Gin and Comic #29: I Hate Fairyland Compendium One: The Whole Fluffing Tale – A Wild and Whimsical Ride
Welcome to the 29th edition of Gin and Comic, where we sit back, crack open a drink, and dive deep into the best graphic novels out there. This week, we’re beyond excited to talk about I Hate Fairyland Compendium One: The Whole Fluffing Tale by Skottie Young, a collection that brings together all 20 issues of this outrageous, irreverent series. We picked up this trade paperback from Skottie himself at Terrificon, where our booth was right across from his, and only now, relaxing with a Headway IPA from Counter Weight Brewing Co. after a long day of yardwork, did we finally get to read it. It was worth the wait, with I Hate Fairyland offering an explosive mix of dark humor, chaotic fun, and stunning visuals.
A Darkly Hilarious Take on Fairy Tales
In I Hate Fairyland, Skottie Young flips the script on classic whimsical stories. Gertrude, a 6-year-old girl, becomes trapped in Fairyland for almost 30 years, mentally aging but stuck in her childlike body. Tired of the saccharine world, she embarks on a violent, sarcastic mission to escape. Skottie Young’s writing bursts with biting humor and outrageous gags that turn traditional fairy tale tropes upside down. Every page keeps the laughs coming as Gertrude wreaks havoc across the absurd landscape.
Skottie Young’s Iconic Art
What makes I Hate Fairyland unforgettable is Skottie Young’s unique art style. His exaggerated, cartoonish characters perfectly suit the chaotic and violent tone of the story. The contrast between the bright, whimsical setting and the gruesome, often blood-soaked action enhances the absurdity. Every panel is full of life and energy, with intricate details that demand attention. The book’s visual appeal keeps readers hooked, blending humor and horror in a way few can.
Fast-Paced Action and Sharp Dialogue
The story’s pacing mirrors Gertrude’s impatience—fast and relentless. Young ensures there’s never a dull moment, with each issue packed full of humor, combat, and sharp dialogue. Gertrude’s foul-mouthed quips add a layer of humor that matches the series’ chaotic energy. The fast pace keeps readers engaged, making the journey through Fairyland as frantic and unpredictable as its protagonist.
Vibrant Colors by Jean-François Beaulieu
Jean-François Beaulieu’s vibrant colors elevate the art. The fairy tale world of Fairyland is painted in bright, saturated hues that contrast sharply with the dark humor and violence. Beaulieu’s palette captures the whimsical but twisted nature of Fairyland, enhancing both the story’s comedic and brutal elements. The colorful, almost sickly sweet visuals make the violence feel even more exaggerated and entertaining.
If You Liked I Hate Fairyland, Try These…
If you enjoyed I Hate Fairyland, Skottie Young’s other work, Middlewest, is a natural follow-up, exploring a more emotional but equally imaginative world. For those who want more dark humor and magical mayhem, Curse Words by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne will hit the right notes. You might also want to check out Bully Wars, another Skottie Young creation, where humor and mayhem reign in a more relatable setting.
Why You Should Read I Hate Fairyland Compendium One
I Hate Fairyland Compendium One gives you 560 pages of gut-busting laughter, dynamic art, and a story that’s wildly unpredictable. Skottie Young’s creative genius shines in both writing and illustration, making this compendium a must-read for fans of dark humor and twisted fairy tales. With the entire series packed into one volume, it’s an amazing deal for less than $35. Whether you’re already a fan or experiencing Gertrude’s misadventures for the first time, this collection delivers endless entertainment.
This review is part of our Amazon Associates program. We’ve been enjoying I Hate Fairyland, and by trying out this program, we hope to support our site. If you’re interested in purchasing it, you can do so through this link. Your support helps us continue to bring you the best in comic book news and trade paperback exchanges.
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