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GRIMM: Book One
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 27The Weird meets the Wyrd in these chilling, otherworldly retellings of the eponymous brothers’ best fairy tales.
Artist John Kenn Mortensen returns to the Fantagraphics catalogue like a lich haunting the living with his mastery over the dark arts. Meanwhile, authors Kenneth Bøgh Andersen and Benni Bødker split yarn-spinning duties to reanimate perennials like "Hansel and Gretel" and obscure threads like "Fitcher's Bird" alike.
These interpretations aren’t out to turn the classic tales on their head; instead, they dig into the eldritch roots of these fables, hearkening to a superstitious and dangerous time. When brigands and plague were as much a threat as bewitching fairies and ferocious beasties. Permeating throughout are Mortensen’s exquisitely eerie renderings, distilling a dread that hovers just overhead, like a tree full of hanged men in a primeval forest.
Intrepid and fearful, shrewd and greedy alike are disfigured, devoured, bedevilled. Only the toughest will come out the other end stronger for it. These are fairy tales for those who would rather trade in happily-ever-after for the uneasy relief that (un)settles upon waking from a nightmare; for those who don’t listen when they’re told to follow the beaten path; who don’t care to leave breadcrumbs as they go.
Seek out GRIMM, but don’t get lost on the way.
Artist John Kenn Mortensen returns to the Fantagraphics catalogue like a lich haunting the living with his mastery over the dark arts. Meanwhile, authors Kenneth Bøgh Andersen and Benni Bødker split yarn-spinning duties to reanimate perennials like "Hansel and Gretel" and obscure threads like "Fitcher's Bird" alike.
These interpretations aren’t out to turn the classic tales on their head; instead, they dig into the eldritch roots of these fables, hearkening to a superstitious and dangerous time. When brigands and plague were as much a threat as bewitching fairies and ferocious beasties. Permeating throughout are Mortensen’s exquisitely eerie renderings, distilling a dread that hovers just overhead, like a tree full of hanged men in a primeval forest.
Intrepid and fearful, shrewd and greedy alike are disfigured, devoured, bedevilled. Only the toughest will come out the other end stronger for it. These are fairy tales for those who would rather trade in happily-ever-after for the uneasy relief that (un)settles upon waking from a nightmare; for those who don’t listen when they’re told to follow the beaten path; who don’t care to leave breadcrumbs as they go.
Seek out GRIMM, but don’t get lost on the way.
224 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2027
About the author
Kenneth Bøgh Andersen
87 books298 followersI was born in Denmark on a dark and stormy night in November 1976. I began writing when I was a teenager. My first book was a really awful horror novel titled Nidhug's Slaves. It didn't get published. Luckily.
During the next 7 years, I wrote nearly 20 novels-all of which were rejected-while working as a school teacher. The rest of the time I spent writing.
In 2000 I published my debut fantasy book, The Battle of Caïssa, and that's when things really took off. Since then I've published more than thirty-five books for children and young adults in genres ranging from fantasy to horror and science fiction.
My books have been translated into more than 15 languages and my series about the superhero Antboy has been adapted for film, which is available on Netflix. An animated tv series is currently in development.
A musical of The Devil's Apprentice opens in the fall 2018 and the movie rights for the series have also been optioned.
I live in Copenhagen with my wife, two boys, a dog named Milo and spiders in the basement.
You can read more on my English website www.kennethbandersen.com
During the next 7 years, I wrote nearly 20 novels-all of which were rejected-while working as a school teacher. The rest of the time I spent writing.
In 2000 I published my debut fantasy book, The Battle of Caïssa, and that's when things really took off. Since then I've published more than thirty-five books for children and young adults in genres ranging from fantasy to horror and science fiction.
My books have been translated into more than 15 languages and my series about the superhero Antboy has been adapted for film, which is available on Netflix. An animated tv series is currently in development.
A musical of The Devil's Apprentice opens in the fall 2018 and the movie rights for the series have also been optioned.
I live in Copenhagen with my wife, two boys, a dog named Milo and spiders in the basement.
You can read more on my English website www.kennethbandersen.com
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May 17, 2026I received this book through NetGalley.
