REVIEW: I Hate Fairyland #1

Story and Art: Skottie Young
Colors: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 10/14/2015

Following a lengthy run on Marvel“s OZ series and as one of the most currently sought after variant cover artists, Skottie Young“s star has never shined brighter. Deciding to capitalize on his current popularity, Young brings us his first official creator owned project this week with I Hate Fairyland #1.

Young teams up with his go-to colorist, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, to bring us a bright, bold, colorful, cute, disgusting and violent story about a young girl named Gertrude XXXX who receives her wish of being swept away to Fairyland. Upon arriving in this new, odd world of Fairyland, she learns her only way home is through a particular door and all she has to do is find the key to the door. 27 years later, Gert is still searching for said key. While she hasn“t aged on the outside, on the inside she has aged every minute of the 27 years that have passed. This results in a cute young lady running around with the attitude and aggression of a middle-aged adult.

The first issue of I Hate Fairyland is a simple setup issue. We are introduced to our main character, some supporting characters and what appears to be the primary antagonist of the first story arc. We get our first glimpse of what a day in the life of Gert is like while searching for the key to her freedom, and witness the type of trouble that her adult attitude gets her into. The world Skottie Young has dreamed up is large and ambitious. He has invented all types of characters and environments for this story, and is not skimping on the detail. Major props are due to colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu. This book would not be what it is without his contribution, as every page is a treat for the eyes thanks to the vibrant color schemes. While it is beautiful to look at, the book is not without its issues. The story itself could have been a little stronger, but considering this was just the first issue and seemed to be intended to introduce us to the main characters I look beyond that. I also wonder if this book will struggle to find its audience. The cute, colorful design of the book immediately draws a younger eye to the book, but the mature content of the story is suited for an adult reader. Hopefully this becomes a non-issue and the book has a chance to find its feet and make a run.

Final Verdict: I Hate Fairyland #1 is an ambitious new entry into the world of creator owned comics. It“s refreshing to see a creator try something new like Skottie Young has done here. I recommend buying the book for the art alone, however, I caution this book is not for kids. Don“t let the cute characters and bright colors trick you into letting your little girl get her hands on this one.

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