The comic book marketplace is crowded. The “Big Two” publishers, Marvel and DC swallow up the majority of the comics sold. Companies like Image, Dark Horse, Dynamite and Boom do their best to grab what is left. In order to swim with these big fish, you have to find yourself a niche to survive. Zenescope is one of those niche publishers which started in 2005 with a title called Grimm Fairy Tales. The Zenescope comics took a dark fantasy lens and shone them on classic fairy tales. Zenescope always featured scantily clad pin-up images on the covers to entice readers but the interiours were tamer and story driven.
Twenty-four successful titles and twelve years later Zenescope is launching a new volume of Grimm Tales of Terror. “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 first issue tackles the tale of the Invisible Man.
Thomas, a down on his luck gambler agrees to partake in an experimental drug trial for a quick payday. Little does he know that the clinic is using him to test an invisibility serum. As the serum starts to take effect Thomas decides to use his new-found invisibility to settle a few scores and rob himself a nice little nest egg. Of course, it doesn’t end well.
The art from Umberto Giampa and Robby Bevard is suitable for the tone of the book and while the done-in-one-issue story’s outcome is a bit predictable the pace and dialog make for a decent read. I’m not sure I’m convinced enough to pick up the book on a regular basis but I am curious enough to see how the series progresses.
Issue: Grimm Tales of Terror #1 | Publisher: Zenescope
Writers: Joe Brusha & Ralph Tedesco | Artists: Umberto Giampa & Robby Bevard
Price: $3.99
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