When kids go missing … you always have to assume the worst.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Ivan Nunes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Children are disappearing in Manhattan, carried off by some unknown force. Skye’s book draws her to the case and she teams up with Robyn Hood to stop one of the Grimm Universes oldest enemies. Don’t miss the return of The Piper!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
It seemed like a normal night on the town, Skye and Sam showing their companion Jasmine a good time in New York City after her imprisonment in a lamp. The genie is amazed as to the beauty of a chaotic metropolis, but even a city girl can get tired of a visual assault and tolerating the cacophony of Times Square. As her friends abandon the poor Mathers to take in a show, this evening is just starting as the raven haired beauty spots a boy wandering into the street before oncoming traffic; with quick reflexes, they both barely avoid a harrowing collision, but the dazed child does not notice any difference as he continues his lackluster journey into a nearby alley. It is only here does the young guardian recognize a familiar flautist, luring his hapless victim toward him, causing Skye to take a change in costume. The shrill melody of his instrument unfortunately attracts not only his quarry, but a pack of the Big Apple’s least charming denizens – rats.
The oncoming swarm easily overwhelms the unlucky savior, with claws, tooth and furry bodies scurrying to envelop the poor girl. As she surrenders to what may be a grisly fate, it is only by the intervention of a well placed arrow does The Piper’s torturous tune finally come to an end. While the callous musician makes a hasty getaway, the city’s favorite vigilante Robyn Hood makes a gallant rescue of the helpless protector, unwittingly knowing she was in danger. The blonde archer was trying to track down a missing child, which unbeknownst to Skye was the same one she had saved from treacherous New York hazards. Once the two heroines decide to combine resources, it only takes a quick summon of the Tome to teleport to the location of their objective – the malicious musician. A brisk glance of the property only reveals numerous armed guards protecting perimeter, but no sign of their prey. They have no choice but to infiltrate the interior, but with no guarantee he will be inside and with the lives of so many innocents hanging in the balance, what choice do they have?
In Summary:
This issue is a refreshing escape from the previous legacy stories by writer Joe Brusha – an energizing romp concerning the serious subject of child kidnapping. While the underlying source of the crisis is still kept within the Zenescope mythos via The Piper, and the personalities of the two determined heroines interjects the narrative with an enjoyable sense of determination akin to their maturing sensibilities. Not too long ago, either of these heroines would have raged forward without thinking through the consequences, especially Robyn; but now with age comes both wisdom and experience to temper their actions, allowing for a calculated plan of action and larger percentage of success. Although we still see their some of their lingering teenage snide attitudes, it only adds to the quarrelsome candor which makes them honest about their opinions, and thus the tenacity of great heroes. You can see them growing in valor, most notably Skye, and while she still does get the side comments of remembrances to her mother, it is clear she is determined to fulfill her own fate to become a powerful Guardian of the Nexus.
However it is Julius Abrera’s incredibly dynamic and profound artwork which brings life to this narrative. I am fascinated by how he is able to anchor the stark harshness of such a provoking story, and yet still manages to combine it with the allure of Skye and Robyn’s beauty. The opening pages of a curious boy, boldly walking into that dark alley and then flip the scene with the werebeast, wonderfully sets the stage for what is to come – helplessness. Such strikingly effective imagery within a static medium envelopes the reader within the severity of the tale, allowing us to enjoy it safely without being exposed to danger. And yet if it were not for Ivan Nunes’ hauntingly majestic mastery of colors, the richness of the city and the darkness of the underbelly would be lost within the tale. He brilliantly sets the mood of the piece with a gloomy shadow over the entirety of the story, projecting the audience within the illustrations, and daring us to get involved within the scenery. This combination of stunningly detailed art is enhanced by the nuances of a masterful palette, presenting both elements as an exquisite example of the graphic practitioners’ finery and allowing for the full satisfaction of the visual form. This issue is a masterpiece in itself.
While we are still reminded of Sela’s presence within the series via comparisons between mother and daughter, it seems that Skye is finally coming to terms with her destiny. This issue has the right balance of history for the loyal fan and still allows for novices to the title to enjoy this story via the written word and most deservedly, the marvelously presented display of the artists’ handiwork. Grimm Fairy Tales Volume 2 appears to have become a title which can stand on its own, but that is still to be represented by future issues, and I for one cannot wait for the next story.
Grade: A
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 31, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
