Never count Skye out … even when the odds are against her.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Eman Casallos
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Now, Skye is on the quest to save her friend, and the first stop on her journey is a maze from hell run by the most deranged woman in all the realms! Skye must play along if she hopes to retrieve the item she seeks and save the innocents trapped on these deadly games.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
As Skye attempts to uncover more clues as to the origin of her new sword, the trail leads to a bizarre place and an accidental meeting with fellow hostages within a foreboding labyrinth. Once she stirs awake from the unwelcomed greeting she received after the intrusion, the Guardian quickly learns they are all within the same situation – the last thing these people remember is attending a traveling circus and then find themselves inside this maze with something picking off the survivors one at a time. Unfortunately, these circumstances sound all too familiar with Mathers having encountered something similar to this once before and then as if on cue, the ringmaster of this warped hunt appears with a sadistic grin on her face proudly gloating over her detainment – the malicious animal tamer Goldilocks. However as her captive audience think the predicament couldn’t get any worse it is only then does Skye notice her magic no longer works, allowing their vitriolic jailor to boast victory: the Guardian can’t use any powers without her sword serving as a link to the Nexus.
As the blonde beauty viciously taunts helpless captives and beasts by her side growl in approval, it is only then does the frightened group realize something else is trapped within this maze, its savage roar now echoing through the endless tunnels. With nothing they can do against a woman who cowardly heckles from a distance, Skye leads her fellow survivors away from the inhuman sound and deeper into the danger that awaits within. But as they take a brief moment to catch their breath, a cruel reminder of the puzzle’s past prisoners and failures awaits at their rest stop – scattered skeletons litter the area and what remains of their futile defense with numerous holes punched into the surrounding walls. Seeing no other option than to stop and take a stand the Guardian grabs up a dusty sword and tries to rouse the morale of her partners, however as they attempt to summon up flickering remnants of courage one of their own is swiftly taken away, his scream the only indication of abduction. With their bravery now swallowed up by panic they can do nothing as a raiding part of goblins quickly charges forward, the raven-haired heroine the only one left to stand between them and her friends, brandishing blade and denying these monster their prize or an easy chance for victory.
In Summary:
Finally, we return to the type of story which I adore: watching Skye forge forward with a purpose and allowing actions speak for her determination, all while talented writer Dave Franchini creates a narrative which concentrates on the Guardian of the Nexus and giving her a reason to protect those under her purview. While the prior story arc was interesting it lacked the necessary focus of centralizing on Mathers, instead permitting Merlin to steer the tale as we watch her and the other heroes collapse by the wayside as greed became the driving force. Although I can understand a need for this type of story to motivate heroes and audience alike to overcome a great evil, at the same time it feels out of place since Grimm Fairy Tales is a foundation based on the Guardian and not the villains. And yet at the same time it was necessary to serve as a pivot to endure loss and empowers Skye to continue on without Shang, the man who served as mentor and anchor for someone who is sometimes too headstrong for her own good. But even when facing this loss she is still able to continue due to the admiration and assurance he will find a way back, all while she has the same perseverance of searching for her own method for his return.
To watch as Skye embarks on a new quest to seek secrets behind her sword is refreshing, knowing her impulsive nature will work well for her endeavors all while making the story more exciting. But then to have the return of Goldilocks become the center point of the story makes it more deliciously vicious, with her personality reminiscent of another favorite murderous blonde. It is this type of confrontational tale which brings out the best in the Guardian, and at the same time to introduce a wrinkle of not being able to use magic without the sword allows Mathers to become more reliant on her courage and resolve, inspiring her to strengthen the underlying basis of her heroism – not the powers which she inherited but the will to endure no matter what obstacles block her path. This is why I respect Zenescope’s women so much: their stories do not rely upon the stereotypes of men being the only ones able of becoming heroes, the titles show anyone is capable of being a savior as long as they have the strength of heart and the determination to lead by example. This story brilliantly shows Skye’s adamant tenacity to overcome uncertainty, displaying how she can rage against frustration and Gold but at the same time acknowledging she cannot admit to fear without the ones being protected succumbing and in turn amplify the terror which threatens to overcome all. These are the traits which we admire in our heroes, and then to add the distinction of never giving up and we are shown a Guardian of the Nexus who displays the same promise as the one prior, high praise for someone who was never properly shown how utilize her powers and sadly had the title thrust upon her with the loss of her mother. This tale only reinforces the idea that the position has been placed in the right hands.
And with an intriguing twist for Skye, we are also given a delightful visual treat due to the fantastic illustrations via sharp lines of Eman Casallos expanding upon the thrilling story, allowing for a smooth transition between panels and creating a spectacular environment which expands upon the allure of our heroine and villainess. The tangible desperation and insane pleasure displayed by the beauties is made all the more enviable thanks to the fantastic colors of Jorge Cortes, allowing us to witness this amazing scenario without a need to aid, but at the same time his dazzling palette makes us wish we could help in this struggle as the Guardian bides her time in this timeless contest. This wondrous example of synergy has our attention from the beginning with the stark contrast of an exhausted man trying to escape from an unseen predator, the meticulous detailing on his drawn face is made all the more pronounced due to the wise choice of a white framework to emphasize the panels. But as we become entranced by the minute nuances Casallos puts into each actor’s expressions to denote a wide array of emotions, at the same time Cortes makes each panel all the more sensational due to the focused shading he puts into each images, allowing the reader to effortlessly interpret each expression due to this cooperation of succinct lines and skillful balance of light and shadow. The beautiful display of excitement and vexation merges so well with the drama the reader cannot but be caught up in the tension, rushing headlong with the survivors and feeling their pain, anger and torment in this panorama as a whole – it is exceptional in its inclusive quality by making us to forget to breathe. This is what I never knew I was missing and now that I have witnessed it again, it will be hard to forget the subversive effect and return to what we might consider normal.
Grimm Fairy Tales has us once again being able to relate with Skye due to an enthralling story and fantastic artwork, but it is thanks to the audacity of the entirety by which readers remember why this series is a favorite from this publisher. The dynamic quality of their heroines and villains proves women can be just as effective or devastating by relating primal emotions from those we often consider as nurturers, and thus proving they are just as intimidating or even more so with the right creators. The Guardian of the Nexus is not just a title passed on but one which must be earned and as such we have witnessed the daughter has shown she is ready, if not in spirit but also in valor. As such I cannot wait to see how the young Mathers will grow and prove to us she stands before the evil of the realms, but is she prepared to face the worst or was Merlin just a bitter taste of what is yet to come?
Grade: A+
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: April 24, 2019
MSRP: $3.99
