ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘I Hate Fairyland,’ Issue #1

I Hate Fairyland #1 is published by Image Comics and written by Skottie Young, with art by Brett Bean, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and letters by Nate Piekos. After spending most of her life in Fairyland, Gert is back in the real world and just struggling to get by. As it turns out, being a maniacal, axe-wielding killer in a magical world doesn’t prepare you for customer service or navigating traffic. Times are tough, but there might be a cure for her struggles.

This series opens up with a brief overview of Gert’s previous experiences in Fairyland. A series of double-page spreads depict Gert’s transformation from an innocent girl to an engine of destruction gorgeously. The epic scale of these pages and the level of mayhem they present to the reader builds up an impactful opening to this book, which brilliantly imparts to the reader the soul-crushing drudgery that working at the counter of Dragon Dogs is for Gert back in the real world.

All of Bean’s art depicting Gert’s struggle with navigating work life in I Hate Fairyland #1 does an excellent job of delivering how such work often feels. From grotesque trash dumpsters to parodies of humanity I wish I could convince myself are impossible to find in real life, the book pulls no punches in driving home just how terrible Gert’s problems with the real world are. Job after job finds her being beaten down again and again as the revolving door of employment opportunities comes and goes.

But just when Gert has hit true rock bottom, having been cast out of even the bar she takes refuge in between her adventures in the job market, she is picked up by some people who need her for a job. One she is uniquely qualified for. And given just how bad Young has set up her current situation, it doesn’t seem likely she’ll be able to turn it down, no matter how much she may want to.

I Hate Fairyland #1 delivers two things above all else, character and a grotesque style of violence. These two elements come together surprisingly well for me. The violence feels like a reflection of Gert’s mental state and perspective, lending it a figurative element that makes it feel like more than blood and gore for simple shock value. This doesn’t lessen the intensity of the book’s violent moments as Bean plasters blood and body parts all over several panels. Reader, be warned, if you are sensitive to seeing people’s insides on the outside, I would pass on this one.

The in-your-face nature of the art is further elevated by Beaulieu’s brilliant work. Thanks to the bright and vibrant colors, every element on these panels absolutely pops. Rounding out the visual presentation is a lettering performance by Piekos that flows wonderfully with the art. Altogether, you have a remarkably cohesive look to this story.

When all is said and done, I Hate Fairyland #1 delivers everything it sets out to. Loaded with character, fans of Gert’s adventures should have plenty to look forward to as this series continues.

I Hate Fairyland #1 is available November 16 wherever comics are sold.