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I Hate Fairyland
I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1: Madly Ever After
From superstar writer and artist Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of OZ, Fortunately, The Milk), comes the first volume of an all-new series of adventure and mayhem.
An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes it's cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year olds body who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.
Collecting Issues #1-5 for only $9.99. "Skottie Young is an Eisner Award-Winning, New York Times Bestselling cartoonist who has been making comics and children's books for over fifteen years. Books such as Rocket Raccoon, the Wizard of Oz graphic novels, Little Marvel and Fortunately, The Milk have made him a fan favorite, critically-aclaimed writer and artist.
Jean-Francios Beaulieu is the colorist behind the award-winning Wizard of OZ graphic graphic novels and has worked with Skottie Young for over ten years.
Nate Piekos is an award-winning letter and designer who has created some of the industry's most popular fons and has used them to letter comic books for Marvel, DC, Oni Press, Dark Horse and many more."
An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes it's cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year olds body who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.
Collecting Issues #1-5 for only $9.99. "Skottie Young is an Eisner Award-Winning, New York Times Bestselling cartoonist who has been making comics and children's books for over fifteen years. Books such as Rocket Raccoon, the Wizard of Oz graphic novels, Little Marvel and Fortunately, The Milk have made him a fan favorite, critically-aclaimed writer and artist.
Jean-Francios Beaulieu is the colorist behind the award-winning Wizard of OZ graphic graphic novels and has worked with Skottie Young for over ten years.
Nate Piekos is an award-winning letter and designer who has created some of the industry's most popular fons and has used them to letter comic books for Marvel, DC, Oni Press, Dark Horse and many more."
128 pages, Library Binding
First published April 20, 2016
123 people are currently reading
10249 people want to read
About the author
Skottie Young
648 books1,041 followersSkottie Young has been an illustrator and cartoonist for over ten years working for entertainment and publishing companies such Marvel, Warner Bros., Image, Upper Deck, Mattel, and many more.
He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum's OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.
Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.
He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum's OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.
Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,642 reviews
February 10, 2018
So, this is the story of a little girl that gets sucked into a magical fairyland, and 30 years later is still stuck there...as a little girl.
The concept is cute and the art is cute.<--gory but cute!
However, after a while, I was sort of bored with not only Gertrude's attitude but with the overuse of words like fluffer & mother duckling to take the place of curse words.
Skottie Young is an awesome artist, but I'm just not always a big fan of the way he writes. The plot in this one was sort of (to me) juvenile and I just can't see myself wanting to read more about Gertrude's adventures. She's annoying as fuck, and while it was funny to see the first few magical creatures explode/get eaten/die horrifically by her hand, I was just over it towards the end. It's a readable story, but nothing really struck a chord or made me want MORE. To me, it had the Jackass shock appeal and not much else.
Besides the art! <--again, very cute
I'm very much in the minority with this opinion, so it's probably a case of it's not you, it's me. Perhaps I just expected too much? If you're on the fence, I'd recommend checking out all the glowing reviews for this sucker.
The concept is cute and the art is cute.<--gory but cute!
However, after a while, I was sort of bored with not only Gertrude's attitude but with the overuse of words like fluffer & mother duckling to take the place of curse words.
Skottie Young is an awesome artist, but I'm just not always a big fan of the way he writes. The plot in this one was sort of (to me) juvenile and I just can't see myself wanting to read more about Gertrude's adventures. She's annoying as fuck, and while it was funny to see the first few magical creatures explode/get eaten/die horrifically by her hand, I was just over it towards the end. It's a readable story, but nothing really struck a chord or made me want MORE. To me, it had the Jackass shock appeal and not much else.
Besides the art! <--again, very cute
I'm very much in the minority with this opinion, so it's probably a case of it's not you, it's me. Perhaps I just expected too much? If you're on the fence, I'd recommend checking out all the glowing reviews for this sucker.
May 18, 2018
THIS WAS SO FLUFFING GOOD.
February 15, 2021
"Is anyone ever really ready for a riddle? They're kind of the worst, right?"
Who never dreamed of getting sucked into the Wonderful World of Fairyland?
That would be Gertrude. Do not fear, though, because as always in Wonderland (or whatever its name) she only has to find the Key to come back to her world.
Meanwhile, Gertrude can embrace all the joy and fluff and RIDDLES and - IT'S BEEN TWENTY-SEVEN FLUFFING YEARS, during which Gertrude offered the
Alright, she might be *a little* bitter -
But the girl's stuck into her 8 years-old body and you know, WHO WOULDN'T BE BITTER?
Alright. That girl. ANYWAY. Skottie Young raises valid questions, if you ask me : Aren't all these colors just too BRIGHT for the human brain? Don't you want to shoot that guy over there who's narrating your tale ON LIVE? Aren't riddles just FLUFFING ANNOYING?
I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1: Madly Ever After is violent - bloody gore, even - full of cursing and oh so impertinent. If I can't say that I loved it, because there's just so much slash and kill I can take, and if the humor was a little too much on the ew, gross side for me, I still enjoyed all the references thrown into the story and -
I LOVE LARRY. Gertrude's (forced) guide shows the perfect kind of blasé sarcasm I adore. Every one of his deadpan remarks are one million times funnier than Gertrude's over-the-top craziness.
Here you go.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
_____________
This cover cracked me up so much (because I'm a 6 years old, or so it seems) that I used it for my GR pict - now let's just hope that what's inside is just as crazy.
August 11, 2022
Why Lovely Gertrude, the enchantingly charismatic main character in this graphic novel, is my dream child
:
① She has the mostest awesomest name ever in the history of mostest awesomest names ever.
② She is a 37-year-old in asometimes slightly damaged super cute 10-year-old's body.
Such a youthfully gorgeous heroine indeed.
③ She has the sweetest disposition ever.
Gertrude dear, you are such a darling. Why aren't all children like you, I wonder?
④ Her delightfully flowery language would make Lord Alfred Tennyson proud.
Ah, the Fluff Thing (FT™). Were I not (for obvious reasons) already aslave fan of the Fish This, Fish That Thing (FTFTT™), I'd definitely adopt the FT™ as my Go-To Cursing System (GTCS™).
⑤ She is a gentle, caring, compassionate child withhomicidal tendencies lots of love to give.
Yes, she has quite a knack for making lifelong friends indeed.
Gertie here really is the mostest perfectest child, is she not? Sheslaughters away gleefully always plays nice, curses like a truckload of foul-mouthed sailors expresses herself in the quaintest, most charming way and is quite certainly the most bitter, vengeful, nasty sweetest-tempered girl you'll ever get to meet. A dream child, I tell you! No wonder revoltingly cheery tarts some of her playmates sometimes try to kill her with disgusting rainbows keep flowering her with adorable outbursts of colorful explosions. If anyone deserves it, it's definitely Sweet Gertie here. And the beauty of it is, she always reacts so very graciously to those vile assaults loving displays of affection. I mean, other kids would probably respond badly if put in such a fluffing predicament an awkward situation. I'm pretty sure some would even be "forever teetering on the edge of a riddle-induced psychotic break and the dark abyss of a diabetic coma." But Gentle Gertie here? That is just not her. Nope nope nope. Because she is all love, kindness, tolerance, affection, cheerfulness, compassion and pure, unadulterated congeniality.
