GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #92, by Zenescope on 1/22/25, introduces readers to Zenescope’s newest hero in a size-changing adventure to battle a nefarious villain from the microverse.
Credits:
- Writer: Dave Franchini
- Artist: Jordi Tarragona
- Colorist: Jorge Cortes
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Sean Chen (cover A)
- Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
- Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 26
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #92:
Recap:
When last we left Skye and Sela in Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #91, the Dark One’s plan to dominate the realms by opening a portal to the afterlife that would bring forth an undead army reached the finish line. His plans fell apart when he learned one of his lieutenants had a darker scheme in play. The issue ended with Sela’s memories (mostly) returned and the Dark One on the run.
Plot Analysis:
In Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #92, the issue begins with an introduction to Shang’s latest invention – a Magic Alert System. Skye gets her first look at the system because Shang received his first hit about magic activity popping up where it doesn’t belong. The alert leads Sky to Menlo Park, California.
When Skye arrives at the research lab the alerting system targeted, she finds an underground laboratory and a woman trapped inside a testing chamber. Skye approaches the chamber, and her magic unintentionally interacts with a jewel on the woman’s breastplate. Suddenly, the woman and Skye shrink down into the microverse and are attacked by microbial monsters.
The woman introduces herself as Princess Lina from another world who came to Earth as a matter of exploration. The man she met turned out to be a nefarious creep who captured her for experimentation. With the introductions out of the way, the fight with the microbe continues. In the heat of battle, one of the beasts stole Lina’s jewel and fled.
Skye and Lina track the jewel to a strange being calling himself Sarco who wants to understand how to use the jewel’s power. After a brief battle, Lina gets the jewel back and embiggens with Skye. The issue ends with Skye extending an invitation for Lina to stay at Arcane Acre and Sarco following the heroes into the big, big world.
First Impressions:
As far as new character introductions go, Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 2) #92 is perfectly serviceable. There are a few issues. It’s not a perfect origin story by any stretch, but writer Dave Franchini’s script gets the job done.
Artwork and Presentation:
Regular Grimm artist Babisu Kourtis takes a break and hands the one-off story to Jordi Tarragona for the visual presentation. Tarragona has a strong sense of detail, particularly in expressions of emotion and agent. Plus, Tarragona’s line work is excellent. To be blunt, Tarragona is an upgrade from Kourtis.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Dave Franchini comes up with another fairytale analog that fits the bill for Zenscope’s version of the Atom or Ant-Man for the Grimm universe. Lina has a discernible personality, the adventure does a fine job showcasing Lina’s powers, and the ending makes sense if the goal is to get Lina to join the Shang Gang.
The Negatives:
Franchini’s prime objective to introduce Lina gets the job done, but the plot feels incomplete. How did Lina get to Earth? Who was the scientist that betrayed her, and why? How did Lina wind up in an experimentation chamber?
Franchini jumped right to the action to get the readers hooked with energy, but the story needed a complete setup to not feel so shortcut.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Is there a part two to Lina’s origin story? As of right now, no. Lina is introduced, now part of the Shang Gang, and off they go. The solicitation description for next month’s issue appears to describe a brand-new adventure.
Final Thoughts:
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GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 2) #92 introduces readers to Zenescope’s newest hero with size-changing powers. Writer Dave Franchini’s script technically meets the basics of showing everyone what Thumbelina can do, but jumping right into the action shortchanged a satisfying setup. As a bonus, guest artist Jordi Tarragona made this issue look the best the series has in years.
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