Grimm Fairy Tales: Holiday 2013

The holiday season approaches again which means Krampus is up to no good.  So, when Robyn gets an invite to a party being held by Sela, you just know it’s going to be crashed by Krampus.  Join Sela, Robyn Liesel VanHelsing and Red Riding Hood for a Christmas party unlike any other, as the forces of evil are out for blood and their target is one of the guests.  From the cantankerous cranium of Pat Shand, the 2013 Holiday Special shows off Robyn’s true Christmas spirit.

Like most of Zenescope’s holiday specials, this one is divided up into several smaller stories that revolve around a main one.  And with this being a Christmas tale, you know Krampus is out for blood.  Although this time around Krampus is targeting one of the main female protagonists of the Grimm Universe, I feel as though this story structure is getting a little “old-hat” so to speak.  It’s great that Krampus’ story is being developed with each holiday installment, but it would be cool to see more of a giant-sized Christmas epic instead of having it broken up so much.  However this isn’t just a story for Krampus, this is Robyn’s Christmas story.  We get to see her out of her element, no enemies, yet, no vengeance, just Robyn trying to act casual at a Christmas party.  Nice change of pace for her and some great character development here.

I definitely enjoyed the overall story.  Had a great time watching Robyn struggle through Sela’s party.  This really has been the only time she hasn’t been running from the law or hunting someone, or something, down, so rather interesting to see how she handles herself in a social situation.  I’ve become quite enamored with Robyn ever since Pat introduced her to the world and it’s been great watching this character develop into something so awesome.  Robyn’s character development aside, this issue has a nice mix of art styles that help each little sub-story stand out. 

That being said however, I think I’m forever going to have a problem with Zenescope’s inconsistent use of a single artist per issue.  It works alright with this special edition given the way its set up, but I see this far too many times with their regular books and it just bothers me.  Hey, some people may enjoy the variety, but for me personally it just doesn’t sit well.  So, aside from that and a “it’s been done” story structure, I really did enjoy this issue.

So, comes to close another year in the Grimm Universe and as usual, all is not well.  Pain and death are around every corner this holiday season and only Sela and crew can put a stop to it.  So, grab your blanket and your sword, lest the Krampus sees you gored.  Fix yourself a Christmas snack then wait for the attack.  Pick this up and then you’ll nestle with the 2013 Holiday Special.  For more info on where find this issue, visit the Zenescope website, or the Zenescope Facebook page.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer under no pressure from Krampus...we think.