Yeah, that's my Gertie alright.
» And the moral of this I Suck So Much at Non-Reviewing Comics I Should be Outlawed or Something Super Extra Crappy Non Review (ISSMaNRCISBOoSSECNR™) is: you love fluffy bunnies, cute kitties and pastel-colored rainbows? Then this is the comic for you. Trust me on that one.
· Volume 2: Fluff My Life ★★★★
· Volume 3: Good Girl ★★★★
· Volume 4: Sadly Never After ★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This. Comic.
And also:
Full Gertrude Dear You Are My Delightfully Bloodthirsty and Slightly Unbalanced Hero Super Crappy Non Review (GDYAMDBaSUHSCNR™) to come.
① She has the mostest awesomest name ever in the history of mostest awesomest names ever.
② She is a 37-year-old in a
Such a youthfully gorgeous heroine indeed.
③ She has the sweetest disposition ever.
Gertrude dear, you are such a darling. Why aren't all children like you, I wonder?
④ Her delightfully flowery language would make Lord Alfred Tennyson proud.
Ah, the Fluff Thing (FT™). Were I not (for obvious reasons) already a
⑤ She is a gentle, caring, compassionate child with
Yes, she has quite a knack for making lifelong friends indeed.
Gertie here really is the mostest perfectest child, is she not? She
Yeah, that's my Gertie alright.
» And the moral of this I Suck So Much at Non-Reviewing Comics I Should be Outlawed or Something Super Extra Crappy Non Review (ISSMaNRCISBOoSSECNR™) is: you love fluffy bunnies, cute kitties and pastel-colored rainbows? Then this is the comic for you. Trust me on that one.
· Volume 2: Fluff My Life ★★★★
· Volume 3: Good Girl ★★★★
· Volume 4: Sadly Never After ★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This. Comic.
And also:
Full Gertrude Dear You Are My Delightfully Bloodthirsty and Slightly Unbalanced Hero Super Crappy Non Review (GDYAMDBaSUHSCNR™) to come.
June 5, 2020
Once upon a time the was a girl named Gertrude who wished she could be taken away to an amazing world filled with magic and wonder.
This review contains *spoilers*.
That was nearly thirty years ago. Gertrude, a forty year old woman, is now stuck in her eight year old's body that’s been trapped in the magical world of Fairyland.
Along with the help of a magical maggot (named Larrigon), she has to find the key to escape— but, of course, not without consequences and difficulties along their way out.
This story had so many outstanding color pallets that flipping to the next page kept me on the edge of my seat.
Though, funnily enough, I wasn’t expecting this to be so violent, bloody and crude— Gertrude’s way of handling and escaping situations was pretty messy. But by the end of it, I found it to work pretty well within the setting of the story.
And as I mentioned difficulties along their way out, Queen Cloudia is looking for ways to get rid of Gertrude. Because, as she states, it’s been 27 years too long.
Queens always keep their promises.
With Happy in town, Gertrude has to hurry and find the key or else…
And Gertrude always keeps her word.
Will she - with the help of a darker power - get her long beloved key and return home?
If you know Gertrude… not without some blood shed on the way out.
So to sum up, this volume was bloody, gory and at times funny—and those 3 attributes are always a great combination to have in a graphic novel.
Oh, and the last few pages made me super excited for the next volume! I NEED IT NOW.
3.5 stars
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
This review contains *spoilers*.
That was nearly thirty years ago. Gertrude, a forty year old woman, is now stuck in her eight year old's body that’s been trapped in the magical world of Fairyland.
Along with the help of a magical maggot (named Larrigon), she has to find the key to escape— but, of course, not without consequences and difficulties along their way out.
This story had so many outstanding color pallets that flipping to the next page kept me on the edge of my seat.
Though, funnily enough, I wasn’t expecting this to be so violent, bloody and crude— Gertrude’s way of handling and escaping situations was pretty messy. But by the end of it, I found it to work pretty well within the setting of the story.
And as I mentioned difficulties along their way out, Queen Cloudia is looking for ways to get rid of Gertrude. Because, as she states, it’s been 27 years too long.
Queens always keep their promises.
With Happy in town, Gertrude has to hurry and find the key or else…
And Gertrude always keeps her word.
Will she - with the help of a darker power - get her long beloved key and return home?
If you know Gertrude… not without some blood shed on the way out.
So to sum up, this volume was bloody, gory and at times funny—and those 3 attributes are always a great combination to have in a graphic novel.
Oh, and the last few pages made me super excited for the next volume! I NEED IT NOW.
3.5 stars
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 1, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
This review and more can be found on my blog.
March 3, 2016
Once upon a time, a little girl called Gertrude wished to visit a magical fantasy land - and then promptly found her wish granted! But when young Gertrude wished herself home, she discovered it not nearly as easy to leave Fairyland as it was to enter it…
Twenty-seven years later - she’s still looking for the way out.
Physically Gertie remains the cute ten year-old girl she was when she arrived in Fairyland; mentally, she’s thirty-seven and has become very, very disenchanted with how her life has turned out. To be more accurate, she’s homicidally insane and she’s gonna take out her fury on everyone in Fairyland!
Originally titled Fuck Fairyland, Skottie Young’s (more commercially viable title) I Hate Fairyland takes pure joy in wreaking havoc on the very notion of cutesiness and stuff for the kiddies. Young made his name on Marvel’s Oz series and drawing baby variant covers of its many superhero titles and this comic is like a reaction to those years of work where he creatively takes an axe to it all. I loved it, pure and simple. Cynicism be damned, this is entertaining as hell!
The violence is so over-the-top crazy, it’s breath-taking. In the first issue, Gertie literally blows the moon’s head off before turning her sights to the stars in the sky! She robs a casino in Las Fungus before getting fucked up on ‘shrooms - except they’re the heads of the mushroom police she’s devouring! Young starts as he means to go on and the violence from that point is unrelentingly nutty and extremely graphic - she’s like a tiny Punisher!
I loved the setup but was worried about the story to start with. Queen Cloudia decides to hire a hitman to protect her kingdom and kill Gertie once and for all and I thought that’d be a bit thin to last for the first arc. But I needn’t have worried because a much better storyline emerges after the first couple issues which really levels up the book. Then we get to that incredible finale and a genius final page that’ll have readers demanding that second volume right the fluff now!
And the language in Fairyland is so good. No-one can swear - despite Gertie really wanting to - so her swears turn out like “muffin hugger” and “fluff you”. By far my favourite was “boppy top” which I’m now going to start using in everyday language. What a great non-swear! No clue what it means, I just like the sound. Boppy top. Hehe!
