Grimm Fairy Tales 2014 Holiday Edition Review

Does this one-shot fit the occasion? Read on to find out.

The official description from Zenescope:

Every year, Krampus surfaces during the Holidays to punish humans most deserving his wrath. However, the being known to bring death on Christmas wasn’t always a vengeful killer. The origin of the most feared and ruthless monster of the Holiday season is finally revealed!

What I love most about Grimm Fairy Tales is that there really is no other ongoing series that treats us with time tested traditions and characters with that oh so special dose of horror. And that’s the magic the varied outings bring out, and as we enter yet another season change the students at Arcane Acre are in for one hell of a story.

Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco and Pat Shand work with script writer Anne Toole to ring in the Holidays with a not-so-merry yarn. The students gather around to hear the story of Krampus, while their teacher steps outside to deal with a more direct threat. What follows in an arc that plays wholly in the post-Realm War context, as dedicated fanboys and fangirls are given just a few additional bread crumbs regarding the troubles that are bound to come their way. In short: it’s an interesting adventure that plays with the best the company has to offer and it held my attention too.

The narrative flows like a kids fable but it’s the artwork by Butch Mapa which offered something I did not expect. For some reason, in my eyes, the characters involved in the origins of this Christmas terror seemed almost Disney-esque. Which, again for me, played perfectly into the strengths of the literary jaunt while also giving just enough room to frighten children. Add in the colors by Hedwin Zaldivar and Valentina Pinto and the book ends up with a rather fitting display.

Grimm Fairy Tales 2014 Holiday Edition is exactly what it promised to be and a bit more. If you’re new to this world go back and pick up #101 to #104 because trust me this is a treat you’re bound to enjoy. Recommended.