A road trip is always fun … except when it’s not.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Ben Meares
Artwork: Jason Muhr
Colors: Marco Lesko
Letters: Fabio Amelia
What They Say:
From shocking twists on classic literature to brand new takes on modern day urban legends, this terror-filled series re-imagines the creepy stories you know and love for a new generation of readers. The tales of Route 66 and its phantom tollbooth are of the stuff of legend. Four friends on their way to spring break are going to find out that sometimes there are horrifying truths to those stories.
Content: (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
It was a typical Spring Break for Richie, Ginny, Adam, and Alexis, driving from Pennsylvania to San Diego, until they reached Texas and started sweltering within a car without air conditioning. While it would have been fun for the friends, in this one hundred plus heat and no signs of cooling down, what made it worse was their driver’s inclination of stopping at every roadside tourist attraction. Although it was humorous at first, the rising temperature and a constant need to visit each run down shack was getting on the party’s nerves, causing moods to flare inside the overheated vehicle. While Richie enjoyed himself in this latest amusement, the others could do nothing but complain, wondering why they invited this guy with his strange obsession. As time ticked by and tempers became more inflamed, the main agitator Adam had enough and took the keys, declaring himself the new leader.
However even with himself in control, this bully’s attitude did not improve, and it only intensifies as he adds more beer to his growing temper. When they finally stop for fuel, the gas station’s nonexistent ventilation does not improve matters, and things become worse with Adam’s need for more alcohol, causing more friction between the friends. But as they ask an alluring red-headed attendant for fuel and directions to California, she only reminds them of Richie’s side trips in a search for the unusual, causing her to spark a new interest within the former driver. Although she remarks the quickest way to the Sunshine State would be to head west, if they want a more scenic drive, the best decision would be to drive down Route 66. While it is populated by weird sites, the best-kept secret would be the Phantom Tollbooth to Hell and the mystery it hides. If this does not entice a new journey toward the unknown, then nothing will make this trip one which none will ever forget.
In Summary:
While I have never read the original material upon which this issue is based upon, writer Ben Meares has created something quite disturbing and a fitting tale for this series. To have it begin as a seemingly innocent Spring Break story allows us to become involved within the escapades of typical teens, but at the same time, you can also relate to long road trips with insufferable conditions. The constant bickering of tired friends, someone losing their temper and then an inevitable explosion of frustration – while this may sound like a mediocre teen scream movie, the addition of an urban legend allows us to not sink to that tiresome level. Phantom Tollbooth to Hell has all of the elements for a plausible story, however, you can also sense the dubious nature of the myth, making you want to know more, but at the same time, wonder if it can or even possibly to be true. This questionable influence allows one to deny it may exist, and yet there is also a tinge of information which makes it seem plausible, which is what makes any good urban legend worthy of a need for exploration. Then add the exhaustion of a sweltering trip, a bully who does not back down after a few too many beers and a hero which saves the day, and you have a narrative which makes for an opportune addition to this title.
And yet even within such a sordid tale of questionable morality, illustrator Jason Muhr still manages to inject underlying hints of humor and humanity, making the reader either hate or like the characters within this story. You find an immediate attraction to Ginny, Richie, and Alexis, all thanks to their welcoming smiles, but once you see the brutish expressions of Adam, there is a foulness of his portrayal which makes him seem like a typical bully. However what makes this story all the more believable and touching are Marco Lesko’s subtle usage of colors to alter the mood of the story. We are greeted with softer tones as we get to know the vacationers, but once the beautiful Keres enters the picture, there is a visible intensity in the brightness, especially her signature red hair – a reminder it is the key for the remainder of the tale. But as we watch the palette become more pronounced, Muhr also amplifies the portrayals of the actors with more meaningful facial treatments and figure movements which make us take a pronounced side. However what propels this second half are the double page layouts, happening at key moments of the tale, and allowing the reader to absorb themselves within a primally intense progression, allowing us to feel the aggression. This combination of simplicity and forward-thinking art direction allows the audience to become divested in the tale, and thus makes the ending, while not surprising, still satisfying.
Although the tale engenders our thinking with an implausible urban legend, it is the artwork of an amazing graphics team which makes the story believable on so many levels. By gently unfolding the narrative and then intensifying it toward an inevitable conclusion, it allows the reader to become emotionally invested in seeing a happy ending, but as this is Grimm Tales of Terror, we know this will never become reality. However with likable characters and a clichéd bully, one can always hope … even as we know pleasant wishes will never come true within this title.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 23, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