The way Young leaves each issue on a cliffhanger which gets instantly resolved on the first page of the next issue feels like he’s taking the piss out of the comics format in general which is funny. And I thought, maybe Gertie’s too powerful - there’s no tension as she’s never really in any danger? And I suppose that’s the only criticism about this comic, which is that it’s a bit shallow. But Gertie’s invincible because it’s too fun not to have her trashing Fairyland – that is the whole comic really! And actually Fairyland isn’t the sort of book that needs to be very deep. Seeing this mini terror wielding giant axes, massive guns, and flying dragons is all it needs to be and it is that in spades.
I also really liked Gertie too. She’s definitely the bad guy of the book but I was still rooting for her. It’s sort of her fault that she’s been trapped in Fairyland for so long - she’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer - and that kind of vulnerability/comedy value makes her all the more likeable.
I haven’t even mentioned the art which is the real star of the show. If you’re not familiar with this guy’s work, Skottie Young is a sensational artist who brings his A-game to every panel in this book. It’s very appealingly cartoonish which is Young’s style all over but done with a fiendish new twist given the extreme violence of the book. And Fairyland itself is so beautifully fleshed out and developed, this entire book is pure eye-candy.
Young’s colourist from Oz, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, joins him in showing us the sheer beauty of Fairyland and his work on the colours can’t be understated. Young’s art is something else but it definitely wouldn’t have the same impact on the reader if it was in black and white. Beaulieu’s gorgeous, spectacular, vivid colours bring Fairyland to life.
There’s so much detail here I haven’t mentioned that I enjoyed. Her sidekick, Larrigon Wentsworth III, a Tom Waits version of Jiminy Cricket, the Jabba-like Slug Lord’s epic rhyme, the Disney-esque narrators who get theirs, the scene where we see what Gertie would look like if she looked normal now, the zombie fauns, Lord Darketh Deaddeath, the green beard – they’re too good and there’s even more inside! You’ll see the awesomeness I’m talking about when you read the comic for yourselves - it’s so richly textured.
I highly recommend I Hate Fairyland - this comic is deliriously original and fluffing wonderful! Them boppy tops, Young and Beaulieu, done good - I Love Fairyland!
Twenty-seven years later - she’s still looking for the way out.
Physically Gertie remains the cute ten year-old girl she was when she arrived in Fairyland; mentally, she’s thirty-seven and has become very, very disenchanted with how her life has turned out. To be more accurate, she’s homicidally insane and she’s gonna take out her fury on everyone in Fairyland!
Originally titled Fuck Fairyland, Skottie Young’s (more commercially viable title) I Hate Fairyland takes pure joy in wreaking havoc on the very notion of cutesiness and stuff for the kiddies. Young made his name on Marvel’s Oz series and drawing baby variant covers of its many superhero titles and this comic is like a reaction to those years of work where he creatively takes an axe to it all. I loved it, pure and simple. Cynicism be damned, this is entertaining as hell!
The violence is so over-the-top crazy, it’s breath-taking. In the first issue, Gertie literally blows the moon’s head off before turning her sights to the stars in the sky! She robs a casino in Las Fungus before getting fucked up on ‘shrooms - except they’re the heads of the mushroom police she’s devouring! Young starts as he means to go on and the violence from that point is unrelentingly nutty and extremely graphic - she’s like a tiny Punisher!
I loved the setup but was worried about the story to start with. Queen Cloudia decides to hire a hitman to protect her kingdom and kill Gertie once and for all and I thought that’d be a bit thin to last for the first arc. But I needn’t have worried because a much better storyline emerges after the first couple issues which really levels up the book. Then we get to that incredible finale and a genius final page that’ll have readers demanding that second volume right the fluff now!
And the language in Fairyland is so good. No-one can swear - despite Gertie really wanting to - so her swears turn out like “muffin hugger” and “fluff you”. By far my favourite was “boppy top” which I’m now going to start using in everyday language. What a great non-swear! No clue what it means, I just like the sound. Boppy top. Hehe!
The way Young leaves each issue on a cliffhanger which gets instantly resolved on the first page of the next issue feels like he’s taking the piss out of the comics format in general which is funny. And I thought, maybe Gertie’s too powerful - there’s no tension as she’s never really in any danger? And I suppose that’s the only criticism about this comic, which is that it’s a bit shallow. But Gertie’s invincible because it’s too fun not to have her trashing Fairyland – that is the whole comic really! And actually Fairyland isn’t the sort of book that needs to be very deep. Seeing this mini terror wielding giant axes, massive guns, and flying dragons is all it needs to be and it is that in spades.
I also really liked Gertie too. She’s definitely the bad guy of the book but I was still rooting for her. It’s sort of her fault that she’s been trapped in Fairyland for so long - she’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer - and that kind of vulnerability/comedy value makes her all the more likeable.
I haven’t even mentioned the art which is the real star of the show. If you’re not familiar with this guy’s work, Skottie Young is a sensational artist who brings his A-game to every panel in this book. It’s very appealingly cartoonish which is Young’s style all over but done with a fiendish new twist given the extreme violence of the book. And Fairyland itself is so beautifully fleshed out and developed, this entire book is pure eye-candy.
Young’s colourist from Oz, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, joins him in showing us the sheer beauty of Fairyland and his work on the colours can’t be understated. Young’s art is something else but it definitely wouldn’t have the same impact on the reader if it was in black and white. Beaulieu’s gorgeous, spectacular, vivid colours bring Fairyland to life.
There’s so much detail here I haven’t mentioned that I enjoyed. Her sidekick, Larrigon Wentsworth III, a Tom Waits version of Jiminy Cricket, the Jabba-like Slug Lord’s epic rhyme, the Disney-esque narrators who get theirs, the scene where we see what Gertie would look like if she looked normal now, the zombie fauns, Lord Darketh Deaddeath, the green beard – they’re too good and there’s even more inside! You’ll see the awesomeness I’m talking about when you read the comic for yourselves - it’s so richly textured.
I highly recommend I Hate Fairyland - this comic is deliriously original and fluffing wonderful! Them boppy tops, Young and Beaulieu, done good - I Love Fairyland!
April 16, 2019
This was everything! It's such a crazy, twisted and amazingly fun adventure. I love the idea of a 30-something trapped in a child's body and stuck in a happy, sugar-coated world and has been driven completely homicidally insane because she has been trying to finish her quest and go back home for years. Our protagonist, Gertude, is one violent chick and I loved every minute watching her hack and slash her way through too many creatures than I can count. I think a lot of us can relate to the character's very cynical view on things, Gert just deals with things more extreme - a giant axe, kind of extreme LOL
Gert also has a drunken fly, Larry, as her sidekick and although their relationship is twisted, confused and resentful - I'm still totally calling them friendship goals! I need a drunk, sarcastic fly having my back! Larry is better than stupid Jimminey Cricket any day of the week and I'll fight anyone that says different.
At the end of the day, I Hate Fairyland takes classics like Oz and Wonderland and turns them on their head. Completely recommend this if you like satire, bright, vibrant graphics and crazy over-the-top violence and gore.
Gert also has a drunken fly, Larry, as her sidekick and although their relationship is twisted, confused and resentful - I'm still totally calling them friendship goals! I need a drunk, sarcastic fly having my back! Larry is better than stupid Jimminey Cricket any day of the week and I'll fight anyone that says different.
