Review: Grimm Tales of Terror Vol 3 #7
Making deals with the Devil has been a solid staple for any number of “horror” stories, from The Simpsons (Homer with a donut head is a classic) to Bedazzled and everything in between. With their knack of curvy covers, it was only a matter of time before Zenescope got round to their own soul trapping story, with a beautiful centre of attention and desire.
Chris Monroe falls for his gorgeous co-worker, Rebecca. It seems that Rebecca has a taste for the highlife, with expensive trinkets and stud boyfriends. What chance does Chris, saddled with a cult member for a nephew and a money sapping father in care? How on earth can Chris obtain his hearts desire? Well quicker than you can say “contrived way for getting the Devil into the story”, the Devil pops in and well….. things go pretty much as you would expect. Kind of.
This book is written by Ralph Tedesco, from a story by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini and Mr Zenescope himself Pat Shand. I am curious as to why a story that contains very few twists needs so many writers? Not being part of the larger-than-inner-circle I can only assume that each one brought a particular aspect to the story. Unfortunately, somewhere in the mix, the gang forget to make any of the characters likeable. Chris is selfish, Rebecca is self-absorbed and everyone else is just a means to an end. This means that when the twist of terror finally unfurls, I for one just didn’t care.
Another aspect that is disappointing is the art by Renzo Rodriguez. You would think that for an object of desire, the editors would look to give Rebecca a more mature look. I am not advocating that she wears low-cut tops and short skirts and I am not advocating that female characters should be objectified. In this story however, Chris does exactly that; as a matter of believability, we the readers need to buy into his particular world view. Instead, we are given a framework that does little to project any real level of beauty, especially given that she is not a beautiful character inside. As such, I feel that the Rodriguez has missed the chance to compare and contrast. Coupled with the fact that one of the few times there is any level of character engagement is Chris’s co-worker giving him the bird, I was left with “what could’ve been” after taste. The colors by Fran Gamboa and J.C. Ruiz is serviceable, given they have any real nuances to contend with.
I have said on previous reviews, how Zenescope books are a guilty pleasure. In regards to this particular volume, I fear that it is becoming less and less pleasurable.
Writing – 2.5 Stars
Art – 2.5 Stars
Colors -3 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by: Ralph Tedesco
Art by: Renzo Rodriguez
Colors by: Fran Gamboa & J.C. Ruiz
Published by: Zenescope Entertainment
Author Profile
- 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
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