Even the Guardian needs help … but is that for the best?
Creative Staff:
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Milton Estevan
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
The Legacy has been passed on, the Age of Camelot has come and gone, and Skye Mathers’ Odyssey begins! The Realms of Power are in chaos after the fallout from the Age of Camelot and now, Skye Mathers must figure out a way to save her mentor, Shang, while still fulfilling her role as Guardian of the Nexus. Teaming up with new allies, she will face her biggest test yet as she goes on an Odyssey to restore the balance to the Grimm Universe!
Content (please note that portions of the review may contain spoilers):
In the aftermath from Merlin’s attempt to overthrow the Order of Tarot, there were successes and tragedies but unfortunately one of the latter has chosen to vent her frustration upon the doorstep of the High Council – a very angry and sadistically motivated former Queen of Swords, Cindy. While this lunatic may normally have her skills focused upon one goal with guidance, as she is now there is no one to give her a purpose and she has chosen this most inopportune time to attack this group. But unfortunate for her a certain Guardian was visiting at the moment and chose to step in their defense, the raven-haired beauty Skye confronted this deranged woman and kept her at bay while the members fought the accompanying orcs. However this blonde murderess underestimated Skye’s powers and the tide was soon turned, forcing a retreat for this maniac and a temporary reprieve as the elders focused their attention to the main problems at hand, the fallout from the wizard’s foul intentions.
It is only now during the calm can Skye voice her need for the High Council’s help, all in an effort to rescue Shang from the wizard who now controls Camelot and may be the most powerful being in the universe. However it is Thane who must break the bad news – they cannot help the Guardian of the Nexus in this direst of times, for she does not understand the full extent of Merlin’s ambitions. As Nissa opens a myriad of mystic mirrors it is only then does Skye see the ramifications of their battle, for when the wizard gained the power of the Grail it had a wider effect then anyone first realized; his new powers caused portals which were once sealed between the realms to crumble, allowing an invasion to occur which they still do not its full extent. While they want to help Shang, for the time being, this fairy knows they are in no position to offer any aid when they themselves must protect the Nexus in what may be a losing battle. However as Skye dashes off to release her anger, it is the lion of Oz who approaches with a new option and perhaps a way to solve both their problems, however, it is not without its own risks … but this may prove to be advantageous to everyone in the end.
In Summary:
Although I was looking forward to reading one of my favorite writer’s rendition of the flagship series, the effort by Dave Franchini feels disjointed due to the issue beginning with one of the mysteries brought over from the Age of Camelot storyline – what happened to Cindy during the defeat of the Order of Tarot. With this murderess madwoman having a central role as the Queen of Swords and not being there to participate during the final battle, it seems strange not to have any interposition explanation as to her disappearance, instead, she suddenly appears as if nothing happened. While it would have been understandable with a minor character who did not have a royal title, it makes little sense to leave her out considering her homicidal tendencies. However since it was a surprise attack this mistake could have been overlooked, but to have her reappear without some kind of clarification leaves fans with a hollow feeling expecting us to forget this accident, which could have been smoothed over with a quip during her duel with Skye. While I do not fault Franchini with this inherited misstep, it does mar his initial venture into the title and makes his introduction a bit bumpy, but it does not take long for fans to forget that hiccup due to the splendor of his writing.
You cannot but smile to welcome back Cindy’s irritatingly smug and sadistic bearing during her exchange with the Guardian, that teasing personality is what separates her from other homicidal killers plus the college-age humor and jokes, they all make her appealing if were not for the instinct to kill anyone she dislikes. It is those quips and Skye’s serious attitude which creates a refreshing opening for Franchini’s initial foray into Grimm Fairy Tales, the well-rounded student versus the cheerleading bully personifies an academic battle of brains against brawn, made all the more enjoyable with the smattering of Cindy’s juvenile behavior and Mather’s dynamic fighting style and cavalier attitude. This outset cushions the reader for what we know is to come – the Guardian of the Nexus asking the High Council for help to find Shang, even while in the back of her mind she probably expected the given answer, since they could not help when this whole fiasco began and withdrew any assistance from the Realm Knights. However, the melancholy framework which follows is a brilliant progression for the rejection Skye feels and prepares us for the next step in our heroine’s journey – to find allies who will open new doors to an adventure expanding the horizons and allowing us to hope for a better tomorrow.
Even within an initially shaky story, it is up to the artist and colorist to create an atmosphere which allows the reader to relate to the intensity of the narrative, however if either of these talents is not up to par, then the portrayal of our favorite characters can be lacking, which unfortunately is the case for the former. Although I do appreciate Milton Estevan’s formidable displays of dynamic action scenes and luscious curves of both heroine and villainess, there are times when he tries too hard to emote expressions upon the actors, especially when they look straight into the camera. While I can understand this media is a two-dimensional representation, it is during those times when humanoids within this issue appear to be flat faced, with no definition given to adjust for highlights upon the face thus giving us an appearance lacking contours. If there is a slight tilt of the head then Estevan adapts his drawing style to denote a wrinkle in the forehead, point of the chin or shadow of cheekbone and yet these details are too often missing on Skye which is a shame since she is the main focus of the story. But it is due to this fact whereby readers notice a hollowness that makes her appear insensitive to the troubles of the High Council, only caring for her own problem, even when the dialogue proves otherwise. Even with the captivating palette of Jorge Cortes dancing wondrously with a waltz of light and shadows illuminating the amazing action, you still cannot overlook this minor fault once you notice the first since it so glaring it grabs your attention with every motion. And while this skilled colorist attempts to disguise and dissuade the audience from any other visual notice, it is the powerful presence of dark shadowing and black framing between the panels which makes any error more pronounced. Hopefully, this slight oversight will be remedy in the near future and thus allow us to enjoy any otherwise excellent visual adventure into the Nexus for many more issues to come.
Grimm Fairy Tales has once again captivated loyal readers with a new story arc, writer and artistic team, however, this premiere is not without its forgivable faults. While all of these mistakes are minor, when you add them together the complexity subtracts from the delight of the narrative, even if it is ever so slight in its inconvenience. But now that those settling readjustments are now behind us, hopefully, we will now be treated to more of the brilliance and visual enjoyment this title is known for and allow us to expand upon the dynamic propensity for trouble which the Guardian is known for, all for our own wicked amusement.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: March 27, 2019
MSRP: $3.99