At the end of the day, I Hate Fairyland takes classics like Oz and Wonderland and turns them on their head. Completely recommend this if you like satire, bright, vibrant graphics and crazy over-the-top violence and gore.
June 11, 2016
I really liked this. It's weird and seriously gory
May 31, 2016
I wouldn't let kids read this one! It's extremely gory and funny to boot!
Poor Gertrude it just a normal little girl playing into her room when she falls into fairyland.
She ends up being stuck there for 27 years because she can't find the key that will lead her home. And she's not a happy camper!
The Queen wants Gertrude out of fairyland because all she does is reek havoc! I mean she's inside of a little girls body still and she's in her 30's!
The Queen sends all kinds of things her way but it just doesn't work.
I love Gertrude's sidekick, Larry. He's supposed to be her guide and he is sarcastic and just plain funny as hell.
The ending was great. It's like Gertrude can't win for losing and that's all I'm going to say!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Poor Gertrude it just a normal little girl playing into her room when she falls into fairyland.
She ends up being stuck there for 27 years because she can't find the key that will lead her home. And she's not a happy camper!
The Queen wants Gertrude out of fairyland because all she does is reek havoc! I mean she's inside of a little girls body still and she's in her 30's!
The Queen sends all kinds of things her way but it just doesn't work.
I love Gertrude's sidekick, Larry. He's supposed to be her guide and he is sarcastic and just plain funny as hell.
The ending was great. It's like Gertrude can't win for losing and that's all I'm going to say!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
November 29, 2017
probably 3.5 - i'm not sold-sold yet, but i will certainly continue with the series.
review to come...
review to come...
August 6, 2016
I'll be honest; I don't think I've ever appreciated a lettering designer before Nate Piekos in this bind-up. I know that sounds awful, but I always get so wrapped up in the story, the art, the coloring, that I get too distracted to pay the proper respect to the lettering. But in I hate Fairyland, Vol. One: Madly Ever After the lettering completely made this graphic novel for me.
I don't mean to sell the story, art, or coloring short; they are also amazing. This story is whimsical and hilarious, while being bright and dark at the same time. I will put a disclaimer out that this graphic novel is very, very gory, but I think it's well done and creates and amazing juxtaposition for the world our main protagonist is stuck in.
Gertrude, like many little girls, wishes for a new magical world, but, unlike many little girls, Gertrude gets her wish and falls into Fairyland. Unfortunately, she soon realizes that getting home will not be as easy as she thought.
We then get to see Gertrude twenty-seven years later, but still trapped in her same little girl body since bodies don't age in Fairyland. Gertrude is now jaded, bitter, and borderline insane with a thirst for vengeance and on a mission to find a key.
Fairyland is amazing and feels like a brand new Alice in Wonderland with a twist. I would completely recommend this to anyone that won't be bothered by a little blood, guts, and deranged children killing things.
I'm now going to break down each issue in this bind up. There will be SPOILERS, so please use caution in continuing if you have not read this graphic novel!
Issue #1:
We meet Gertrude and see her wish for a new world, then her falling into Fairyland. We meet Queen Cloudia, who rules Fairyland, and she gives Gertrude a guide named Larrigon Wentsworth III (or Larry) and a map to all the known lands. If Gertrude wants to return home, she will have to find a hidden key that will unlock a door to her world. We then see Gertrude twenty-seven years later, still searching for that key. Even though Gertrude is on a very self destructive path, killing anything in her way, Queen Cloudia can't do anything because Gertrude is still considered a guest in Fairyland, and harming her is against the rules.
Issue #2:
Queen Cloudia decides she is going to ask for help, since she cannot stop Gertrude herself, so she hires a witch named Horribella. She sets up a zombie army, who Gertrude and her trusty guide Larry have to battle.
Issue #3:
After Horribella tries and fails, Cloudia goes to Barque to meet with the Council of Elders. They decided to invite a new child, Happy, to Fairyland. If Happy is able to find the key and open the door back home before Gertrude, Gertrude will no longer be considered a guest, and the queen would have free reign to kill or punish her. Happy comes to Fairyland and is also given a guide, named Ms. Lady, and a map! Gertrude and Happy meet, and we see Happy has some powers of her own.
Issue #4:
If Happy gets the key first, Gertrude will also be stuck in Fairyland forever. She decides to try to wield the power of the seven evil dooms, so she goes and talks to Lord Darketh Deaddeath where he makes Gertrude prove her worth.
Issue #5:
Happy finds the key first by performing good deeds. Fairyland has a goodbye party for her, and she's almost out the door when Gertrude crashes the party. Gertrude ends up getting the key by defeating Happy, but before she leaves to return back home and fulfill what she's been after for twenty-seven years, she makes a grave mistake: She kills Queen Cloudia which, by the rules, makes Gertrude the new queen of Fairyland, and the door back home vanishes.
This was such an amazing journey. I loved every issue, and couldn't put this down. I cannot wait for Volume Two, and plan to buy it the day of release.
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I don't mean to sell the story, art, or coloring short; they are also amazing. This story is whimsical and hilarious, while being bright and dark at the same time. I will put a disclaimer out that this graphic novel is very, very gory, but I think it's well done and creates and amazing juxtaposition for the world our main protagonist is stuck in.
Gertrude, like many little girls, wishes for a new magical world, but, unlike many little girls, Gertrude gets her wish and falls into Fairyland. Unfortunately, she soon realizes that getting home will not be as easy as she thought.
We then get to see Gertrude twenty-seven years later, but still trapped in her same little girl body since bodies don't age in Fairyland. Gertrude is now jaded, bitter, and borderline insane with a thirst for vengeance and on a mission to find a key.
Fairyland is amazing and feels like a brand new Alice in Wonderland with a twist. I would completely recommend this to anyone that won't be bothered by a little blood, guts, and deranged children killing things.
I'm now going to break down each issue in this bind up. There will be SPOILERS, so please use caution in continuing if you have not read this graphic novel!
Issue #1:
We meet Gertrude and see her wish for a new world, then her falling into Fairyland. We meet Queen Cloudia, who rules Fairyland, and she gives Gertrude a guide named Larrigon Wentsworth III (or Larry) and a map to all the known lands. If Gertrude wants to return home, she will have to find a hidden key that will unlock a door to her world. We then see Gertrude twenty-seven years later, still searching for that key. Even though Gertrude is on a very self destructive path, killing anything in her way, Queen Cloudia can't do anything because Gertrude is still considered a guest in Fairyland, and harming her is against the rules.
Issue #2:
Queen Cloudia decides she is going to ask for help, since she cannot stop Gertrude herself, so she hires a witch named Horribella. She sets up a zombie army, who Gertrude and her trusty guide Larry have to battle.
Issue #3:
After Horribella tries and fails, Cloudia goes to Barque to meet with the Council of Elders. They decided to invite a new child, Happy, to Fairyland. If Happy is able to find the key and open the door back home before Gertrude, Gertrude will no longer be considered a guest, and the queen would have free reign to kill or punish her. Happy comes to Fairyland and is also given a guide, named Ms. Lady, and a map! Gertrude and Happy meet, and we see Happy has some powers of her own.