GRIMM: Book One was as dark as I expected. This is not the cute, cleaned-up version of fairy tales. These stories have that unsettling Grimm feeling, which is so much better than the watered-down Disney versions.
I liked that it started with Hansel and Gretel, something familiar, but then also included stories I had never heard before, like The Singing Bone. That made the collection more interesting for me because it was not just the same fairy tales being retold again.
The atmosphere was a strong part. It had that old, eerie, something-is-definitely-wrong feeling through most of the stories. Some worked better for me than others, which I expect with any short story collection, but the overall darker tone stayed consistent.
The illustrations were also great. They added to the creepy gothic feel and made the collection stand out even more.
Overall, this was a good dark fairy tale collection. I’d recommend it to readers who like Grimm stories, dark folklore, eerie short stories, illustrated books, and fairy tales that do not always come with a happily ever after.
GRIMM: Book One was as dark as I expected. This is not the cute, cleaned-up version of fairy tales. These stories have that unsettling Grimm feeling, which is so much better than the watered-down Disney versions.
I liked that it started with Hansel and Gretel, something familiar, but then also included stories I had never heard before, like The Singing Bone. That made the collection more interesting for me because it was not just the same fairy tales being retold again.
The atmosphere was a strong part. It had that old, eerie, something-is-definitely-wrong feeling through most of the stories. Some worked better for me than others, which I expect with any short story collection, but the overall darker tone stayed consistent.
The illustrations were also great. They added to the creepy gothic feel and made the collection stand out even more.
Overall, this was a good dark fairy tale collection. I’d recommend it to readers who like Grimm stories, dark folklore, eerie short stories, illustrated books, and fairy tales that do not always come with a happily ever after.
May 12, 2026
Dark and deeply unsettling illustrations by John Kenn Mortensen set the perfect tone for these classic Grimm's fairy tales.
This collection of ten includes:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl Without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
Thanks to Fantagraphics for the opportunity to read this eARC!
This collection of ten includes:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl Without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
Thanks to Fantagraphics for the opportunity to read this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5
Authored by Andersen & Bodker, as translated from the Danish, and illustrated by Mortensen, Grimm is a retelling of ten famous tales by the Brothers Grimm (not a reimagining, as some are assuming here). The collection opens with what is probably one of the most well-known tales: 1. Hansel & Gretel. It's been decades since I read the originals, but one thing's for sure: Andersen & Bodker kept the teeth and horror of the original tales, and it's all the better for it. I had no idea Hansel & Gretel were so hungry that they ate the family dog! The illustration is amazing for this one, but comes a bit too early in the story, spoiling the text reveal.
2. The Singing Bone: Three brothers, a killer boar ravaging the lands, and 'blood will have blood,' as everyone knows. Great illustration and one of the better retellings, with an ending that's a bit elusive, requiring some reflection on 'what comes around, goes around.'
3. The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear: By far my favorite story of the ten, filled with humor and the realization that fear cannot exist outside of love. I enjoyed the 'Here the story could end... but it doesn't' part.
4. Rapunzel: 'Once we lived among you. You called us witches, or sorceresses or fairies, but these were simply names for what you couldn't understand.' Again, we follow two lesser known tales with one popularized by Disney, but this one has some horrific imagery near the end, rightly so, leaving the reader with the statement that 'you can never hide anything forever.' I enjoyed it but felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
5. Godfather Death: Another one of my favorite stories here, full of elbow grease and silver tongues and a man in black who casts no shadow. God, the Devil, and Death gambling with each other, a version of the Job story maybe, highlighting how Death treats everyone fairly. The ending was particularly good, though the illustration could have come later in the text.
6. The Robber Bridegroom: I read a lot of horror, but this one kind of shocked me--it was super brutal and maybe a precursor to the modern day serial killer story. Unfortunately there's a formatting issue on page 115 here, where the illustration is overlaid on the text so you can't read the page at a crucial juncture in the story. I'm sure it'll get fixed in edits.
7. Fletcher's Bird: a second, and even more brutal serial killer story, reminiscent of "Blue Beard," where a character is given a key and told not to use it. As fairy tales go, of course she uses it. Amazing illustration for this one.
