Tales From Wonderland-The Red Rose Review (Zenescope …
I have to start off once again by saying how much I love Zenescope Entertainment. I am proud to say, I’ve been a reader of this company since day one and today, I get the pleasure to bring you, Tales From Wonderland-The Red Rose, a one-shot from the Grimm Fairy Tales world. This was written by the awesome writers, Ralph Tedesco and Joe Brusha ( co-creators of Zenescope ), as well as Raven Gregory. Art was provided by Tommy Patterson and Mike Debalfo.
If you had read my Charmed # 1 review, you will know that this wasn’t really my cup of tea. However, when I heard about this story, which deals with Elizabeth Bathory, I was very excited, as her story has always piqued my interest. She always wanted to have eternal life, and through this comic, she gets that chance, but not as one may think. She basically becomes, what made me think of Poison Ivy. There is some back story to why Elizabeth became this blood thirsty Countess of Transylvania, which was the most interesting part of this tale. Once you see her transformed into this vine creature and into the one that is called Rose, it kind of lost my attention. I would have rather this have been a longer story and see her more of Elizabeth, rather than Rose.
However, it is still a very good story. I just wish there had been more of Elizabeth’s history. It was also interesting to hear Baba Yaga mentioned in this tale. How can you go wrong with a woman that flies around on a broomstick and takes kids away and eats them but can also be sought out to seek favors and wisdom. I’m hoping that she will return to these great stories, instead of just the name drop.
I know I’m very partial to Zenescope, so of course my review is going to suggest other readers to buy this book. Of course, you might want to go back and buy everything Zenescope has put out. Even if you haven’t read any of the other books, this one can stand alone. The art is terrific too and usually, all of the Grimm Fairy Tales books, are on top of my MUST READ LIST. I usually read them as soon as I get home from the comic shop and I suggest that you do the same. Until then, take a second to consider that “Adversity introduces a man to himself.”
Jason LawsonStaff Reviewer