GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80, by Zenescope Entertainment on 1/31/24, throws Mystere into the mix as she teams up with Sky to tackle a chilling new threat: the Congregation of the Dead.
The Details
- Written by: Dave Franchini
- Art by: Babisu Kourtis
- Colors by: Jorge Cortes
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: January 31, 2024
Is GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80 Good?
GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80 takes a break from the second year of Lovecraft for a standalone adventure guest-starring Zenescope’s resident spirit handler. Mystere arrives in Arcane Acre, desperately seeking the Shang Gang’s help. A sinister cult, the Congregation of the Dead, is snatching hearts and souls with chilling efficiency. Led by the aptly named “Reap” and “Sow,” these acolytes use their feminine wiles to lure men into dark corners, stealing their very essence and turning them into Shadow Demons.
Before Mystere can get her hands on them, they vanish, leading her to seek the Arcane Acres crew’s assistance. Shang’s research leads them to an old Gettysburg mansion, steeped in the ghosts of the Civil War. Skye and Mystere go undercover, posing as tourists exploring the supposedly haunted grounds. But their investigation takes a terrifying turn when they encounter Reap and Sow. Skye finds herself captured, leaving her fate hanging in the balance.
What We Liked In GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80:
- Fresh Mystery, Intriguing Potential: The Congregation of the Dead presents an eerie new threat. The play on words with their names is a fun detail, and their powers hint at some chilling potential for future issues.
- Team-Up Twist: Seeing Skye and Mystere team up for a detective adventure is a refreshing change. Their contrasting personalities and unique skillsets add a dynamic layer to the narrative, even if their alliance is temporary.
What We Didn’t Like In GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80:
- Stalled Pacing, Bland Narrative: While the initial setup is intriguing, the story unfolds at a snail’s pace. Much of the issue revolves around Skye and Mary (incognito) wandering through the supposedly haunted mansion, filled with more dialogue than action. The “haunted house” vibe only kicks in at the very end, leaving the rest feeling rather bland.
How’s The Art:
The art, while showing improvement compared to previous issues, still lacks finesse. Kourtis’s pencils and inks can feel rough, and Cortes’s digital colors, though vibrant, have a streakiness that doesn’t blend smoothly. The backgrounds and character designs are serviceable but lack the spark to truly captivate.
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Final Thoughts
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GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #80 starts with a decent premise, but the execution stumbles. While the new mystery and the Skye-Mystere team-up are interesting, the pacing drags, and the artwork remains uninspired. It’s not terrible, but it’s far from Zenescope’s best.
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