8. The Gifts of the Little People: Includes one of the best illustrations in the book, a cautionary tale about gold and greed that I enjoyed. The mention of a 'flashlight' pulled me out of the story for a bit, perhaps a translation issue.
9. The Girl Without Hands: A brutal story about a miller (lots of miller stories here) who trades his daughter to the Devil for riches, another great illustration that maybe could have come a page later. When I got to the end I though, 'well, that was okay,' but it was a false ending and the story continued. I loved the ambiguity of 'perhaps we didn't know, because that's how it is sometimes. We don't know. And perhaps that's alright.'
10. Little Red Riding Hood: A great story to bookend this collection, 'where wolves can speak and bones can sing,' and an opening regarding the nature of wolves I hadn't heard before. A fantastic illustration of a brutal and gory story, and hearing LRRH say, "The beans are rock-hard. I can hardly chew them," turned my stomach.
Standout stories include The Singing Bone, The Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear, Godfather Death, and Little Red Riding Hood.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fantagraphics for granting my wish to review this title.
Authored by Andersen & Bodker, as translated from the Danish, and illustrated by Mortensen, Grimm is a retelling of ten famous tales by the Brothers Grimm (not a reimagining, as some are assuming here). The collection opens with what is probably one of the most well-known tales: 1. Hansel & Gretel. It's been decades since I read the originals, but one thing's for sure: Andersen & Bodker kept the teeth and horror of the original tales, and it's all the better for it. I had no idea Hansel & Gretel were so hungry that they ate the family dog! The illustration is amazing for this one, but comes a bit too early in the story, spoiling the text reveal.
2. The Singing Bone: Three brothers, a killer boar ravaging the lands, and 'blood will have blood,' as everyone knows. Great illustration and one of the better retellings, with an ending that's a bit elusive, requiring some reflection on 'what comes around, goes around.'
3. The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear: By far my favorite story of the ten, filled with humor and the realization that fear cannot exist outside of love. I enjoyed the 'Here the story could end... but it doesn't' part.
4. Rapunzel: 'Once we lived among you. You called us witches, or sorceresses or fairies, but these were simply names for what you couldn't understand.' Again, we follow two lesser known tales with one popularized by Disney, but this one has some horrific imagery near the end, rightly so, leaving the reader with the statement that 'you can never hide anything forever.' I enjoyed it but felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
5. Godfather Death: Another one of my favorite stories here, full of elbow grease and silver tongues and a man in black who casts no shadow. God, the Devil, and Death gambling with each other, a version of the Job story maybe, highlighting how Death treats everyone fairly. The ending was particularly good, though the illustration could have come later in the text.
6. The Robber Bridegroom: I read a lot of horror, but this one kind of shocked me--it was super brutal and maybe a precursor to the modern day serial killer story. Unfortunately there's a formatting issue on page 115 here, where the illustration is overlaid on the text so you can't read the page at a crucial juncture in the story. I'm sure it'll get fixed in edits.
7. Fletcher's Bird: a second, and even more brutal serial killer story, reminiscent of "Blue Beard," where a character is given a key and told not to use it. As fairy tales go, of course she uses it. Amazing illustration for this one.
8. The Gifts of the Little People: Includes one of the best illustrations in the book, a cautionary tale about gold and greed that I enjoyed. The mention of a 'flashlight' pulled me out of the story for a bit, perhaps a translation issue.
9. The Girl Without Hands: A brutal story about a miller (lots of miller stories here) who trades his daughter to the Devil for riches, another great illustration that maybe could have come a page later. When I got to the end I though, 'well, that was okay,' but it was a false ending and the story continued. I loved the ambiguity of 'perhaps we didn't know, because that's how it is sometimes. We don't know. And perhaps that's alright.'
10. Little Red Riding Hood: A great story to bookend this collection, 'where wolves can speak and bones can sing,' and an opening regarding the nature of wolves I hadn't heard before. A fantastic illustration of a brutal and gory story, and hearing LRRH say, "The beans are rock-hard. I can hardly chew them," turned my stomach.
