GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 3) #1 – New Comic Review

Grimm Fairy Tales (Vol. 3) #1, by Zenescope on 1/28/26, kicks off a fresh volume by throwing several heroes into a world where nightmares are suddenly hunting in broad daylight.

Credits:

• Writer: Joe Brusha
• Artist: Al Barrionuevo
• Colorist: Jorge Cortes
• Letterer: Taylor Esposito
• Cover Artist: Igor Vitorino (cover A)
• Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
• Release Date: January 28, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 30
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 3) #1:

First Impressions:

The initial read left me feeling frustrated by the predictable and illogical behavior of the supporting cast. While the supernatural threats are visually cool, the human elements feel like they were written by an algorithm designed for maximum melodrama. I came away from this comic annoyed because the core conflict relies on characters acting like complete idiots.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The story begins with Mystere, Skye, and Vale arriving in a small town called Oakhaven just as a massive, multi-eyed beast begins eating the locals. Mystere jumps into action immediately and uses her powers to blast the creature into nothingness. The monster had already killed several people before she arrived to save the survivors. Mystere stands there exhausted and waits for some kind of gratitude from the townspeople she just rescued.

Instead of saying thank you, the villagers immediately pull out pitchforks and torches to threaten her. They call her a witch and blame her for the monster’s presence even though she clearly destroyed it. This reaction is incredibly forced and makes the entire population of the town look like they lack basic survival instincts. Mystere realizes she cannot help people who would rather kill her than live, so she makes a swift exit.

The scene then shifts to Arcane Acre, where Keres, the Goddess of Death, is helping the Shang Gang. She is visited by Skye Mathers and Shang, who are there to discuss a growing threat to the various realms. The conversation is heavy on exposition as they explain that the walls between worlds are thinning out. Keres seems reluctant to take on the role of leader or protector for a world that fears her.

The issue wraps up by revealing that the creatures from the Tome of Blood and Shadow are appearing all over the globe. We see snippets of different heroes preparing for a war that they are clearly not ready to fight. The final pages show a dark figure watching from the shadows as the chaos begins to escalate. It sets the stage for a long war between the living and the nightmares that have been unleashed.

Story

The pacing is fast, but the dialogue often feels like it belongs in a generic B-movie. The biggest issue is the illogical logic used to move the plot forward in the first half. Characters act in ways that serve the drama rather than acting like real human beings.

Art

The visual work is the strongest part of the package because the monster designs are genuinely unsettling. The colors are vibrant and do a great job of distinguishing the supernatural effects from the drab town settings. The layouts are clear and the action flows well from one panel to the next.

Characters

Mystere has a clear motivation to do good, but her character is undercut by the stupidity of those around her. Keres shows some potential as a reluctant leader with a dark past. Most of the other heroes feel like they are just checking boxes for a team-up book.

Originality & Concept Execution

The idea of nightmares coming out into the light is a solid premise for a horror comic. Unfortunately, the execution is hampered by tired tropes like the angry, superstitious mob. It feels like a story we have seen many times before in better fantasy books.

Positives

The monster design in the opening sequence is a total win for fans of creature features. It looks like something out of a high-budget horror film and sets a high bar for the rest of the series. The art team knows how to draw spectacle and keeps the book moving even when the script is lagging.

Negatives

The reaction of the villagers in Oakhaven is the worst part of the entire issue. It is hard to stay invested in a world where the people are so aggressively unlikable and dim-witted. This forced conflict lowers the value of the book by making the stakes feel artificial and unearned.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): [1.5/4]
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): [3/4]
Value (Originality & Entertainment): [1/2]

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

GRIMM FAIRY TALES (VOL. 3) #1 is a tough sell because the beautiful art cannot make up for the lazy writing choices. You can find much better horror stories that do not rely on making the human cast look like brainless cattle. Unless you are a diehard Zenescope completionist, your money is better spent elsewhere.

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