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Grimm Fairy Tales: Beyond Wonderland #4 Posted 29 Aug 2009Writer: Raven Gregory, Ralph Tedesco and Joe Brusha (story); Raven Gregory (writer)
Reviewed by Sara Michelle Kowalczyk |
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This is the tale of Johnny Liddle and his descent into madness. After his sister, Calie, sends him to Wonderland, Johnny dons the costume and persona of the Mad Hatter. He returns to Earth to exact revenge upon his sister.
This was my favorite Beyond Wonderland issue. The best part of the book is when Johnny finds himself in the forest surrounded by four beautiful flowers. Not to be confused with the Disney version, these buxom blossoms are deadly; they try to seduce Johnny into becoming plant food.
Johnny is completely insane; he assumes the role of the Mad Hatter perfectly. He’s a violent sociopath with a sick sense of humor. Johnny reminds me of the Joker, but a younger, darker version. He’s also got a pet cat that can mutate into a hideous, snarling beast.
As always, Raven Gregory’s story is enchanting. Raven is a master storyteller. He’s re-written fairy tales for an adult audience. I loved Dan Leister’s artwork. It’s cartoony yet grim; true to the title. Ryan Stegman’s cover of Alice all chained up and the shadow of the Mad Hatter looming in the background is both sexy and sick. It sets the stage for the book.
I recommend reading any of the Zenescope comics. They take the fairy tales we loved as children and twist them into modern, gruesome interpretations for grownups.