Standout stories include The Singing Bone, The Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear, Godfather Death, and Little Red Riding Hood.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fantagraphics for granting my wish to review this title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: GRIMM by Benni Bødker & Kenneth Bøgh Andersen
GRIMM is a collection of ten short stories that rework classic fairy tales in a darker, grittier, and more old-world style than the polished versions most of us know today. These are not the softened bedtime stories or cheerful adaptations that have become common over time. Instead, the book reaches back toward the harsher roots of folklore, where danger feels real, cruelty is common, and happy endings are never guaranteed. I initially expected something closer to a graphic novel, but it is actually a prose anthology with occasional illustrations. Once I adjusted to that format, it suited the material well.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere running through the entire collection. The woods feel threatening, strangers feel suspicious, and every promise sounds like it may come with a hidden price. Even stories readers know well regain some of their power when told with this much menace and unease. The book does a strong job of reminding you that many fairy tales began as cautionary stories meant to unsettle as much as entertain.
As with most anthologies, some stories were stronger than others, but the consistent tone helped tie everything together. The illustrations add to the gothic mood whenever they appear, even if they are used sparingly. Ending the collection with Little Red Riding Hood was a smart choice, since it is one of the most recognizable tales and leaves the book on a strong final note.
Overall, GRIMM is a solid pick for readers who enjoy folklore, dark fantasy, and short story collections with teeth. It may not have been exactly what I expected at first, but once I settled into what it was doing, I found it stylish, memorable, and impressively atmospheric. 4 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
GRIMM is a collection of ten short stories that rework classic fairy tales in a darker, grittier, and more old-world style than the polished versions most of us know today. These are not the softened bedtime stories or cheerful adaptations that have become common over time. Instead, the book reaches back toward the harsher roots of folklore, where danger feels real, cruelty is common, and happy endings are never guaranteed. I initially expected something closer to a graphic novel, but it is actually a prose anthology with occasional illustrations. Once I adjusted to that format, it suited the material well.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere running through the entire collection. The woods feel threatening, strangers feel suspicious, and every promise sounds like it may come with a hidden price. Even stories readers know well regain some of their power when told with this much menace and unease. The book does a strong job of reminding you that many fairy tales began as cautionary stories meant to unsettle as much as entertain.
As with most anthologies, some stories were stronger than others, but the consistent tone helped tie everything together. The illustrations add to the gothic mood whenever they appear, even if they are used sparingly. Ending the collection with Little Red Riding Hood was a smart choice, since it is one of the most recognizable tales and leaves the book on a strong final note.
Overall, GRIMM is a solid pick for readers who enjoy folklore, dark fantasy, and short story collections with teeth. It may not have been exactly what I expected at first, but once I settled into what it was doing, I found it stylish, memorable, and impressively atmospheric. 4 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book feels like the Brothers Grimm dug themselves out of their graves, punted Disney into a river, and said “no actually the children should be traumatised.”
It's seriously creepy. Rotten forests. Terrifying little kids. Suspicious af birds. Casual murder. Vibes so rancid I could almost smell damp moss and bad decisions through the pages. Every story feels like it was told to you by a medieval peasant who most definitely cursed somebody last Thursday.
And I mean that as the highest compliment imaginable.
The authors completely commit to the horror hiding underneath these fairy tales. The stories are cruel, strange, bloody, and serve as a warning that wandering into the woods is consenting to psychological damage. Just stay inside. Don't leave your bedroom. Ever. The bad things probably can't get you there.
The atmosphere is amazing. 10/10.
I was reading this like:
“oh this is a bit weird"
Then:
“WHY IS THERE A ROOM FULL OF CORPSES?"
“WHY ARE THE CHILDREN ALWAYS IN MORTAL DANGER.”
“PUT THAT BIRD AWAY.”
"wait... are we resorting to CANNIBALISM... ALREADY??"
“WHO GAVE THIS OLD WOMAN ACCESS TO MAGIC???"
"PUT THAT BIRD DOWN OR SO HELP ME."
Meanwhile the illustrations look like they escaped from a haunted Victorian orphanage and I spent so much time studying each one. They're all cursed, like the sort of stress dream your brain might come up with after eating too much cheese during a storm.
Not every story hit the same for me, but even the weaker ones still had me feeling like I was trapped in a candlelit nightmare while someone whispered folklore directly into my ear. I had a great time.
