Review: Grimm Fairy Tales #39

The keeper of the tales has been trapped for a while by her nemesis, and now she’s back to make people’s lives turn around for the better.  But what if the person who needs to change, would really rather return to what they know best?

Enter the story of The Frog and the Scorpion.  Readers are introduced to Diana, a girl who has her act together, serving as the au pair for three darling children – or so we’re lead to believe as the children live in a nice house, get along with each other, all while the parents are traveling in Europe to celebrate their anniversary.  Things look really good for the girl, until her boyfriend starts hassling her about not being able to hook up because she’s with the children 24/7.

A knock on the door changes all that, when Janine, an old friend comes a calling. Diane and Janine aren’t on the best of terms due to a past relationship that looks like it ended the good times between the two.  Janine promises she’s changed her ways, as she’s left her scum bag boyfriend and cleaned up her act.

Anyone who’s remotely familiar with Grimm Fairy Tales knows things aren’t going to end with a big group hug, and after a few days, Diane begins to believe Janine’s guff.  And as expected, when Janine convinces Diane to get out of the house for the evening, Janine slips back into her old ways.  Fortunately, Sela shows up and has Diane read the tale of The Frog and The Scorpion, and by the end of the tale, Diane realizes Janine hasn’t changed her ways, rushing back home just in time to save the children from disaster.

Of all the Grimm Fairy Tales I’ve read, and I’ve read nearly all of them, this issue features the shortest tale ever, and does it in a way that doesn’t draw the character into the story for some shocking Twilight Zone twist.  This change in story formula at first seemed out of place, but the breaking of the formula by Joe Brusha is quite welcome.

Still, it’s kind of ironic that the tale featured in this issue is the frog and the scorpion as Zenescope continues to deliver comics that are in its nature – buxom lasses, dressed in skimpy wear, learning valuable life lessons that empower them to do better.  Even the weaver of the tale, Sela has learned that no matter what happens, Belinda is always going to try and bring her down.  Here’s hoping the final page of the story has her gearing up to turn the tables on her foe.

Cliff Richards continues to serve up a huge slice of cheesecake in this all girl issue, and there’s really nothing to complain about. Sure, there is the sexist angle many will jump on, but it really isn’t any worse than what one would find in any other comic book written and drawn for the target demographic.

I’ve read worse issues of Grimm Fairy Tales, and while the flashback caused the story to stumble a bit, Grimm Fairy Tales #39 still is engaging enough to earn 3.5 out of 5 Stars.