We once again join Gertrude the Gruesome and her guide Larrigon (or Larry for short)Â as she attempts to find the key that will get her out of Fairyland and back to the real world after about four decades stuck in Fairyland.
When Gertrude is dismissed by her idol, Gwag the Barbarian at the Fairyland version of comic con she decides to show up get mentor by being one herself. She takes young Maddie under her wing as the girl idolizes Gertrude and wants to be just like her.
Maddie is pretty much a mirror image of Gertrude who realizes the monster that her time in Fairyland has made her and decides to turn over a new leaf, right after taking out Maddie (Maddie the Murderous as she comes to be known). She realizes that her murderous ways may be what has prevented her from going home and that the only way out may be to be a good girl.
The quest for redemption is not without its hiccups, like taking out a whole clan of Shitake warriors (you guessed it, mushroom people) and facing a few creepy marriage proposals.
After completing a quest and undergoing a startling change Gertrude does in fact become good and finds her key, but much as her luck usually goes the other shoe drops and so does Gertrude. Â I won’t tell you what happens to her, but I will say anyone who ever told Gertrude to go to hell will have a big smile on their face.
The ending sets us up for a new direction as Gertrude is back to her old murderously sociopathic self and facing a new challenge that makes getting out of Fairyland look easy.
I love the artwork in this book. Young has a flair for comedic goriness and it’s doubtful many others could do the material the proper justice.
Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s color palate is something that really brings the world of Fairyland to life. Bright vivid colors give the fantasy world of Fairyland it’s personality and makes it jump off the page.
The lettering from Nick Piekos sells the mood and the absurd over the top nature of Fairyland and Gertrude’s adventures there. Piekos is a sterling example of why letterers deserve more credit as much of the mood is conveyed by his work.
I enjoyed my return to Fairyland a lot more than Gertrude enjoyed being there and I look forward to seeing what Young and his team have in store for her next.
Story: 4.5
Art: 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
(W) Skottie Young (A/CA) Skottie Young
Collects I HATE FAIRYLAND #11-15
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