Thank you to Fantagraphics Books for the ARC
It's seriously creepy. Rotten forests. Terrifying little kids. Suspicious af birds. Casual murder. Vibes so rancid I could almost smell damp moss and bad decisions through the pages. Every story feels like it was told to you by a medieval peasant who most definitely cursed somebody last Thursday.
And I mean that as the highest compliment imaginable.
The authors completely commit to the horror hiding underneath these fairy tales. The stories are cruel, strange, bloody, and serve as a warning that wandering into the woods is consenting to psychological damage. Just stay inside. Don't leave your bedroom. Ever. The bad things probably can't get you there.
The atmosphere is amazing. 10/10.
I was reading this like:
“oh this is a bit weird"
Then:
“WHY IS THERE A ROOM FULL OF CORPSES?"
“WHY ARE THE CHILDREN ALWAYS IN MORTAL DANGER.”
“PUT THAT BIRD AWAY.”
"wait... are we resorting to CANNIBALISM... ALREADY??"
“WHO GAVE THIS OLD WOMAN ACCESS TO MAGIC???"
"PUT THAT BIRD DOWN OR SO HELP ME."
Meanwhile the illustrations look like they escaped from a haunted Victorian orphanage and I spent so much time studying each one. They're all cursed, like the sort of stress dream your brain might come up with after eating too much cheese during a storm.
Not every story hit the same for me, but even the weaker ones still had me feeling like I was trapped in a candlelit nightmare while someone whispered folklore directly into my ear. I had a great time.
Thank you to Fantagraphics Books for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
John Kenn Mortensen’s dark illustrations are a perfect match for these Grimm fairy tales.
This collection includes ten stories:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl Without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
This book feels like the Brothers Grimm rose from the grave, shoved Disney aside, and reminded everyone these stories were meant to disturb.
It is genuinely creepy: rotten forests, eerie children, suspicious birds, casual murder, and an atmosphere so foul you can almost smell the damp moss. Each tale feels like it came from a medieval peasant who probably cursed someone last week.
I mean that as the highest praise.
The book fully embraces the horror in these fairy tales. The stories are cruel, strange, and bloody, making the woods feel less like adventure and more like a warning. The atmosphere is excellent.
The illustrations look as if they escaped from a haunted Victorian orphanage, and I could have studied them for hours. They feel wonderfully cursed, like a storm-fueled fever dream.
Not every story worked equally well for me, but even the weaker ones felt like a candlelit nightmare whispered in my ear. I had a great time.
This collection includes ten stories:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out in the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl Without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
This book feels like the Brothers Grimm rose from the grave, shoved Disney aside, and reminded everyone these stories were meant to disturb.
It is genuinely creepy: rotten forests, eerie children, suspicious birds, casual murder, and an atmosphere so foul you can almost smell the damp moss. Each tale feels like it came from a medieval peasant who probably cursed someone last week.
I mean that as the highest praise.
The book fully embraces the horror in these fairy tales. The stories are cruel, strange, and bloody, making the woods feel less like adventure and more like a warning. The atmosphere is excellent.
The illustrations look as if they escaped from a haunted Victorian orphanage, and I could have studied them for hours. They feel wonderfully cursed, like a storm-fueled fever dream.
Not every story worked equally well for me, but even the weaker ones felt like a candlelit nightmare whispered in my ear. I had a great time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all, I did really enjoy this book, but this is objectively not a graphic novel. It's a book with retellings of Brothers Grimm stories with some illustrations. They're great, but I was a little annoyed because I was expecting something completely different. I do mean some, too. Theres about one full illustration for every story, plus a few drawings of something small like a hand or an egg from the previous story in between each. I don't know if it was maybe mislabeled because Fantagraphics is putting it out and they're mostly a graphic novel publisher, but I wish I knew that going in. Still, it was great and I really liked it. There are several classic Brothers Grimm stories and a bunch that I've never heard of. My favorite was a version of Bluebeard, which was especially neat because I didn't know that Bluebeard was a Brothers Grimm story. The drawings are really cool, too. That's what really drew me to this because I love John Kenn's art, so I do wish there was more of it. Now that I know what to expect, I'll probably enjoy the next volumes even more and will be looking out for those. Thanks for the ARC!
