Review: Phoenix Files #2 & Belle: From Beyond
From Zenescope Entertainment
The second issue of Phoenix Files and a new Belle adventure are out now from Zenescope Entertainment, with more to discover about the enigmatic agent!
Phoenix Files #2
After the revelations of the last issue, our heroes must wade through the deep and murky waters of Agent Phoenix’s shadowy past to prevent the coming of the heir of Dagon! But when the darkness threatens to overwhelm and consume him, can Avril Williams save herself, her friend, and potentially the world from a grisly fate?!
Story Joe Brusha, Dave Franchini, David Wohl & Chas! PangburnWriter Chas! Pangburn Artwork Julius Abrera
Colors Fran Gamboa With J.C. Ruiz Letters Chas! Pangburn
Editor David Wohl Production & Design Christopher Cote
Although this is pretty much an all-action issue, we don’t get many answers as to what is behind all of this.
Nevertheless, this was an entertaining issue, with a new addition to the story and something additional in terms of the threat to get us into the final issue of this mini-series.
Phoenix and Avril are fighting off monsters, while the witch is trying to make something similar to Phoenix. Instead of fire, though, we have water - and it makes me wonder if there is to be air and earth added at some point. Interestingly, the women who seem to be put forward in this are adults, while Phoenix was a baby…
Even so, the trio escape, and we get a run to an evacuation - a trap - but in the meantime, this newly powered individual, Tempest, discovers her powers. It’s well done but ultimately fruitless as the three are captured. This leads us to the cliffhanger ending as we get to the conclusion.
The action in this issue was well played out, with each character getting their time to shine. Even the villain and monsters get their licks in.
The artwork seems to have a lot of fun, with different scenes, monsters and action levels.
Roll on the final issue!
Belle: From Beyond
A wickedness has been spreading throughout the world and the greater Grimm Universe, and no one will be left untouched. As Belle’s life is pulled into this cosmic conflict, she must investigate a distress beacon sent to her from C.H.I.P. that reveals a whole new level of beasts much more insidious and deadly than anything she has faced before!
Writer Dave Franchini Artwork Rodrigo XavierColors Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Letters Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios)
Editor Dave Franchini Production & Design Christopher Cote
This was an interesting read. At first, I thought it was another standalone Belle story, but this looks like it will link to something bigger and something that will pull Belle into the larger Grimm Universe.
I think that is a good idea, I like the GFT titles are an ensemble story, with various characters being brought in when needed, and I think this should happen more often.
In this issue, Belle gets a weird message from CHIP, and you already know (without the prologue) that things are not going well. I like how this builds up; we get some good action throughout.
Belle needs to have it out with CHIP and their leader, and this looks to be a prime time to do it!
The issue does have an ending, and things look to be finished until we get that interesting epilogue. This is something to look forward to in the future.