Issue #4:
If Happy gets the key first, Gertrude will also be stuck in Fairyland forever. She decides to try to wield the power of the seven evil dooms, so she goes and talks to Lord Darketh Deaddeath where he makes Gertrude prove her worth.
Issue #5:
Happy finds the key first by performing good deeds. Fairyland has a goodbye party for her, and she's almost out the door when Gertrude crashes the party. Gertrude ends up getting the key by defeating Happy, but before she leaves to return back home and fulfill what she's been after for twenty-seven years, she makes a grave mistake: She kills Queen Cloudia which, by the rules, makes Gertrude the new queen of Fairyland, and the door back home vanishes.
This was such an amazing journey. I loved every issue, and couldn't put this down. I cannot wait for Volume Two, and plan to buy it the day of release.
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December 16, 2017
3.5ish stars.
I'm a long time fan of Skottie Young. He pencilled one of my favorite (short) runs of Chris Yost and Craig Kyle's New X-Men series, and it was such a refreshing change to see his interpretation of superhero teenagers actually looking like teenagers (superpowers aside, of course) and not all like 'roided out Mr. Olympias.
As such, I've been eagerly awaiting my chance to pick up this title of which Skottie Young is both the artist and writer! And the art is absolutely perfect. His cartoon-ish style is a perfect fit for whimsical Fairyland in all its glory (gory?), much as it was for the land of Oz in his Eisner-winning interpretation. The colors are eye-poppingly colorful. The cute, sickeningly sweet characters and landscapes look so perfect covered in bloooood.
The writing... is good. It's a little, I don't know, obvious? Sometimes pretty clumsy. Lots of one-liners and puns that are meant to be clever and sometimes legitimately are, but are more often just trendy or shtick-y. The silliness of the swear word substitutions fits the aesthetic of Fairyland despite their repetitiveness.
Overall, a really enjoyable first volume that got better as it went along. By the end, I couldn't stop reading. Definitely looking forward to volume 2.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
I'm a long time fan of Skottie Young. He pencilled one of my favorite (short) runs of Chris Yost and Craig Kyle's New X-Men series, and it was such a refreshing change to see his interpretation of superhero teenagers actually looking like teenagers (superpowers aside, of course) and not all like 'roided out Mr. Olympias.
As such, I've been eagerly awaiting my chance to pick up this title of which Skottie Young is both the artist and writer! And the art is absolutely perfect. His cartoon-ish style is a perfect fit for whimsical Fairyland in all its glory (gory?), much as it was for the land of Oz in his Eisner-winning interpretation. The colors are eye-poppingly colorful. The cute, sickeningly sweet characters and landscapes look so perfect covered in bloooood.
The writing... is good. It's a little, I don't know, obvious? Sometimes pretty clumsy. Lots of one-liners and puns that are meant to be clever and sometimes legitimately are, but are more often just trendy or shtick-y. The silliness of the swear word substitutions fits the aesthetic of Fairyland despite their repetitiveness.
Overall, a really enjoyable first volume that got better as it went along. By the end, I couldn't stop reading. Definitely looking forward to volume 2.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
October 8, 2018
More manic craziness from the mind of Scottie Young. An inventive and disturbing take on the Wizard of Oz. Gert's been on a quest to find the key to leave Fairyland for 27 years, completing quest after quest. Now she's fed up and taking it out on Fairyland.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2016
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
It seemed fun
What I thought
This was a fun read! It was entertaining and the artwork was awesome! Definitely going to check out more from Skottie Young.
Why this book?
It seemed fun
What I thought
This was a fun read! It was entertaining and the artwork was awesome! Definitely going to check out more from Skottie Young.
January 2, 2022
Once upon a time, a little girl wished to journey to a magical land full of candy and pixie dust.
Her wish was granted.
Twenty-seven years later . . . she's still trying to find her way out of the FLUFFING place!
If you have a wicked sense of humor, and don't mind seeing adorable, big-eyed cute things horribly mutilated by axes, and beams of evil green light . . . this one is for you.
Her wish was granted.
Twenty-seven years later . . . she's still trying to find her way out of the FLUFFING place!
If you have a wicked sense of humor, and don't mind seeing adorable, big-eyed cute things horribly mutilated by axes, and beams of evil green light . . . this one is for you.
May 27, 2016
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This was simply BRILLIANT!
When we think about all the stories ever written about girls getting transported to a magical land, we think of this:
And yes, some might be tired of the same-old same-old trope of happy child going on magical adventures, which is why the creators instead came up with this:
Meet Gertrude. She was a normal girl until Fairyland sucked her in. She was supposed to go on a quest to find the key so she can go home. She was even given a map and a companion
... but somehow everything went horribly wrong. Fast forward 27 years later and she is STILL in Fairyland, looks still like that little girl all those years ago (except for some missing or broken teeth), is still trying to find the key, but ... uhm ... has developed some "issues". *lol*
The authors use this to play with some tropes we all know and about which some of us have always had questions. Thus they show us a pretty bloody, gorey side of Fairyland with lots of body parts. The story is full of puns, dark humour, 4th-wall-breaking, stabs at well-known books/movies and viciousness. It's GLORIOUS! xD
P.S.: All the substitutes for curse-words invented here were just cracking me up!
When we think about all the stories ever written about girls getting transported to a magical land, we think of this:
And yes, some might be tired of the same-old same-old trope of happy child going on magical adventures, which is why the creators instead came up with this:
Meet Gertrude. She was a normal girl until Fairyland sucked her in. She was supposed to go on a quest to find the key so she can go home. She was even given a map and a companion
... but somehow everything went horribly wrong. Fast forward 27 years later and she is STILL in Fairyland, looks still like that little girl all those years ago (except for some missing or broken teeth), is still trying to find the key, but ... uhm ... has developed some "issues". *lol*
The authors use this to play with some tropes we all know and about which some of us have always had questions. Thus they show us a pretty bloody, gorey side of Fairyland with lots of body parts. The story is full of puns, dark humour, 4th-wall-breaking, stabs at well-known books/movies and viciousness. It's GLORIOUS! xD
P.S.: All the substitutes for curse-words invented here were just cracking me up!
June 15, 2017
This was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Quirky, violent, chaotic, and entertaining. I love the concept and the contrast of the happy, vibrant fairyland to how psychotic and murderous Gertrude is. I'll definitely be continuing with this one.
June 1, 2021
"KITTY-BALLS-TASTIC!"
The most fun, creative, hallucinogenically-colored comic I've read all year. While this isn't the "deepest" plot, it's actually more than I expected, and it works perfectly for the fairytale genre it's beating the living shit out of. This is Ren and Stimpy meets Disney, and it's obvious Skottie Young is sick to death of all the cutesy dancing and singing.
What this breaks down to is a quest fantasy. Gert is looking for THE KEY, literally, to her escape. And she's not necessarily a bad quester, but the odds are stacked against her. Luckily her revolver packing, cigar smoking, cynical and sleepless guide Larry the Fly helps her along.