November 14, 2025
Thank you, Fantagraphics Books | Fantagraphics and NetGalley for the chance to read and honestly review this arc!
I am familiar with two versions of GRIMM fairytales; the cute, sugar coated one & the dark and gothic vibe.
I like both but this captured the lingering warning and haunting atmosphere that I adore from the darker tales known from the Grimm Brothers.
I was familiar with many of the tales in this book but a few were a new experience. Which is always nice when tales are being retold by a new hand.
The Illustrations in this book are haunting and horrifying - which sounds bad but it's actually a compliment. I think it really added to the atmosphere of the book, just helping add that extra little level to the gothic writing that is associated with the tales.
I also enjoyed they noted at the end that takes get retold all the time and that when they were originally made, there had been many versions told from word of mouth and the one we know if the one they heard first.
I am familiar with two versions of GRIMM fairytales; the cute, sugar coated one & the dark and gothic vibe.
I like both but this captured the lingering warning and haunting atmosphere that I adore from the darker tales known from the Grimm Brothers.
I was familiar with many of the tales in this book but a few were a new experience. Which is always nice when tales are being retold by a new hand.
The Illustrations in this book are haunting and horrifying - which sounds bad but it's actually a compliment. I think it really added to the atmosphere of the book, just helping add that extra little level to the gothic writing that is associated with the tales.
I also enjoyed they noted at the end that takes get retold all the time and that when they were originally made, there had been many versions told from word of mouth and the one we know if the one they heard first.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I grew up reading the Grimm fairy tales and have a soft spot for them. I will always beleive this is where my love of horror novels came from. My sister bought me a large elaborately decorated book when I was in the hospital as a child to keep me busy and she did not believe in shading the rest just cus I was young. So no Disney version for me. Yeah I was slightly traumatized at first when Pinocchio squashed that old cricket but I got over it.
These retelling are fantastic and the small little pieces of art work are beautiful but I do feel a little cheated. I was expecting a cool graphic novel of a retelling, not just a few illustrations between stories. Gotta admit that really annoyed me in the beginning and almost mad me skip the reading.
Glad I decided to read this though, it is truly a job well done.
Recommended as long as you know what you're buying. Expected publishing date March 03, 2027
Thanks to @netgalley and Fantagraphics Books
for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
These retelling are fantastic and the small little pieces of art work are beautiful but I do feel a little cheated. I was expecting a cool graphic novel of a retelling, not just a few illustrations between stories. Gotta admit that really annoyed me in the beginning and almost mad me skip the reading.
Glad I decided to read this though, it is truly a job well done.
Recommended as long as you know what you're buying. Expected publishing date March 03, 2027
Thanks to @netgalley and Fantagraphics Books
for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.0 | dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Bone-chilling and deliciously eerie, GRIMM is a retelling of the original Brothers Grimm fairytales, with illustrations accompanying each of the tales. I do think it should not have been marked as a graphic novel, as there are only one illustration per tale. Still, that was not a deterrent for me, and I quite enjoyed the writing style and how they truly leaned into the darker themes, reflective of the turmoil during the first publication of the tales. It's also not overtly gritty for the sake of it, which I think a lot of retellings get wrong.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
These hills have always been there.
Bone-chilling and deliciously eerie, GRIMM is a retelling of the original Brothers Grimm fairytales, with illustrations accompanying each of the tales. I do think it should not have been marked as a graphic novel, as there are only one illustration per tale. Still, that was not a deterrent for me, and I quite enjoyed the writing style and how they truly leaned into the darker themes, reflective of the turmoil during the first publication of the tales. It's also not overtly gritty for the sake of it, which I think a lot of retellings get wrong.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This fairy tale retelling collection was a lovely mixture of well-known classics, such as 'Rapunzel' and 'Little Red Riding Hood', as well as lesser-known tales, like 'The Singing Bone' and 'Godfather Death' (which was probably my favourite of the retellings). The book as a whole felt consistent in style, despite being written by two authors, but it did vary in how much I enjoyed each story. The classic tales where I knew the basic plotline felt less interesting, though they were still well-written.
The beautifully eerie illustrations scattered throughout helped enhance the creepy elements of each story, which were solidly atmospheric. I would often find myself slowing down to take in how the illustrations captured the important aspects of each tale.
