Once Upon a Time

Nightmares & Fairy Tales #1

by Serena Valentino, FSc (Artist)

This haunting first collection of Annabelle's memories are filled with frightening stories and dark fairy tales about her various owners . Featuring the first 6 issues, as well as some other spookirific surprises, including an introduction by Tommy Kovac (Skelebunnies, Stitch and Autumn) as well as a guest page by Jhonen Vasquez and other SLG creators.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Fairy Tales, Graphic Novels Comics

177 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2004

About the author

Serena Valentino is best known for weaving tales that combine mythos and guile with her work on the comic book series GloomCookie and Nightmares & Fairy Tales, and her best selling Disney Villain Novels which have earned her critical acclaim for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty and extraordinary female protagonists.

Her Disney Villain novel series would be best enjoyed if read in this order: Fairest of All: The Story of the Wicked Queen, The Beast Within: The Story of Belle’s Prince, Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch, Mistress of All Evil: A Tale of the Dark Fairy. Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch and The Odd Sisters: A Villains Book to be released in Summer 2019. Book 7 will be out Summer 2020, Book 8 summer of 2021, and Book 9 Summer of 2022.

Serena lives in New Orleans with her dog Gozer, and a very tiny kitty named Momma.



Contact: Serena@serenavalentino.com

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the creepiest fairy tale retellings I've read, and that had one of the best twists to the tale of Cinderella out there.

This is the story of Annabelle, a mysterious sentient doll that, for reasons not even she understands, brings misfortune to every owner she has ever had from her maker onwards. Or does she? It's not clear. Might be she's a cursed doll, might be she simply has been witness to the lives of star-crossed people that suffered all sorts of tragedies. No one really knows, least of all Annabelle herself, who, for all that she's been through so much evil and pain and horror, is a caring and sweet-natured doll.

When she arrives to her current owner, a young child called Gwen, the doll recounts her story to the little girl, and through that we learn about her earlier owners. First, she tells the story of Morgan and Dominique, two girls that are each in turn victims of evil and one becomes a perpetrator of evil eventually; then we have a short Snow White retelling that is rather forgettable and only there to transition us into the bizarre reality that Annabelle has existed within fairy tales as much as outside them, and finally the doll tells a brilliant account of Cinderella that had one of the most original takes on the tale out there.

I read a later volume, "Beautiful Beasts," years ago, before knowing it was part of a series, and it didn't impress me back then. But I've forgotten enough that I was able to read this with more or less a blank headspace. It didn't have a promising start, because the first story involves vampires, one of my least favourite folks, and on top of that the timeline and flow of the stories are out of order and very confusing. Many times, I didn't know what was going on; it takes a while to see where this is going and what it's about.

And, another downside: the artwork is downright ugly. Awfully ugly. This style of drawing was so aesthetically unpleasant to me that, were it not for the intrigue and curiosity over what Annabelle truly is, I wouldn't have got past the first issue (this collects issues 1-6 of the individual comics). I don't recall "Beautiful Beasts" having such ugly art, so either they changed artists or it improved later.

Anyway, the Cinderella retelling is great, it shows Annabelle for what I hope she will turn out to be. I'm sufficiently intrigued by the mystery of her origins that I want to read the rest of the stories until the end. So, 3.5 stars it is, rounded down because of the artwork and the choppy timeline.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I like the artwork. I don't hate it, but sometimes a few panels, in particular with the first two stories, would be slightly confusing.

This collection of 1-6 in the series presents two stories about vampires, a retelling of Snow White, a retelling of Cinderella, and the story of Gwen. The conceit that holds the stories together is a rag doll named Annabelle, who feels she must be cursed. The stories are very dark. It's like the Twilight Zone meets Dahl meets Tales from the Darkside with Muppets.

Yes, it shoulds like it shouldn't work, but it does. It works very well.

While none of the stories are bad, "Gwen's Story" and "Cinderella" are the best two. The Cinderella is one of the best versions I've read in a long time.


While the artwork is confusing, it does match the stories. Using color or a slighly more cuddly style would not work.

[Melissa Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. There was some really nice artwork but sometimes it seemed to get sloppy and it was hard to tell what was going on. I didn't feel that the story moved smoothly. It was choppy and confusing for most part but did have a lovely, dark feel to it. Wasn't my thing but can see where others might enjoy it.

[Christian Angeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first volume. It was sort of confusing at first and I wasn't sure what to expect as the beginning is packed with information, character names, and tiny tidbits that tie together as you read onward.