"Well, FLUFF you, and FLUFF this map!"
For those who criticize this plot is too simple, it's basically Lord of the Rings or any quest fantasy, only with simpler politics and a simpler but dazzling and super creative world. Quester must find quest object to save day and end quest, with evil bad guys thwarting and fighting the quester. Queen Cloudia, Happy, Ms. Lady, the Narrating Sun... The characters are very cleverly designed and spoof fairytale archetypes. It was a very fast paced read and I laughed and grinned the entire way.
Even if the story isn't your favorite, which it should be, fluff you, Skottie Young's writing is razor sharp and scathingly hilarious. And this book is just gorgeous to look at with Jean-Francois Beaulieu's dripping colors and Nate Pieko's fun lettering.
So if you've been holding out to read this, stop. Stop it. Go and buy this book. Support comic book writers and artists. Support your LBS. Good muffin fluffin' day to you.
November 29, 2021
7.2/10
Re-read
A 30 year old woman trapped in a 6 year old body, killing a bunch of magical creatures, while she tries to leave Fluffing Fairyland... And all of that illustrated by Skottie Young?
Yes Please.
The idea is simple, you have your familiar story about someone entering a magical world, but here instead of being awestruck, the person wants to get the fluff out.
I would like it if at first we would see Gert being happy and then jump 27 years later where she is all fed up.
Re-read
A 30 year old woman trapped in a 6 year old body, killing a bunch of magical creatures, while she tries to leave Fluffing Fairyland... And all of that illustrated by Skottie Young?
Yes Please.
The idea is simple, you have your familiar story about someone entering a magical world, but here instead of being awestruck, the person wants to get the fluff out.
I would like it if at first we would see Gert being happy and then jump 27 years later where she is all fed up.
February 8, 2017
Imagine Alice in Wonderland if Alice was stuck there for 30 years and in that time turned into a crazed, homicidal maniac.
You see, once upon a time there was a cute little girl named Gertrude who, like any little girl, dreamed of going to a colorful land of teddy bears, rainbows, and powder puffs. She's able to get her wish but in order to leave Fairyland, she must find the magical key to unlock the door back to the real world. How hard can that be right? Well, fast-forward 27 years later and not only is Gertrude still looking for that fluffing key, but she's also a 40 year old woman still stuck in a toddler's body. AND she's kind of gone a bit insane. Wouldn't you go a bit mad too if you spent nearly 30 years seeing pastel colors, eating sugar puffs every fluffing day, and all your curse words were censored as cute words?
This first volume in this most-definitely-not-for-kids series is downright hilarious. I laughed with every turn of the page, as Gert, along with her battle ax and her guide Larry (a chain-smoking fly who's seen some shish), cut a bloody swath all across the magical kingdoms of Fairyland in search of the magic key. Scottie Young's baby-art style is the perfect foil for this subversive adult material. You'll find yourself rooting for the bad guy in this one, and eager to see what happens next with Gert and her adventures.
You see, once upon a time there was a cute little girl named Gertrude who, like any little girl, dreamed of going to a colorful land of teddy bears, rainbows, and powder puffs. She's able to get her wish but in order to leave Fairyland, she must find the magical key to unlock the door back to the real world. How hard can that be right? Well, fast-forward 27 years later and not only is Gertrude still looking for that fluffing key, but she's also a 40 year old woman still stuck in a toddler's body. AND she's kind of gone a bit insane. Wouldn't you go a bit mad too if you spent nearly 30 years seeing pastel colors, eating sugar puffs every fluffing day, and all your curse words were censored as cute words?
This first volume in this most-definitely-not-for-kids series is downright hilarious. I laughed with every turn of the page, as Gert, along with her battle ax and her guide Larry (a chain-smoking fly who's seen some shish), cut a bloody swath all across the magical kingdoms of Fairyland in search of the magic key. Scottie Young's baby-art style is the perfect foil for this subversive adult material. You'll find yourself rooting for the bad guy in this one, and eager to see what happens next with Gert and her adventures.
May 15, 2016
5 stars simply aren't enough.
It's just like Alice in wonderland.If Alice went homicidal and started murdering the fluff out of everything in wonderland.
It has ton of pretty dark humor and I laughed and giggled almost on every page.Illustrations are beautiful with lot of very colorful violence.Here is pic that illustrates it well:
Language is also colorful.There is no cursing in Fairyland which doesn't stop Gertrude from tying so we often hear things like "Go fluff yourself or muffing fluffer". It's both funny and adorable.
Just brilliant, I can't recommend it enough.
It's just like Alice in wonderland.If Alice went homicidal and started murdering the fluff out of everything in wonderland.
It has ton of pretty dark humor and I laughed and giggled almost on every page.Illustrations are beautiful with lot of very colorful violence.Here is pic that illustrates it well:
Language is also colorful.There is no cursing in Fairyland which doesn't stop Gertrude from tying so we often hear things like "Go fluff yourself or muffing fluffer". It's both funny and adorable.
Just brilliant, I can't recommend it enough.
November 24, 2019
#1 Vol. 1: Madly Ever After ★★★★★
#2 Vol. 2: Fluff My Life ★★★★☆
What a killer way to start off a series. Oh my gods, this was hilarious and so twisted! I highly recommend this for anyone who, like me, really gets their kicks from cutesy little girls doing demented, violent things. I love the juxtaposition of the bright, intense colors and how cute some of the art is, mingled with the ridiculous, Saw-esque levels of gore and violence many of the scenes play out.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this graphic novel, but it was everything I hoped for and more, and I can't wait to binge the rest of the series!
July 23, 2018
This was terrible and I couldn't wait for it to end.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like juvenile humor. In fact, juvenile humor is probably my favorite of the humors. The problem with this book, however, is that the humor isn't clever at all. Anyone in the world can write a story where a little girl chops things up with an axe and gives everybody the finger.
It also grated on my nerves that they replaced all of the curse words. reading "Get your SASS over here" and "That MOTHER FLUFFER" (and yes, the fake curse words are in giant, colorful print) got old really fast. Either have a book with gore and cursing or don't. Having lots of gore and middle-fingers while replacing the curse words is just an odd choice that distracted me and took me out of the story every time it popped up (which is often and, again, it was always in huge, colorful lettering...).
Another thing that really got on my nerves (and further showed how lazily this book was written) is the fact that, at the end of every issue, our main character is put into a cliffhanger where a large monster/warrior/zombie horde is just about to kill her. At the beginning of the next issue, however, the problem is already dealt with and she is basically dusting her hands off saying "well, we got out of that!". OK but.....WHY DON'T YOU SHOW US HOW YOU GOT OUT OF IT?????????? Jesus, this was some lazy-ass writing.
Finally, the main character is super powerful, can kill anyone and anything almost immediately, and is immortal. Those elements combine to make and extremely boring character (and thus a boring story).
I Hate Fairyland? More like I Hate this Book.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like juvenile humor. In fact, juvenile humor is probably my favorite of the humors. The problem with this book, however, is that the humor isn't clever at all. Anyone in the world can write a story where a little girl chops things up with an axe and gives everybody the finger.
