Grimm Fairy Tales #37: The Beginning of a New Universe

Grimm Fairy Tales takes a dark turn in issue #37 as Merlin’s plans come to fruition and Skye finds herself imprisoned both physically and mentally. It’s an issue that unravels rather quickly as things just keep getting worse and worse for Skye, but it sure is an entertaining read!

The entire arc which has been titled “Odyssey” will be coming to a close in the upcoming annual issue, so this penultimate story had a bit of ground to cover to set up an epic finale. I was pleased to see that it wasn’t just a filler though. Instead, it’s a pivotal moment as Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table make their move, catching Skye off guard by giving her the full set of armor she had been seeking on her own and placing her within their grasp for control. It’s exciting and fast paced, never forgetting to not take itself too seriously with camp and humor, but it also keeps a dark edge to the story.

Skye Mathers once again helps to elevate the issue with her great characterization thanks to Franchini as well as the artists Lima and Cortes. Her struggle has reached a tipping point in this issue and even as she starts to lose control over to Merlin and the rest of the Knights, she fights them at every chance she gets. Her charm fades into vulnerability in Grimm Fairy Tales #37 and it honestly makes it that much easier to root for her. While she is undoubtedly a highlight, even as the situation spirals out of her control and she’s force to just be reactive to most of what happens, the rest of the characters somewhat fade into the background. Their designs all start to clash when together and though you may remember Skye and Merlin, the others just don’t stand out as much.

These issues stem partly from sometimes stiff artwork, but it also comes from the notion that they are just the muscle of the operation with little to add outside of looking threatening. They come in handy for a well executed fight sequence that is a welcome change of pace, but some of the visual choices are questionable. Even then, there is a lot to enjoy in Grimm Fairy Tales #37, from Skye’s fight to break free to some particularly exciting lettering from Esposito that helps to polish the story.

The conclusion set in the upcoming annual looks to be an exciting one, but after so long searching for the armor and bringing all these pieces together, I certainly hope the real fight between Skye and Merlin turns out to be an epic one! With the level of power being wielded right now, I’m expecting some interesting consequences to spin out of the conclusion of the “Odyssey” arc.