First, there's this preface about some mysterious doll named Annabelle (The relation of which to the actual Annabelle doll and/or Robert The Doll, I wasn't certain. Either way, dolls horrify me). Then, there's this girl that we meet and then a whole slew of characters we're immediately introduced to. At this point I wasn't sure where this was going as it seemed to be opening up a larger and much longer narrative, which it was, at least to an extent.

But then, well - suffice to say I was bloody surprised. And I don't get surprised that often. Serena does a great job with her characters and her transitions to the other shorts connected so naturally and with such finesse that before you know it, you'll be finishing the final pages wondering how it's already over; but above all else, you'll be wanting to know more.

About what comes next and about the mystery of Annabelle. There's a lot here and it's definitely a series I need to finish. Highly recommended for those who love horror, lore, fairy tales, and whom like me, have a mysterious yet terrifying fascination with dolls.

[Aviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is downright creepy. It's the story of Annabelle, a little rag-doll who isn't evil really, but it seems that anyone who's owned her has had something positively horrendous happen to them. Take for instance, little Gwen, her parents are abusive fuck wits and when they move into a new house, their elderly next door neighbor makes friends with Gwen, giving her Annabelle for company. Suddenly her abusive parents die in a really horrendous manner and Gwen gets given to the sweet old lady next door. Good for Gwen, but pretty scary when you think about it. All the stories are like that.

This is a great read. But I will say sometimes the plot was a little hard to follow because the point-of-view seemed to skip all over the place. Makes sense, given your narrator's a rag doll, but there you go.

[Shanon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story and the idea of a doll that brings misfortune.

I am having a hard time getting past the artwork. On it's own or even in a story book (with one picture per page) it would be wonderful and beautiful. In this medium I am finding it distracting to the story. There have been several times I couldn't tell what was going on because there were no words only busy, disconnected pictures.

Issue 3 - Dominique's story. I REALLY hope we get more information on this story line in future installments! I want to know what those nuns are up to and yet I'm afraid to find out.

Issue 4 - Snow White & Issue 6 - Cinderella. LOVED the twist on the classic stories. Much better than the originals :)

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories told by a creepy doll named Annabell. The name is even creepy. It went from killer dolls, to monsters in a closet, monsters in an attic and finally a twisted view of Cinderella. All these stories were very disturbing and I loved it. The pictures in this graphic novel were horrifyingly terrific and disturbing.
This is a great read for anyone who loves dark and gory things.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first graphic novel I've ever read, and it was awesome! I love the artwork, and the story was fantastically dark and gloomy. It was definitely more gory and gothic than what I usually read, but I still really enjoyed it and hope to get the second volume.

[Velia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars actually.

[Hierbaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravillosamente tétrico y nunca me cansaré de leerlo porque es una auténtica obra maestra en muchos sentidos. Ah, y Annabelle os saluda desde mi estantería ;D

[Madeline Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Jessica!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle, this nightmarish looking doll, is not to be confused with other cruel dolls with the same name. She’s not an evil doll. Far from it. She may look it. She can’t help it. Annabelle may seem like a lady of bad luck. Yet, she can’t seem to do anything to avert disaster. Yet, she’s able to assert influences, creating certain incidents that will prove beneficial to some of her owners. But, not always. Can’t always trust her too much. Case in point, Morgan who had second thoughts of doing favors for her friend, Dominique. She was trying to put off doing some unknown pact with her. Dominique is not exactly a good friend. Not to mention too scary. Why thus? Read this first issue, and find out. Strongly recommended. Well written, and spookily drawn with plenty of weird atmosphere.

[Alissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art was neat in parts, but it was so hard to tell what was going on, particularly in the first half. It might have been better if it were in color, but as it is I wasn't entirely sure what was going on, and I didn't care enough to try to figure it out. The stories felt amateurish and ham-handed. I won't be reading any more volumes.

[Marie Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Nightmares and Fairy Tales Once upon a time by Serena Valentino. This is a graphic novel and one my daughter Emma wanted me to read. A collection of short stories centering around the life of the same doll and the people it's passed onto. Good stories, although I had a bit of trouble understanding the pictures and what was going on in some areas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four stars.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love retellings of faerie tales, and some of these are quite clever (especially Cinderella) but some of the artwork was super confusing to follow, and sometimes it was JUST artwork with no dialogue. Overall okay, I think I'm just too old to get it.

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read issue #5, Gwen's story, in 2005 when I was 14 years old. I instantly fell in love with the story and the characters. Each story is eerie, creepy and beautiful. It is very graphic/gory so beware.

