacks within!
Review: Well last issue Agent Ballard, or Bally, received a “phone call” from Snahkhun the Alien that crash landed to Earth causing the whole Area 51 mythology. The crystal that the boys have been searching for was a gift from Snahkhun to us and he knows that Bally lost it and he’s not very happy about it and he’s here about to land on Earth once again. Now however it seems that he’s not the nice little Alien we once knew instead he’s much more a bad guy whose intentions seem hostile.
This issue Agent Ballard sends out the alarm that we’re being invaded. Agent Hatch does something funny just after being told by Agent Lieu that he, Lieu, found the truck and the location of the stolen crystal. This really is silly kind of stupid humor but incredibly funny considering and the reference I took from it was classic.
Agent Ballard tells Hutch and Gibson to go locate the warehouse the crystal is being stored in and retrieve it. Sounds simple enough right? But let’s not forget Lindsay’s there and she’s pretty darn competent and much more effective than either of these goofballs are. Still as kind of ridiculous as they behave the dialogue throughout all this is hysterically funny, it really belies the whole seriousness of what an alien invasion could be and instead of going the route of say MIB where it’s humorous this one goes full tilt fun.
So when the boys finally catch up to Albright and watch him escape after making a declaration as to why he’s doing what he’s doing, which by the way doesn’t make a lick of sense to me but is completely in line with everything that’s happening in this series. I do have to wonder though why not let him go and do his thing as it would kind of solve a few things. Well he kinda does though and the result is pretty much what you’d expect. What happens next when Snahkhun does land, well it’s apropos.
This series has been a great escape from the normal nitty gritty, overly dramatic or angst ridden books on stands today. Wes is having fun here there and Easter baskets full of eggs for you to find, laugh out loud at and generally just appreciate the kind of humor involved here. At the end of the day I expect the boys to somehow pull a rabbit out of their ass and save the day but even if that doesn’t happen it’s okay because this whole thing has been that kind of ride where you just enjoy yourself. Wes has the mind of a genius and he’s able to really tell this story full of things we all know and point out the inherent silliness that come with conspiracy theories.
Eduardo’s work is perfect for this series. It showcases the seriousness of the Agents and what they believe and are doing with the sheer silliness we associate with them and their actions. I’m sorry but anytime we see that Ike in a shirt too small and pants that don’t fit either with the hairy belly and equally hair butt crack just makes me laugh.
Folks this really is and afternoon’s worth of delight. You’ll laugh, possibly till you cry and most importantly just smile and enjoy.