It also grated on my nerves that they replaced all of the curse words. reading "Get your SASS over here" and "That MOTHER FLUFFER" (and yes, the fake curse words are in giant, colorful print) got old really fast. Either have a book with gore and cursing or don't. Having lots of gore and middle-fingers while replacing the curse words is just an odd choice that distracted me and took me out of the story every time it popped up (which is often and, again, it was always in huge, colorful lettering...).
Another thing that really got on my nerves (and further showed how lazily this book was written) is the fact that, at the end of every issue, our main character is put into a cliffhanger where a large monster/warrior/zombie horde is just about to kill her. At the beginning of the next issue, however, the problem is already dealt with and she is basically dusting her hands off saying "well, we got out of that!". OK but.....WHY DON'T YOU SHOW US HOW YOU GOT OUT OF IT?????????? Jesus, this was some lazy-ass writing.
Finally, the main character is super powerful, can kill anyone and anything almost immediately, and is immortal. Those elements combine to make and extremely boring character (and thus a boring story).
I Hate Fairyland? More like I Hate this Book.
June 28, 2016
Gertrude was a cute little girl who turns in a histerical big girl after been abducted for the Queen of Fairyland. After that she wants return home and the Queen, as help, just give her a little fly, a map and instructions to find a key.
Only will take a day, she said. Will be easy, she said....and 27 years, Gertrude still can't return home!!!
This thing is so freaking great!!! Gertrude is so mean and you can blame her, she is trapped in a place that she hates and still doesn't grow up a single day but, That give her the right to kill everyone? I'm gonna vote for a big no, and for that reason everything get out of control, even more.
All the blood, the hilarious situations, the crazy plans, the mistakes and the "cuteness" was so fun to read, all the gore in there was kind of out of the place and was the perfect complement for this world. Nothingis so aweome and everything can turning into a bad place with a little work,and in this case Gertrude was the "little work",
I love and hate Gertrude,was mean,n asty, funny, agressive, had the worst of the lucks and still can made me laugh because she's out of her mind. The one who I definetly hate was the Queen, a crazy bastard who made kidnaps every so many times (who the hell she think she is?)
If this stories continues i definetly gonna read it, even when the end was predictable i enjoyed it so much.
My favorite part:
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
Only will take a day, she said. Will be easy, she said....and 27 years, Gertrude still can't return home!!!
This thing is so freaking great!!! Gertrude is so mean and you can blame her, she is trapped in a place that she hates and still doesn't grow up a single day but, That give her the right to kill everyone? I'm gonna vote for a big no, and for that reason everything get out of control, even more.
All the blood, the hilarious situations, the crazy plans, the mistakes and the "cuteness" was so fun to read, all the gore in there was kind of out of the place and was the perfect complement for this world. Nothingis so aweome and everything can turning into a bad place with a little work,and in this case Gertrude was the "little work",
I love and hate Gertrude,was mean,n asty, funny, agressive, had the worst of the lucks and still can made me laugh because she's out of her mind. The one who I definetly hate was the Queen, a crazy bastard who made kidnaps every so many times (who the hell she think she is?)
If this stories continues i definetly gonna read it, even when the end was predictable i enjoyed it so much.
My favorite part:
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
June 18, 2016
This is really funny at first ... and then around issue #3 it gets monotonous. I also kind of wish Happy stuck around longer so Gert had someone to fight with other than the locals.
Artwork is nice and super colorful.
This wasn't horrible or anything but it is very one-note and it's easy to lose interest with that.
Artwork is nice and super colorful.
This wasn't horrible or anything but it is very one-note and it's easy to lose interest with that.
May 12, 2019
2019 Reread - still funny, though the gut surprise is absent on a re-read. But still very, very funny and wonderful.
Well, fluff. This is the most demented thing I have read in a long time. I love it! If you read Jim C. Hines's short story that chronicles what happens when a werewolf meets a certain children's show, you are going to love this.
Well, fluff. This is the most demented thing I have read in a long time. I love it! If you read Jim C. Hines's short story that chronicles what happens when a werewolf meets a certain children's show, you are going to love this.
May 25, 2021
2.5 Stars
Well, Mother Puffer. I thought I was going to love this.
This is a weird one, it seems like everyone enjoyed I hate Fairyland and here I am quite indifferent, when this should have worked for me, I should have loved this title.
I hate Fairyland it's an extremely cutesy story. Also, really violent, I mean it is gory as fluff. It is a colorful world with fairies and trolls and magic and joy, the place you wished for as a little kid to go and have a wonderful adventure, and Gertrude, our main character, is a pretty little girl that goes to this world to have a fantastic quest to find the key back home. Except that, the fluffin' key is nowhere to be seen and 27 years have passed and Gertrude is still a guest in Fairyland. Trapped in the same 10 years old body, she's sick of this place and the riddles Is anyone ever really ready for a riddle? They're kind of the worst, right?
she has given up and become a bitter, ultra violent, self destructive, insane person who pretty much kills everyone that annoys her and well, everyone hates her guts. Hug off, you'd be the same too.
With no more patience, Queen Cloudia decides to take matters into her own hand, and hire some dangerous people who can help with the Gertrude problem. Although, maybe that's just not enough and she'll have to find other ways to finally get rid of Gertrude.
See? This premise looks fantastic! And I can honestly say that, while I was skimming through before writing this review to refresh my memory, I saw some illustrations and I was chuckling again. There are some great moments, hilarious dialogues and the artwork it's so bloody, but so childish at the same time. The colors are vivid, perfect for this world, and the lettering designer did a great job. BUT something didn't click with me, maybe I had too much expectations? It was not a boring reading, but I felt quite distant while reading this. I wasn't enjoying my time with this volume and I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series.Maybe at some point I'll reread it, because I love the idea, and the art and I did laugh some times, but it just wasn't anything extraordinary, nor something I'd recommend.
One star for the artwork, one star for the idea, that I think is genius, but didn't work as a whole, and half a star because I chuckled here and there.
Well, Mother Puffer. I thought I was going to love this.
This is a weird one, it seems like everyone enjoyed I hate Fairyland and here I am quite indifferent, when this should have worked for me, I should have loved this title.
I hate Fairyland it's an extremely cutesy story. Also, really violent, I mean it is gory as fluff. It is a colorful world with fairies and trolls and magic and joy, the place you wished for as a little kid to go and have a wonderful adventure, and Gertrude, our main character, is a pretty little girl that goes to this world to have a fantastic quest to find the key back home. Except that, the fluffin' key is nowhere to be seen and 27 years have passed and Gertrude is still a guest in Fairyland. Trapped in the same 10 years old body, she's sick of this place and the riddles
With no more patience, Queen Cloudia decides to take matters into her own hand, and hire some dangerous people who can help with the Gertrude problem. Although, maybe that's just not enough and she'll have to find other ways to finally get rid of Gertrude.
