Superstar SKOTTIE YOUNG (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of Oz) makes his Image debut with an ALL-NEW SERIES! The Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes its cute little face against Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness has arrived. In an adventure that ain’t for the little kiddies, (unless you have super cool parents, then whatever), you’ll meet Gert—a six year old girl who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for thirty years and will hack and slash her way through anything to find her way back home. Join Gert and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

This comic book presents an intriguing twist on the fantasy genre, but ultimately it struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the concept behind this comic book of a dark, comedic take on fairy tales is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The story in this comic book follows Gertrude, a young girl trapped in the whimsical world of Fairyland for nearly three decades. Her mission to find a way home has turned into a violent, sarcastic escapade. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative filled with dark humor and subverted fairy tale tropes, aiming to entertain those who enjoy irreverent takes on classic themes. However, the reliance on shock value and over-the-top violence can overshadow the story’s potential depth.

The character development in this comic book is one of the weak points of this comic book. Gertrude, though initially intriguing as a protagonist with her jaded perspective and cynical humor, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations are clear, but the constant barrage of jokes and violent outbursts makes it hard to connect with her on a deeper emotional level. The supporting characters, while colorful and eccentric, serve more as comedic props than fully fleshed-out individuals.

The writing in this comic book relies heavily on humor, but it often feels forced and repetitive. The dialogue is packed with jokes and quips, but the relentless pace can become exhausting rather than engaging. This focus on humor at the expense of narrative development detracts from the overall storytelling, which has left me personally without a strong connection to the plot.

The artwork itself in this comic book is the highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the chaotic and colorful world of Fairyland with vivid detail and energy. The illustrations we get on this comic book bring the fantastical setting to life, with exaggerated character designs and dynamic compositions that complement the story’s tone. However, the art’s vibrant and whimsical nature sometimes contrasts sharply with the dark humor, creating a dissonance that can be distracting.

The pacing of this comic book is inconsistent, with scenes that either drag on with repetitive humor or rush through potentially interesting plot developments. This affects the overall flow, preventing the story from building meaningful momentum or emotional resonance. Key moments come and go without leaving a lasting impact, making it difficult for me personally to become invested in Gertrude’s journey.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of a twisted take on fairy tales holds potential for future development. With more focus on character growth and narrative depth, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into the themes and offer more satisfying story arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5