Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: Rise of Cthulhu #1- Zenescope
If you love The Cthulhu Mythos, this is the comic for you. Based on the works of writer H.P Lovecraft, this anthology brings four tales together to create one fluid story. It directly pulls inspiration, characters, and some events from H.P Lovecraft’s work, but with its own original twist.
We’ve repeatedly seen comics lose themselves due to the number of writers and artists on a project, but this is the exact opposite of that. Joe Brusha and his team smoothly transitioned between the individual stories while sticking to its overall thread.
Even if you don’t know much about Lovecraft’s work, this comic can easily be a good introduction to what it’s all about. The four mini-stories give the reader a look into multiple different beings that have a significant place in their universe. Also, the first appearance of Cthulhu comes in The Call of Cthulhu, and can also be a great starting point for new readers.
The Details
Written by: Joe Brusha
Artists: Julius Abrera, Massimiliano La Manno, Alessandro Uezu, Alessio Mariani
Colors: Maxflan Araujo
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Editor: David Wohl
Production & Design: Christopher Cote
Story: Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini, David Wohl, Christian Mendenhall, Abby Manus, Matthew Gray, Larry Younger, Tanya Wright
Release date: October 5th, 2022
Price: $8.99
Grimm Tales of Terror: Thread Story
The Thread Story is quite continuous, but not overpowering throughout the comic. After page 2, our narrator takes over to explain the strange happenings within their universe. Simply put, he speaks of unbelievable experiences he’s been told by others until he has a first-hand encounter of his own.
Keres, the Goddess of Death, pays him a visit seeking what she calls “his secrets”. Only once she finds what she’s looking for, the reader is brought through the terrible tales of which he speaks.
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Grimm Tales of Terror: Nyarlathotep
When an ancient artifact is brought to a museum, June is tasked to decipher its codes for Mr.Bennet. However, when her translation is finished, she uncovers the devious rituals and ceremonies that all lead back to one common theme… blood.
When blood hits the scroll, the outer god Nyarlathotep rises. It begins to form a following, a cult if you will, and continues to sacrifice others to steal their blood for more power. Nyarlathotep’s acts alone seem to be the end, but it is merely the beginning.
Grimm Tales of Terror: Deep Ones
A group of friends set out to one of their childhood homes; until they discover they’re lost. They decide to stop at the closest town when they’re met with a creepy fisherman. Strangely enough, also the only person around. When they return to their vehicle, they realize it won’t start, and they’re stuck without service.
They’re able to find a motel to stay in for the night, but begin to hear eerie noises just outside their door. Debbie makes Chad help her see what’s going on when they run into their other friend, Bob, only to realize Erin is missing. They go to investigate and find that this town isn’t what they thought it to be. The Deep Ones have taken over, and to keep their race alive they must sacrifice human females to reproduce their kind.
Grimm Tales of Terror: Star Spawn
An aquarium has been examining a new unknown species. When a new shipment comes in, they discover that this one is still alive. Dr. Patel goes to take a closer look at the creature and seemingly falls under its control to give it what it needs: food.
After eating every fish in the aquarium, it still needs more. Dr. Patel complies and somehow gives it just that. Later, Evelyn discovers an email from her coworker’s old friend, she finally realizes what the specimen has been doing. Evelyn searches for help, but can’t seem to trust anyone due to the unmerciful creature that has taken over. She sends a final message to the unknown friend just before her inevitable fate is met.
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Grimm Tales of Terror: Night At The Museum
Night At The Museum brings our stories to an end. Finally, our narrator explains his untimely death, and what evil is wreaking havoc on Earth.
Dr. Grant reflects on the strange emails he’s been receiving, and finally takes it upon himself to connect the pieces of the puzzle. He’s armed and ready, but the weapons he holds are not for his use. He needs to find the heir to help him put an end to this madness.
While making his way to the museum he is stopped by a few of Lovecraft’s vicious creatures, and the hold-up gives enough time for Nyarlathotep to discover what he’s up to. We see their encounter begin, only to flash forward to Keres coming to the end of the book she wields. Now, it is up to her to take on the many beasts. Cthulhu is coming, and it is up to her to stop it.
Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: Rise of Cthulhu #1- Art
Although there were many artists involved in this project (as credited above), the artwork felt smooth and concise. As seen on the credits page (back side of the cover) we see that a few of the artists worked throughout the comic, and not just a set of pages.
I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “gory” comic, but it does have its moments. Most artists would have offscreen shots of deaths or other horrific sights, but these artists were able to keep it on paper.
One of the most notable details to mention is the characters’ faces. Although there isn’t much detail in their actual looks, it’s about seeing their emotions come to life. When a character is feeling an emotion (especially fear) you can feel it too. Having that type of experience with a character is exhilarating, and just one of the many features to love about the art that went into this project.
Check out Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: Rise of Cthulhu #1
Whether you’re looking for Lovecraft (inspired) content or simply a great read, Grimm Tales of Terror: Rise of Cthulhu #1 can give you both. The effortless transitions between each story and the overall methodical plot will keep you hooked and coming back for more. Although there is no official release for the second issue, Zenescope is set to release the Grimm Tales of Terror: Holiday Special on December 14th, 2022. With the return of Keres, who knows what Brusha and his team have in store for us next.