See? This premise looks fantastic! And I can honestly say that, while I was skimming through before writing this review to refresh my memory, I saw some illustrations and I was chuckling again. There are some great moments, hilarious dialogues and the artwork it's so bloody, but so childish at the same time. The colors are vivid, perfect for this world, and the lettering designer did a great job. BUT something didn't click with me, maybe I had too much expectations? It was not a boring reading, but I felt quite distant while reading this. I wasn't enjoying my time with this volume and I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series.Maybe at some point I'll reread it, because I love the idea, and the art and I did laugh some times, but it just wasn't anything extraordinary, nor something I'd recommend.
One star for the artwork, one star for the idea, that I think is genius, but didn't work as a whole, and half a star because I chuckled here and there.
May 14, 2016
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
I read the first issue a couple of months ago and while I enjoyed it, I was not sure whether it will be my cup of tea in the long run. (review of issue #1) But ultimately, I'm really happy I got this entire volume because it turned out to be great!
I Hate Fairyland tells the story of Gertrude, who becomes stranded in Fairyland because she cannot find the key to the portal back to her world. In the course of the 27 years she spends in Fairyland as a child on a quest, she goes completely mad and utterly vicious.
The first thing that is a great contribution to the story is the art itself, because the drawings look appropriate for a children's book, very cutesy and not in any way realistic... except that they are also gory and full of blood and guts. The great plus to this is that it adds to the stark difference between Gertrude the child and Gertrude the raving psychopath.
All of the jokes are fantastic and the sarcasm is top notch. All of the characters are also immensely funny, from Gertrude herself, to her Fairyland guide Larry, who is fed up with life to unbelievable lengths, and queen Cloudia, who is a classic bitch. I also loved Happy - while Gertrude is practically a villain, Happy was the hero type that we usually read about. Only reading from the villain perspective, we were able to receive a totally new experience. Which begs the following response to the authors:
Verdict: I enjoyed I Hate Fairyland so much! It's a great mix of humor, grotesque and parody and the entire thing is not to be taken seriously, but to be read for many, many laughs.
Hilarious!
I read the first issue a couple of months ago and while I enjoyed it, I was not sure whether it will be my cup of tea in the long run. (review of issue #1) But ultimately, I'm really happy I got this entire volume because it turned out to be great!
I Hate Fairyland tells the story of Gertrude, who becomes stranded in Fairyland because she cannot find the key to the portal back to her world. In the course of the 27 years she spends in Fairyland as a child on a quest, she goes completely mad and utterly vicious.
The first thing that is a great contribution to the story is the art itself, because the drawings look appropriate for a children's book, very cutesy and not in any way realistic... except that they are also gory and full of blood and guts. The great plus to this is that it adds to the stark difference between Gertrude the child and Gertrude the raving psychopath.
All of the jokes are fantastic and the sarcasm is top notch. All of the characters are also immensely funny, from Gertrude herself, to her Fairyland guide Larry, who is fed up with life to unbelievable lengths, and queen Cloudia, who is a classic bitch. I also loved Happy - while Gertrude is practically a villain, Happy was the hero type that we usually read about. Only reading from the villain perspective, we were able to receive a totally new experience. Which begs the following response to the authors:
Verdict: I enjoyed I Hate Fairyland so much! It's a great mix of humor, grotesque and parody and the entire thing is not to be taken seriously, but to be read for many, many laughs.
June 6, 2017
I Hate Fairyland is what happens when Happy Tree Friends cartoon meets Alice in Wonderland, on acid.
Once upon a time, a little girl's dream of an adventure in a magical kingdom has turned into a nightmare.
Little Gertie's wish was granted and she was invited to a magical kingdom of Fairyland, where she would have to complete her quest to find the key in order to return home. What was supposed to be a short, fun adventure had gone sour - Gert is still looking for the key 27 years later, trapped in the Fairyland.
But don't feel bad for Gertie just yet - the prolonged stay has made her into a bloodthirsty, bitter psychopath who terrorizes the whole kingdom and Queen Cloudia has had enough. It's time to get rid of the nuisance that has been plaguing Fairyland! Only... can you really get rid of this vicious little girl that easily?
It's a crazy, fun, absolutely gory adventure that has made me laugh out loud.
The art is on point, the pace fast, there are hillarious dialogues and some cringey, disturbing scenes. The colorful cartoon style is perfect for a world where the meanest monster wears a pink dress and has cute, bouncy curls. Looks can be deceiving, I guess.
I had such a great time reading this comic and I cannot recommend it enough.
Fluff me, that was FUN!
Once upon a time, a little girl's dream of an adventure in a magical kingdom has turned into a nightmare.
Little Gertie's wish was granted and she was invited to a magical kingdom of Fairyland, where she would have to complete her quest to find the key in order to return home. What was supposed to be a short, fun adventure had gone sour - Gert is still looking for the key 27 years later, trapped in the Fairyland.
But don't feel bad for Gertie just yet - the prolonged stay has made her into a bloodthirsty, bitter psychopath who terrorizes the whole kingdom and Queen Cloudia has had enough. It's time to get rid of the nuisance that has been plaguing Fairyland! Only... can you really get rid of this vicious little girl that easily?
It's a crazy, fun, absolutely gory adventure that has made me laugh out loud.
The art is on point, the pace fast, there are hillarious dialogues and some cringey, disturbing scenes. The colorful cartoon style is perfect for a world where the meanest monster wears a pink dress and has cute, bouncy curls. Looks can be deceiving, I guess.
I had such a great time reading this comic and I cannot recommend it enough.
Fluff me, that was FUN!
September 1, 2017
This is going to be a short review. Totally a 5 star read.
1. Hilarious
2. Colorful
3. Uses fluffers as a cuss word
4. Is about fairyland
5. There's killing! A whole lot of killing. And blood!!! Lots of blood 😈
My 5 reasons for the 5 star rating. Back to the review.
Once upon a time, Gertrude our little main character used to be a sweet and innocent child until one day she fell into Fairyland. The only way back home was to go on a quest. Gertrude had to adventure the fluff out of Fairyland and find the hidden key to the magical door that would allow her entrance to her world once more. Unfortunately it's been 27 years and still Gertrude hasn't come any closer to finding the key. What did happen however, is, Gertrude grew to be a bitter woman trapped in a child's body with killer tendencies muahahaha!!
I hope there are many more volumes to this series. I would read all of them. So excited to own this graphic novel.
1. Hilarious
2. Colorful
3. Uses fluffers as a cuss word
4. Is about fairyland
5. There's killing! A whole lot of killing. And blood!!! Lots of blood 😈
My 5 reasons for the 5 star rating. Back to the review.
Once upon a time, Gertrude our little main character used to be a sweet and innocent child until one day she fell into Fairyland. The only way back home was to go on a quest. Gertrude had to adventure the fluff out of Fairyland and find the hidden key to the magical door that would allow her entrance to her world once more. Unfortunately it's been 27 years and still Gertrude hasn't come any closer to finding the key. What did happen however, is, Gertrude grew to be a bitter woman trapped in a child's body with killer tendencies muahahaha!!
I hope there are many more volumes to this series. I would read all of them. So excited to own this graphic novel.
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