GRIMM TALES OF TERROR (VOL. 5) #1, by Zenescope on 1/15/25, returns as an ongoing to terrify readers with a tale about a cursed statue that frowns upon infidelity.
Credits:
- Writer: Joe Brusha
- Artist: Juan Francisco Mota
- Colorist: Robby Bevard
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Eric J (cover A)
- Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
- Release Date: January 15, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of GRIMM TALES OF TERROR (VOL. 5) #1:
Plot Analysis:
Grimm Tales of Terror (Vol. 5) #1 begins with a brief prologue in the Oakland Cemetery of Iowa where a young widow weeps as a large statue is erected in honor of her deceased husband. Keres, Zenescope’s resident Goddess of Death, appears in disguise to the widow to offer her sympathies.
In the present, a young co-ed named Lily follows her love interest, Chase, into the cemetery during the day to fulfill an initiation ritual concerning smooches in front of the statue. Unfortunately, the two are spotted by Chase’s jealous girlfriend, Eve. That evening, Eve and the ladies from Alpha Phi sorority lead Lily to the statue to complete the initiation ritual by smooching a volunteer in front of the statue.
Lily resists kissing a stranger, and she’s startled by one of the sorority members leaping at her dressed in a black angel costume. During the cruel prank, Lily stumbles and hits her head on the stone pedestal of the Black Angel statue.
What follows is a trippy nightmare of reality-warping proportions when the souls of the widow who erected the statue and her murdered husband attack the teenagers for their deadly games and infidelity. The issue ends with a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the wicked.
First Impressions:
On the whole, Grimm Tales of Terror (Vol. 5) #1 ain’t half bad. Joe Brusha’s Tales From The Crypt-inspired story presents the basics with supernatural scares, karmic justice, and teenagers playing silly games in silly places. The story is far from surprising, but fans of episodic horror stories may find enough here to get on board.
Artwork and Presentation:
Juan Francisco Mota makes maximum use of light, shading, and shadows to cast a glum pall over the entire comic, which is a positive. The scares and spirits are more suggestive than shocking, so you may feel the horror elements are too safe. Your mileage may vary.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
If you don’t get enough horror comics in your life, especially the episodic variety that gives you bite-sized treats on a gloomy day, Grimm Tales of Terror (Vol. 5) #1 is off to a promising start. The plot is solid, the ending is satisfying, and the field is wide open for more tales in this vein.
The Negatives:
Horror fans, who should be the target demographic for this series, will find this tale of woe a bit cliché and lacking some bite. It’s not a bad story, but it feels too safe. Nobody seeks out horror that feels safe.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Regular Zenescope readers who are familiar with the Grimm Tales of Terror imprint may wonder why there’s a new numbering scheme. According to the solicit information, the title has switched from an oversized quarterly to a regular sized monthly. If you support horror comics, consider putting this series on your monthly pull list.
Final Thoughts:
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GRIMM TALES OF TERROR (VOL. 5) #1 presents a creepy tale of woe about a cemetery statue with a curse that shouldn’t be tested. Joe Brusha’s spooky story is a perfect fit for fans of Tales From The Crypt, and Juan Francisco Mota’s art is decent enough. That said, the story plays it safer than typical horror fans may want.
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