The battle for survival begins … or does it end before it has a chance to start?
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Renato Rei
Colors: Grostieta & Valentina Cuomo
Letters: Fabio Amelia
What They Say:
Ever since birth, Talisman has tried to escape his destiny as an evil servant of the Order of Tarot. He has never been closer to that goal than now but, at the same time, he sits on the edge of a razor. One misstep will send him spiraling into the darkness he has fought to avoid, and little does he know that Tarot has put the pieces in place to do just that.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Cindy and her forces have breached the Order of Light’s defenses and now launch a full out assault upon the ragtag group of resistance fighters. While the monks may have thought they were a match for ordinary acolytes of Tarot, they soon learn in death the ferocity of the Queen of Swords and her soldiers. As countless bodies fall under her blades, Talisman watches helplessly as he sees Jericho and Shimmer succumb to the overwhelming strength of this blonde murderess. Otherwise engaged with his own battle, Dupart cannot free himself in time to save either friend, but at the same time he cannot watch as they are slaughtered. Out of desperation, he activates his savage power in a vain attempt to rescue them, only to hold back at the last second once a raven strikes down the savage leader, revealing herself to be Nataliya.
Now with a brief reprieve from the onslaught, the companions regroup and see the only way out of the situation is to use the abilities which he shuns. Clasping Shimmer’s hand, Talisman feels a surge as their powers combine and release in a burst of light, allowing the survivors to escape for the time being. However now that Tarot has found the sanctuary, their only option now is to take the fight to the enemy, hoping their supposed defeat enough to give them the advantage. With memories of his family’s betrayal still fresh in his mind and their need to indoctrinate Dupart as the King of Pentacles, all he wants now is payback, and there is no better chance. As the remnants enter the empty corridors of the Emperor’s Court, there is no hindrance as most are searching for their whereabouts, but they remain quiet nonetheless. Constantly searching for foes, they find none as the group make their way to the central chamber, only to find it also empty … or so they thought as the silence is broken by the Order of Tarot’s cry to battle. This is the beginning of the end – for either one or both.
In Summary:
As if this title wasn’t confusing enough, writer Joe Brusha still manages to slip in more political intrigue amid the epic battles for this penultimate issue of Grimm Fairy Tales: Tarot . While it is true we have never truly seen or understood all of the factions within the Order of Tarot, it is clear no one wants to share power, or if they are making alliances, none will probably be respected after the dust has settled. And though the darkness is confusing enough, it now seems the Order of Light has their own agenda concerning Talisman as he tries to understand the triangle he has become involved in with Nataliya and Shimmer. Both women want to help him understand his powers, but at the same time, you cannot forget someone is called Forsaken One – and with good reason since she did betray Tarot once before. Can Dupart be this forgiving or is Brusha hoping readers will forget this singular fact and believe she can be trusted due to her helping him escape at the beginning of the series? Will one act lead to redemption or will we have a surprise ending which will be fully expected? Either way, it should lead into an exciting or disappointing finale … all depending on how it is ultimately executed.
Throughout all of this narrative confusion, we have been guided by the phenomenal artwork of Renato Rei and the inspiring colors of Grostieta and Valentina Cuomo, showing us the way, and this issue is no exception. In fact none of the previous issues have done their talents justice until we see the understated and yet brilliantly developed battle within the Order of Light’s headquarters. You cannot but be in awe to the intensity which Rei unfolds within these few pages, with Grostieta and Cuomo only concentrating the energy of both sides by the strategic use of shadows and muted tones. The striking image of Cindy leading the charge sets the mood, her beauty surrendered to the aggression she now unleashes are at odds with each other, until we remember the blood thirst she hides under a thin veneer of civility. We thought she was insane before, but now that Tarot has been able to focus that rage, it seems she was underused, with these pages utilizing her full potential. And while Rei, Grostieta and Cuomo still manage to keep the intensity throughout the initial battle, it is a shame we have to leave it once the back room dealings begin for all they serve to do for this incredible artistic team’s skills is put a sudden halt to the roller coaster of action, all in the name of more royal melodrama.
The confusion on both sides only serves to compound a massive undertaking to be unraveled within the finale … or it may be passed on since it seems impossible to be concluded within one issue. While the larger focus may be lost due to so many factors being need to understand it all as a whole, Grimm Fairy Tales: Tarot seems to anchored to an event which will shake the Zenescope universe to its core. And now with but one more issue remaining to cinch the noose closed, the anticipation is enticing. And while we wonder, you still have to consider the fact there may never be a winner, for either the characters or the readers themselves.
Grade: B+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: March 14, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
