Review - Grimm Tales of Terror: The Bridgewater Triangle #1 (@Zenescope)

"It's morning, and the swamp awakens..."

Superstition and urban folktales bring with them plenty of horror, much of which comes from uncertainty. In Grimm Tales of Terror: The Bridgewater Triangle #1 from Zenescope Comics, what is certain is that people who don't appreciate the severity of a legend will pay the price. The issue is written by Brian Studler, illustrated by Deivis Goetten, colored by Maxflan Araujo and lettered by Fabio Amelia.

Massachusetts locals know that the Bridgewater Triangle is the site of many paranormal occurrences. It is said to be filled with giant snakes, sightings of UFOs, evil vengeful creatures, and even ghostly hauntings. As six college freshmen are soon to find out, some of the legends contained within the borders are anything but...and making it out of the triangle proves to be more difficult than finding your way in.

The premise behind the series is intriguing, as Studler roots the issue in the rumors of real-life, strange phenomenon in the area known as Bridgewater Triangle. The first half of the issue is spent with Danny (one of the protagonists) explaining to his travel companions the history of the area and how many unexplained things have happened there. It's a good setup, as it informs the reader as well of some of the things to be on the lookout for, but once one of the aforementioned strange things happens the narrative gets a little chaotic. Studler focuses on two of the characters as they encounter strange creatures, with most of the dialogue a series of expletives and gasps. There's an attempt to infuse some history into the issue; however, the end result is what's expected from a horror comic.

Goetten gives each of the characters distinctive enough characteristics where they're easily recognizable apart from one another. Still, the entire book has a high-gloss feel to it that makes all the characters feel shiny and overtly beautiful (as if to check off the horror trope boxes). There's an interesting arrangement of perspectives as Goetten introduces the reader to the characters, with each successive panel adding more characters as the perspective moves from the back of the car to the front. The creatures in question look sufficiently human yet grotesque in their own way, providing a bit of terror visually. Araujo's colors feel very vivid and a little counterintuitive for a book that relies on the night to add to the atmosphere.

Grimm Tales of Terror: The Bridgewater Triangle #1 seems to have gotten a lot right about the lore of the area. Danny and company are there for various reasons and it's likely though that Danny will get exactly what he wants out of the trip in terms of encountering strange things. Studler's script feels pretty threadbare and lacking anything really substantive. Goetten's illustrations are basic and get the job done when it comes to showcasing the characters and their environs. Grimm Tales of Terror: The Bridgewater Triangle #1 takes a look at an area that may not be as well-known to those outside of Massachusetts.

Grimm Tales of Terror: The Bridgewater Triangle #1 is available September 18.