Bottom line: an enjoyable read if you like fairy tale retellings.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
This fairy tale retelling collection was a lovely mixture of well-known classics, such as 'Rapunzel' and 'Little Red Riding Hood', as well as lesser-known tales, like 'The Singing Bone' and 'Godfather Death' (which was probably my favourite of the retellings). The book as a whole felt consistent in style, despite being written by two authors, but it did vary in how much I enjoyed each story. The classic tales where I knew the basic plotline felt less interesting, though they were still well-written.
The beautifully eerie illustrations scattered throughout helped enhance the creepy elements of each story, which were solidly atmospheric. I would often find myself slowing down to take in how the illustrations captured the important aspects of each tale.
Bottom line: an enjoyable read if you like fairy tale retellings.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this collection. It’s been so long since I’ve read fairy tales that I’ve forgotten how fun they are. I liked the dark takes on these stories because they feel true to the style of the Brothers Grimm rather than the sanitized (and boring) versions passed around in children’s stories. I think they could have gone a lot darker since they stated in the afterword that they departed from the children’s book version to make the stories interesting for anybody to read.
My only complaint is that this should not be marketed as a graphic novel. I don’t know why they’re doing that but it’s extremely misleading. Each story has a drawing but they’re told in a regular narrative format. I hope they change this marketing error before the book comes out. I do like the art though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fantagraphics for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
My only complaint is that this should not be marketed as a graphic novel. I don’t know why they’re doing that but it’s extremely misleading. Each story has a drawing but they’re told in a regular narrative format. I hope they change this marketing error before the book comes out. I do like the art though.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fantagraphics for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC copy. This isn’t necessarily my normal type of book I would read, however I decided to give it a go because it said “dark retellings” of Grimm fairy tales. Who hasn’t read Grimm fairytales or at least seen/read some version? I like horror so I thought this would be a good idea. I think reading the premise of this made it seem like it would be something different. The stories here were pretty much the same as the originals, but highlighted the darker parts of those stories a bit more. They didn’t change the stories, they just gave more details to the dark parks to accent them. Maybe I just thought it would be more of a horror type vibe and I mistook what they meant. I don’t want to take away from these though because they were good. I just didn’t think they did enough to set it apart from what has came before.
3.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 ⭐️
May 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the access to an e-ARC for review.
I did go into this expecting it to be a graphic novel. That’s why I requested it as I’ve read most of these tales before and was looking for something different. I just wanted to put that out there in my review so maybe others will be aware of this being more of a standard novel with illustrations throughout before requesting/purchasing.
But, I won’t fault the novel for being categorized in a confusing manor.
I did enjoy the illustrations throughout and thought the stories were told in an easy to understand way without being boring.
Definitely pick this up if you are a fan of Grimm fairytales and would love to read a collection with some really cool art.
I did go into this expecting it to be a graphic novel. That’s why I requested it as I’ve read most of these tales before and was looking for something different. I just wanted to put that out there in my review so maybe others will be aware of this being more of a standard novel with illustrations throughout before requesting/purchasing.
But, I won’t fault the novel for being categorized in a confusing manor.
I did enjoy the illustrations throughout and thought the stories were told in an easy to understand way without being boring.
Definitely pick this up if you are a fan of Grimm fairytales and would love to read a collection with some really cool art.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Even though Fantagraphics put this out, it's not a graphic novel. These are prose fairy tales with the occasional illustration. These are the old dark fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. There's no Disneyfication here. Bad things sometimes happen to good people, even children. Some of the stories are quite familiar like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood but those were the exception. Most of these were quite new to me. Any lover of fairy tales is going to want to read this.
