GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #88, by Zenescope on 9/25/24, travels to Aradia’s pocket dimension where Skye may be forced to become a witch to save her friends.
Credits:
- Writer: Dave Franchini
- Artist: Babisu Kourtis
- Colorist: Jorge Cortes
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Jay Anacleto (cover A)
- Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
- Release Date: September 25, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #88:
First Impressions:
Like issue #87, writer Dave Franchini brings the fight with Aradia to a close (for now) with a standard fight and a reasonably happy ending. However, Franchini adds a surprise cameo to define what the pocket dimensions are really about, which makes for an interesting twist. Still, the positive twist is overshadowed by truly sloppy art.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the Shang Gang in Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #87, the fine folks of Arcane Acre met the body-swapping spirit of an ancient witch and rival to Mother Margaret, Aradia. Despite the arrival of Gretel to balance the scales in the fight, Aradia eventually whisked the group away to a pocket dimension with the help of Shang’s magic orb. The issue ended with Aradia offering Sky a terrible choice.
In Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #88, Aradia pushes Sky to consume a piece of the witch’s heart, which would darken Skye’s soul and permanently link Sky to Aradia in servitude. Before Skye can decide, we catch up with Rory Norris, aka Sleeping Beauty, as she patrols the dream realm. There, Rory encounters a malignant spider-like creature attacking one of the many dream spheres, so Rory attacks the monster to maintain peace and order.
Franchini kicks the issue off with a surprise cameo by Sleeping Beauty to reveal a surprising discovery. The pocket dimensions created by Shang’s magic orb are visible from within the dream realm, which could mean the pocket dimensions are technically dreams that Rory can protect or destroy. Of course, that revelation plays a factor in this issue’s outcome, but the future possibilities are endless.
Rory’s battle with the spider-beast cracks the sphere, throwing Aradia’s negotiation with Skye into chaos when the crack weakens Aradia’s control over Sam and returns power to Skye and Gretel. Aradia exits Sam’s body and flees. Skye and Gretel chase Aradia to an old castle where the witch has seized control of Sky’es captive friends.
At this point, it’s clear everyone hates a body-hopping villain. Franchini uses that slippery power to take full advantage of the situation by creating frustration for our heroes and more opportunities for the villain. If you’ve ever thought about the best/worst kind of villains, it’s body-hoppers.
The issue concludes with Gretel attacking Aradia from a different point of view, a plan for a double-lock system, and Sleeping Beauty’s eyes opened (figuratively) to more allies.
Overall, Girmm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #88 ends the Aradia arc with a fairly standard fight, elevated by a surprising twist with potential. Aradia is still a one-dimensional villain, but Franchini finishes the arc strong.
Artwork and Presentation:
We’ve been critical yet supportive of Babisu Kourtis in recent months for showing improvement. This issue, however, is a big step backward. The opening pages look like rough sketches, and you won’t find a clean line in at least half of this comic. In short, the art looks rushed and sloppy.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Issue #87 brought Gretel into the conflict when she learned Mother Margaret had a keen interest in what was transpiring at Arcane Acre. This issue deals with Aradia as a threat, but it’s not fully clear what relationship Mother Margaret had with Aradia or why Mother Margaret was interested in what was happening. Presumably, we’ll get more details in a future issue.
Final Thoughts:
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GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #88 brings the fight with Aradia to a close with urgent fights and a surprise twist about the pocket dimension. Unfortunately, Dave Franchini’s semi-strong ending is hindered by rushed, sloppy art.
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