Review: Grimm Fairy Tales Annual - Goddess of Death

You know, despite what DC, and to some extent Marvel, you can have too much of a good thing. Zenescope, not averse to a myriad of covers, actually take a less is more to one of the more interesting characters that features sporadically. I am of course taking about Keres the Goddess of Death, who normally raises her head in Halloween specials and quarterly books. This then is a chance to see her in full action.

Years ago, there lived a being of immense cruelty called Madam Morana. Now as we know, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Hence as she grew stronger, the powerful beyond her ken began to fear her. A plan was hatched in which she would removes with her power cast asunder. Now the 12 Kings of Hell are making their move to reclaim the realms, with only Keres in their way. Can a Goddess of Death be relied upon to save the day?

This is a Zenescope book, so we have the usual trio of story credits in Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini and Pat Shand! Thats right Pat Shand of Grimm Fairy Tales fame is credited as writer. I have often stated that Shand, when on ‘Tales, he had a pseudo Chris Claremont tone of writing. I am pleased to say that this level of depth is still alive and kicking, even it took over ten pages of backstory to get the reader close to anything current happening. This then brings up an interesting point in regards to this book; rather than let it be as a one-shot, could this have been built upon to a two even three issue run? Doesn’t Keres deserve a mini series? In a longer run, Shand wouldn’t have to set up the world building part of the book, which would increase the pace of the book. As it is, I almost gave up on this, which would have been a massive shame given how I was totally hooked from the middle of the second act all the way through the final act and conclusion.

Joining the group of writers is a further trio of artists in Eman Casallos, Ismael Canales and Juan Francisco Mota who each get a run of several pages. Why? I have to assume that it’s a deadline thing. Each style, whilst has its comparative elements, also has its differences, be it angular legs or cherubic faces. Therefore the art is a tad inconsistent for those that prefer a more well rounded book. As a snapshot talent, this book works. The same approach is taken for the colorists who are Maxflan Araujo, Edwin Estrada and Jorge Cortes who continue to deliver on Zenescope’s reputation of high quality production values. Finally, Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios whose fonts work equally well as dialogue and monologue.

You can’t knock Zenescope’s plan of more page for more buck. It has become a bit of a staple for them with a range of specials over the last few months. With an idea that carries so much scope their model may need to be more flexible.

Writing – 3 Stars

Art – 3 Stars

Colors – 4 Stars

Overall – 3 Stars

Story by; Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini & Pat Shand
Written by; Pat Shand
Art by; Eman Casallos, Ismael Canales & Juan Francisco Mota
Colors by; Maxflan Araujo, Edwin Estrada & Jorge Cortes
Letters by; Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios
Published by; Zenescope Entertainment

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network