Stories within in order:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out into the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
Stories within in order:
Hansel and Gretel
The Singing Bone
The Story of a Boy Who Went Out into the World to Learn Fear
Rapunzel
Godfather Death
The Robber Bridegroom
Fitcher's Bird
The Gifts of the Little People
The Girl without Hands
Little Red Riding Hood
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Fairy tales are always in flux, and every storyteller is entitled to tell a fairy tale in their own way." So true. I love the original Grimm fairy tales... but now I question how much of the originals I actually remember correctly vs how much has been re-worked over time. Fairy tales should have a widespread appeal across all ages, this book addresses that by breathing new life into old classics. The artwork accompanying this book is stunning and reinforces the tales beautifully. Thank-you, Fantagraphic Books, Benni Bødker, and Kenneth Bøgh Andersen. for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for an arc of this book, my first arc ever! Overall, this was a solid retelling. The art style didn't do much for me, but that's more of a personal preference than anything. I know many people who would absolutely love the art style. As far as the retelling themselves. I haven't read any of the original Grimms fairy tales myself, but I've heard many summaries and know the general jest. This book didn't shy away from the more gruesome details or add any Disney fluff. However, there were many happy endings for the protagonists that made it seem not all doom and despair. The writing itself was well done as well. This was an enjoyable short read!
December 16, 2025
Thank you for Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
The Grimm fairytales have been staples for many readers over the centuries and this book brings a breath of fresh air to familiar stories. Each tale had a deeply serious yet darkly playful spirit and narrative structures that I felt lended themselves to these short, brutal entries. I feel that these could be modern versions of the traditional stories that younger readers could connect with and get excited about reading and telling to their friends. For other audiences this will feel like hearing these tales again for the first time!
The Grimm fairytales have been staples for many readers over the centuries and this book brings a breath of fresh air to familiar stories. Each tale had a deeply serious yet darkly playful spirit and narrative structures that I felt lended themselves to these short, brutal entries. I feel that these could be modern versions of the traditional stories that younger readers could connect with and get excited about reading and telling to their friends. For other audiences this will feel like hearing these tales again for the first time!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My rating: 3.5
GRIMM Book One contains a strong mix of familiar and less familiar fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. I wouldn’t say there is anything new in these interpretations, but they hold up well. The artwork by John Kenn Mortensen is where this book really shines. The black and white illustrations are appropriately dark and foreboding. My only wish is that there had been more of them.
Thank you to Fantagraphics Books and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
GRIMM Book One contains a strong mix of familiar and less familiar fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. I wouldn’t say there is anything new in these interpretations, but they hold up well. The artwork by John Kenn Mortensen is where this book really shines. The black and white illustrations are appropriately dark and foreboding. My only wish is that there had been more of them.
Thank you to Fantagraphics Books and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book lit up the same part of my brain that the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books did when I was a kid. Suddenly, I'm back in third grade, reading under my blankets with a pen light, being both entertained and slightly creeped out by the illustrations. LOVED that.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free e-copy to review!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free e-copy to review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Early ARC Review:
Wow I loved these stories so much! In a weird way, it brought me back to when I was younger. 😂😹
The creepy gothic illustrious of this book really added to the eerie vibes.
With that being said, this book was marked as a graphic novel. I would’ve thought there’d be more illustrations. (There was only about 1 or 2 illustrations before and after each separate story.)
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this early ARC copy of “GRIMM” 🐺🧺
Wow I loved these stories so much! In a weird way, it brought me back to when I was younger. 😂😹
The creepy gothic illustrious of this book really added to the eerie vibes.
With that being said, this book was marked as a graphic novel. I would’ve thought there’d be more illustrations. (There was only about 1 or 2 illustrations before and after each separate story.)
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this early ARC copy of “GRIMM” 🐺🧺
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely adored this book. Loved that it told the more gruesome version of the fairytales and not the Disney version. I also deeply enjoyed the artwork included. The way the book was written was also a 10/10. I enjoyed it to the point where I wish it never ended. Would have loved more of the artwork to be included. I would totally recommend this once this hits stores.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I tried to get to like this “darkness fairytales” thanks to my wish being granted. I feel there was not much spooks but more just the simple fairytales we all grow up as kiddos. It’s just words more than it being a graphic novel which it wasn’t.
Got this via Netgalley and publisher
Got this via Netgalley and publisher
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderful re telling of the Classic
folk tales gathered by
The Brothers Grimm.
And with an added bonus of
haunting illustrations from
John Kenn Mortensen.
Truly a lovely edition.
folk tales gathered by
The Brothers Grimm.
And with an added bonus of
haunting illustrations from
John Kenn Mortensen.
Truly a lovely edition.
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