There was always a reason you didn’t like the circus … and this time it’s not for the clowns.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Ralph Tedesco
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
The circus has come to town and the main attraction is the beautiful lion tamer, the animal trainer with the golden hair. Goldilocks returns to the Grimm Universe! When Skye investigates some mysterious happenings at the circus, she finds herself face to face with Goldie and her three vicious bears.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Still worried about the disappearance of her friend Jasmine, Skye is pondering the increase of strange occurrences within the past few months. While she always knew the responsibility of being Guardian of the Nexus would not be an easy job, her mother Sela’s tenure was never this complex nor vindictive. But while the novice drives down the road through central Tennessee, there is never a moment’s peace as the Book once again summons her to a new problem. Taking control of her jeep with eerie spectral hands, this otherworldly navigation does not stop until they arrive at an isolated circus tent, with few vehicles parked in front. Weary of the tome’s familiar method of showing her trouble, Skye does not hesitate in being overly cautious, even if there is no one around to notice her transformation. However it is not until she steps into the venue does she become aroused by pending danger, although by then it is too late.
With head now aching from a throbbing bump and vision slowly returning to normal, through blurry eyes the Guardian immediately realizes she is bound to a vertical table, with two mischievous characters watching her every move. A circus hawker stands by with a self-assured grin but the other appears to be more dangerous – a curvaceous blonde balancing a throwing dagger upon the tip of her finger. She does not hesitate to let the weapon fly perilously close to Skye’s head, but the next one nicks her victim’s carotid, with a brief burst of crimson jetting from the wound. It is only then does the real threat fully materialize with a gruff expulsion of fetid breath from behind her restraints, and the grim stomping of clawed feet. With a monstrous roar of anger, the massive brown bear allows its presence known, as it slowly marches forward towards its pending meal, fulling expecting an easy dinner. But with a brief burst of mystical energy the flimsy ropes tying down the Guardian down prove no threat as she faces the gigantic predator. As she summons her faithful blade Lysraseri to her side, it is soon evident this beast will not back down easily … but who will prove to be the Alpha within this contest of wills?
In Summary:
With all of the fallout from the previous issue, I thought writer Ralph Tedesco would progress with some insightful narrative of Skye and Shang trying to figure out what Gruel would do next and how to get back Jasmine. And yet, within this fertile landscape he misses an opportunity and gives us a filler story, which seems to have nothing to do with what happened before or a set up for the future. While the tale itself is disturbing for displaying how people of the realms perceive normals as Lowborn, there is not much else revealed which would connect any new characters to the Order of Tarot or even remotely to the wizard. And although it might have been a pleasant release of pent up frustration for the Guardian, even the beast tamer’s taunt does not give any hint as to her true purpose, aside from gathering some prisoners. But even it that was the case, she could have just as easily rounded up people from her own land and used them as treats for her creatures, so what was the purpose of this tale? Was this another test for Skye or is it all as it appears, some random enemy coming to test their mettle for the upcoming eventuality? Hopefully these intermediary issues will eventually connect, but for now, they are skillful retellings from the previous series.
While the story itself is rather blasé and uninspired, it is not the narrative which projects the best of this medium, instead we are drawn into this tale by the stunning illustrations of Julius Abrera and Jorge Cortes’ breathtaking colors. They entice us into the issue with a simple evening at the circus, but the beginning panel of a setting sun shows off the wondrous palette with a dip into warmth, but at the same time the creepy and cold darkness signals an ominous presence just out of reach. As we wander into the tent, I cannot but think back to Ray Bradbury’s novel Something Wicked This Way Comes since the same premise is the trigger for both stories, but since this is a visual technique, the issue is much more effective. The wickedly grinning hawker only makes us want to see more, and the beauty of the alluring beast tamer in her body hugging bodice and enticing fishnet stockings seduces us to stay. The focused spotlight and dazzling globes of sparkling brilliance only provoke the reader, all enhanced by Cortes’ manipulation of primary colors which allow us to fall deeper into the trap. You would never expect anything, Abrera has crafted a show of delights with a busty blonde ringmaster clearly showing us who is in charge, and then reinforces that menacing stare once her formidable ursine pets come center stage. The primal savagery within these beasts are hidden by the sheer bulk of their bodies, golden eyes with no iris hold no secrets and of course, their actions speak volumes as we stand in awe with that full page splash of the creature, rearing up on its haunches. There is no doubt who is in control within this carnival of horrors, and if anyone did question their motives, a swift strike with massive paw quickly presents the solution. The artwork is simple and direct with colors presenting a front of sheer power and control – this is how you create a tale of strength, if only it would last until someone else comes with a louder roar.
Skye does not disappoint with this tale of circus terror, but the quizzical motives for the tale still present a cloud over what motivates the characters. It is only the magnificent artwork and foreboding colors which elevate this story from a side stage and fittingly into the deserving spotlight. The theme of a fairy tale may also have been lost since we are never introduced to the ring master, but the number of bears and her flowing mane of gold signals another escapee from the Book and someone fitting for the Guardian. But now that she has been tested, how does she fit into the scheme of things … or is she just a pleasant diversion from the gladiatorial games?
Grade: A
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: November 15, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
