Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: The Library #3
Publisher: Zenescope
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artist: Giovanni Timpano (cover by Marat Mychaels & Ivan Nunes)
Colorist: Liezl Buenaventura
Young Sela Mathers has just found out what it’s like to face a fear that you’ve had since you can remember. You see, she’s been afraid of the Wicked Witch (an homage to the Wizard of Oz version) since forever, and now she’s being confronted by her. Luckily, she has her brother, who is seemingly fearless amongst the monsters and mythical creatures that haunt most people’s dreams on a nightly basis. Well, it doesn’t hurt to have Hercules, Robin Hood, and a cowboy that wields not only a six-shooter, but also a lasso that is a rattle snake! These heroes manage to get the book and key away from the Wicked Witch, but they fall into separate dimensions. It’s up to Sela, Robin Hood, and the Cowboy to get the book, as Thomas and Hercules go after the key.
This idea that Joe Brusha came up with is very creative and deserves some credit. Not that there has never been a story with a myriad of different monsters, ghosts, and witches before, but this one is significantly different. One reason is that this book makes you care about the characters, and not just the kids, but all of them. Hercules is very noble, and he and Thomas seem to share a unique and special bond. That strong bond reminds me of one that will end in sorrow, but that’s only a guess on my part. Sela’s relationship with her father is an interesting dynamic, as well. She seems to loathe his business practices and the time it keeps him away from his family, but she seems to desperately want his approval, too. All this while the Wicked Witch is trying to kill everyone! Talk about drama, in a universe chock full of every monster and hero you can think of.
I don’t even know where to start in regards to the artwork. Giovanni Timpano is really talented, and seems to be right at home drawing all these mythical creatures. You’ll love his version of the Wicked Witch. She’s really scary, and it’s partially because of the dialog, but mostly because she looks the part. His version of Robin Hood is cool, too. He’s part Errol Flynn, part Green Arrow, if that helps. Very sleek looking, but very righteous at the same time. In typical Zenescope fashion, there is an alternate cover (above, by Rich Bonk) that is just way cool. Both covers are worthwhile for sure, so take your pick! Rating 4/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
