Fairy Tales of Terror # 1 (2026)
Writer: Frank J. Zanca
Artist: Joe Sanchez
Colorist: Sunil Ghagre
Letterer: Anaid Melendez
Rating: 09/10
This week, I examine issue number one of “Fairy Tales of Terror” from Destiny Horizons.
Written by screenwriter and novelist Frank Zanca, the series reimagines iconic characters in the dark, gritty setting of modern-day New York City. It offers a cinematic, darker take on classic storybook figures, akin to a mix of “Night at the Museum” and the “Friday the 13th” franchise, while adding in Dark Magic for good measure. The story revolves around a mysterious entity aiming to revive magic in our world by targeting powerful witches banished to Earth, who are under a “memory spell” suppressing their true identities. To free them and threaten human civilization, the entity sends two notorious killers through the Portal of Pages into NYC: Cinderella, called “Cinder,” who slashes victims with jagged glass, and Captain Hook, who uses his metal hook to gouge and kill. Tiger Lily, who leaps from the pages of “Peter Pan,” joins forces with bookshop owner Orson Allen to stop Hook and Cinder before they destroy the world.
From the outset, Zanca crafts an intriguing concept, reminiscent of “Grimm Tales of Terror,” adopting a similar tone and horror tropes. These legendary fairy-tale characters are reimagined as gritty, dark figures, with violence that remains as intense and dangerous as ever, thanks to Zanca balancing bloody chaos with psychological depth to deliver a chilling yet engaging story. The dynamic between Tiger Lily and Orson is particularly enjoyable amid the carnage. While the pacing feels somewhat hurried, the main characters, especially Orrie and Tiger Lily, remain compelling despite their unlikely alliance amidst chaos. Joe Sanchez’s artwork enhances the story’s scariness with a bold, gritty style that looks stunning and confirms his readiness for major projects at Marvel, DC, or Image. He truly understands horror’s visual power. “Fairy Tales of Terror” offers a fresh, gory twist on iconic pop culture characters. Although it leans on familiar horror tropes, it remains an engaging story that will delight horror fans with its boldness and brutality.
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