Reviews – Wonderland: Child Of Madness, Van Helsing: The Syndicate & Grimm Fairy Tales: 2023 Armed Forces Edition
From Zenescope Entertainment
Three new titles from Zenescope Entertainment this week. Wonderland starts a new arc; Van Helsing starts a new adventure and some teases for Robyn Hood in a special armed forces edition.
Wonderland: Child Of Madness #1
Everything must come to an end. But for Calie Liddle, her story is just beginning…again. Trapped in the form of an infant, and being raised by her daughter Violet, the Liddles must navigate this new form of madness if they hope to return to some semblance of normalcy, or be forever plagued by the insanity that is Wonderland.
Story Dave Franchini, David Wohl & Raven Gregory, Writer Raven Gregory, Artwork Giada Belviso, Colors Robby Bevard, Letters Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios), Editor David Wohl And Production & Design Christopher Cote
After the revelation of the last story arc, there is something to do, and a way to move forward. We get part of that story being told, with a resolution to a big (little) problem, but it seems there is something more going on in Wonderland that makes a problem for the Liddles’.
I found this to be an interesting beginning to the story. There are still those within Wonderland who are causing problems, and it looks like the mother/daughter combination are going up against them as well.
There is the issue with the Wonderland stories that they can get a little too twisted for newer readers to get into, even so, this one rounds up the problems and gets the ball rolling.
Some good art here, combining some of the mundane with the horror and madness you would expect from Wonderland.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Van Helsing: The Syndicate
After uncovering a nest of genetically enhanced vampires, Liesel Van Helsing has been investigating the source of this new threat. As she digs deeper, she realizes that the roots of this malevolence stretch further than she could have imagined.
Story Dave Franchini, David Wohl & Pat Shand, Writer Pat Shand, Artwork Hakan Aydin, Colors Grostieta, Letters Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios), Editor David Wohl And Production & Design Christopher Cote
Starting off a new adventure for Van Helsing, this issue leans into aspects of the past, but not enough for newer readers to not be able to get into the story.
Yes, there is mention of Julie, and her links to a mysterious company, but things quickly move away from that.
This shadowy organisation is made up of older vampires, and they have some new plans. What these have to do with the vampiric little girl is interesting and I see that being the next step for the battle between Van Helsing and the Vampires.
Even so, this was a good issue, with some commentary from Van Helsing that shows her current state of mind and mixed with some good action.
I’m looking forward to learning more about these new vampires, and their links to what is coming…
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Grimm Fairy Tales: 2023 Armed Forces Edition
Celebrating another year of America’s Armed Forces, don’t miss this special tribute issue to the women and men who help preserve and protect our freedom! Featuring an all new short story set in the Grimm Universe and special pin-up artwork, by some of the industry’s top talent, representing branches of the military.
Writer Dave Franchini, Artwork Eduardo Garcia, Colors Jorge Cortes, Letters Taylor Esposito (Of Ghost Glyph Studios), Editor Dave Franchini And Production & Design Christopher Cote
This issue does feature a selection of pinup art of all the characters from the Grimm Universe by a selection of artists. These are all very good and on-brand for Zenescope.
Also inside though is a short Robyn Hood story that looks to be building on her adventures in New York/Jersey.
Yes, New Jersey. Robyn has taken a short trip away from New York and is being chased by some creature. As to be expected from Robyn, there is a degree of snark and leaping over the rooftops. Something that is a mainstay of the character.
As her battle commences though, it appears that Robyn has one the day, but then a mysterious group take the incapacitated creature away. Their comments are interesting, and there is definitely something more going on here. This was a nice tease to what we will get to in future Robyn Hood stories.
Get It At Forbidden Planet:
