Heroes can be pushed too far … just be careful when they push back!
Creative Staff:
Writer: Lou Iovino, Joe Brusha, Pat Shand, Meredith Finch & Ralph Tedesco
Artwork: Anthony Spay, Jacob Bear, Allan Otero, Sheldon Goh, JG Miranda & Renzo Rodriguez
Colors: Sanju Nivangune, Grostieta, Erick Arciniega, Walter Baiamonte, Francesca Carotenuto, Ceci de la Cruz, Fran Gamboa & J.C. Ruiz
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Welcome to the Grimm Universe, where both dreams and nightmare come true. In this special over-sized issue, you will meet Britney Waters, the enigmatic Red Agent … Mystere, a young woman with power over the dead … Hellchild, the heir to the throne of the Underworld … the Warlord of Oz, before he took on that legendary title … and the murderous but noble goddess of Death, Keres.
Content (please note that portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Red Agent: The Mission
Britney is being debriefed after in her most recent mission, however this repugnant little government pencil pusher doesn’t seem to understand there can be incidents which occur during field work. Objectives can change due to unforeseen circumstances and as such, Red Agent had to think on her feet. But that obvious necessity is not understood by someone stuck behind a desk all day – so he is beginning to underestimate Miss Waters’ tolerance for patience. But is it wise to keep pushing her for details when he has so succinctly pointed out her anger management issues?
Day of the Dead
Mary has always been hesitant in using her powers, afraid when she awakens the dead, her ability will grow out of control. That gnawing suspicion of something deeper and darker dwelling within her has held her back, not wanting to arouse anything that should remain asleep. But now, that same maddening uncertainty has now begun to haunt her dreams … gradually turning them into nightmares. So when a cryptic note gives Mystere a glimmer of hope, how can she refuse?
Hellchild: Blood Money
Angelica was never one to be subtlety, but once she became more confident of her abilities, new bravado was the least of her worries. There is not much work for someone who looks like her – a half vampire with the powers of a god and an attitude to match her new audacity. So when she heard of an underground fight club for monsters, why not give it a try? After all, if they have already heard of her reputation and she is thought of as a pushover, why not take advantage of it and earn a few bucks? Who can it hurt if they hate her … why not just take advantage of the situation?
Oz: Birth of a Warlord
Zamora’s appetite knows no bounds and as such, she will go to any lengths to strengthen her own ambition. There will be nothing which stands in her way to conquering Oz … even if it means something as morally reprehensible as kidnapping. Her faithful servant Gril will carry out such a shameful act without any qualms, for it is his obligation to obey his queen – no matter how young the child may be. But as she divines his true nature, how certain will a future cast amid a sea of chaos be for an infant Warlord?
Death
While Michael and his partner Trisha mourn the death of his dear uncle, they marvel at the lavish estate – and wonder how he became the inheritor of such a wondrous mansion. After ringing the bell, a familiar red headed executrix escorts them around and relate how the old man died: he was the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. But as they acquainted with the interior, this woman seems to be too with the details … and in turn the identities of the true killers, who stand before her. The greedy pair soon reveal their true colors and strike without hesitation, painfully unaware as to their guest’s existence. However it will become vividly clear who the real victors will be – accented within a splash of crimson.
In Summary:
As we delve into again into the wondrous mélange of Zenescope mythology, one cannot be disappointed by an assault to the senses as we are greeted by this marvelous Launch title called Grimm Fairy Tales: Genesis: Heroes Rising. This superb blend of stories gives both loyal fans or a beginning novices a taunting glance into current titles of beautifully tenacious women and their prevailing strength of not letting anyone or anything to stand in their way. While many other companies have tried to construct such characters, they have always been based on dominating male roles and then watered down to suit the lesser female leads. However, Zenescope built these women with their own individuality in mind, people who will not back down to those who think they are superior and thus, will speak their mind when they know they or someone they care about are being wronged. To be able to see such actors like Britney, Mystere, Angelica, Zamora and Keres stand up for themselves and then lash out without fear of repercussions for those actions is liberating and worthwhile at the same time. Through these brilliant stories crafted by Lou Iovino, Joe Brusha, Pat Shand, Meredith Finch and Ralph Tedesco, we are able to grab a brief glance into these magnificent worlds and breath a sigh of relief, knowing that at least somewhere true justice is being served.
But of course, none of these narratives or their heroines would be complete without the beautiful artistry of Anthony Spay, Jacob Bear, Allan Otero, Sheldon Goh, JG Miranda and Renzo Rodriguez; but then again, all of that hard work would be for naught without the stunning colors of Sanju Nivangune, Grostieta, Erick Arciniega, Walter Baiamonte, Francesca Carotenuto, Ceci de la Cruz, Fran Gamboa and J.C. Ruiz, extenuating each and every magnificent panel. While each story may stand alone, the uniqueness of each character is magnificently captured within the miniscule six pages dedicated to each heroine; although that may not be enough to establish an emotionally steadfast story, this modicum of insight still allows us a thoroughly gratifying glimpse into each individual. Since all of these women have been ingrained within the Zenescope mythos, there is no need to waste time with unnecessary context, which allows for grandiose concentration on what we want the most: Action. At the same time, they give a sincere nod to a tantamount moments, and the encapsulated time we invest with each character is well spent, giving the reader a rewarding hug and a quick wink for future visits.
Grimm Fairy Tales: Genesis: Heroes Rising is an intensely satisfying jaunt into the five worlds of Zenescope’s signature heroines. While I would better appreciated a full one-shot for each characters, this brief experience is more satiating in that every story leads into the continuing adventures of each, with Zamora being the exception. While this might be a bit of nuisance if she wasn’t already fully formed with prior appearances, it just gives us more of an excuse to glance back and ponder how she went wrong. It is this perpetual and never ending cycle of contentment within the entire library of titles which gives the reader all the more chances to explore those missed opportunities of those realms, all enclosed beneath the Grimm Fairy Tales name.
Grade: A+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: November 23rd, 2016
MSRP: $4.99