[Social_Sloth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intersting stories told by Annabelle the doll with amazing and unique art that makes the great story even better.

[Violet B · Rating 3 out of 5]

choppy, i'm going to give the second one a go and see if it flows better. Not one you fall for right away.

[NRae · Rating 1 out of 5]

How many creepy/evil dolls named Annabelle do we really need? Artwork was often tough to follow, and the storyline is pretty generic.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't work for me. :/

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gothic, creepy, set of stories. The black and white art adds to the creepiness vibe! You can't help but to keep turning the page!! I like the spookiness!!

[Gayle Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations, but the stories were a little hard to follow at times. Can't wait to read the others in the series!

[Emily Stiffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This artwork is amazing and I loved the stories! Such a great graphic novel!

[Enchanted · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderfully dark comic

[Shannon D · Rating 5 out of 5]

These comics still haunt my dreams. Beautifully rendered horror full of suspense and curiosity.

[Goop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Randomly picked this up from the library, the writing is pretty bad and hard to follow but the art is oozing with character and I love it

[Hokunani Sorci · Rating 5 out of 5]

graphic novel review
Title: Nightmares & Fairy Tales Vol 1: Once Upon a Time…
Author: Serena Valentino
Artist: FSc
Pub Year: 2006(4th ed)
Platform: Owned Graphic Novel
Genre: short story collection, dark fantasy/horror
Stars: 5

A lovely stroll down memory lane, the first Vol is one I’ve reread often. The art is chaotic, beautiful, and horrifying. The stories range from unique to retellings and are all wrapped up in blood-red bows.

[Jenika Ioffreda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Emma L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightmare and Fairy tales by Serena Valentino is definitely a book I will never forget when I finally got on Christmas.

I remember that night I sat in my bed, reading in the dark with only a small light source of a mini flashlight that lit all the speech bubbles and beautiful drawings. I remember being disappointed when I finally made it to the end of the comic, knowing the next time reading this comic that it wouldn't be the same.

There are so many things in the whimsical world of Nightmares and Fairy tales. Agreeing with the review in the beginning of the book, the world seems to be more happier and normal, but edged pointy teeth. 'Fsc' style of drawing in my opinion, made this book. If any other illustrator would of have worked on this comic, it wouldn't be the same.

The story centers off on a little doll name Annabelle, who has been in this world for some time. To being the doll of Snow White, to the present of a little girl with abusing parents; this doll has some self-esteem issues, thinking that whoever owns her will always have a terrible fate. But as the story progresses, more luck comes to people who own her, rather than in the beginning girls.

In the story, one insane girl, a vampire, Snow white, a little girl, and Cinderella own the doll through the story. Each story having a miracle twist that leaves the readers puzzled or hungry to read for more. What's even better, and the end of the book there's 'fan art' by popular artists, tattoos, and the actual script 'Fsc' had to read in order to portray the scene like Serena Valentino wanted.

The only cons that I have in the story is there aren't many boys AT all in the story, and just mainly centers off on a girl POV, just so that some boy readers know. Some people might say that 'Fsc' style is 'sloppy', but to me that's what brings the whole 'whimsical' feeling into the comic. The comic at times can get very violent, such as showing a skinned man hanging from a tree, a monster-like face on one of the nuns, and the little girl being abused by her parents and crying because of the 'monsters' in her room. So I suggest readers who don't have the stomach or don't enjoy reading a 'darker shade' or books to put this one back onto the shelf.

Other than that, Nightmare and Fairy tales is by far in my opinion, one of the best comics I have ever gotten in my life. So much inspiration can be found in this book that helped me to this day.

[Judyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3-3.5/5

This was a very dark, but very good, comic.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect, especially since I don’t read a lot of these, but it looked good. The art is gothic and dark, in a good way, with long necks and horrifying faces.

The storyline is really creepy. There’s a different one for each chapter, although ultimately they all revolve around a cursed doll. Annabelle wants to be loved and happy, and yet every owner that she has ends up dying horribly.

There are the normal stories, one about a girl and her friends, one about a girl and nuns, most of whom die somehow. There’s also a normal little girl who ends up being taken from her horrible parents and living with a nice lady, thankfully. There are two fairytales retold: Snow White and Cinderella. Both of them have horrible journeys but end somewhat nicely.

These are all horrible, nightmare-inducing stories, and they’re all very well done. The Snow White story particularly stands out to me. It was surprisingly good, and I’m glad I picked it up. I would like to find more stories like it.

[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]