1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad #7
	Writer: Joe Brusha Artist: Ron Adrian Colorist: Kieran Oats Letterer: Crank! Editor: Jenna Sibel Published by: Zenescope Entertainment
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

The first of a two-part story this is also a crossover with the Grimm Fairy Tales. (Read for its next half in GFT #33.) It is the story of the origin story of Wilhelm, the green skinned, snake/lizard like mysterious member of Sinbad’s crew.

As seen on the cover Belinda has a starring role in the issue, as she does in the second part. With nearing two dozen appearances/issues, I still cannot bring myself to draw up any lasting interesting in this character. First seen in Grimm Fairy Tales Annual #1 Belinda has gone from being the negative to Sela’s positive to having a hand in just about every Fairy Tales, even in Sinbad. Heck, I expect her to even pop-up in the Wonderland series’ (also from Zenescope). Yet, for all her screen time this character still strikes me as more of a glorified Mary Sue than any substantial.

Moving on, the story itself is a flashback of sorts, going back to the time when Wilhelm was still human. Seeing the initial panels one feels sorry for his current state, and that empathy isn’t lost even after the tide turns and makes Wilhelm into an A-grade asshole. Even though, he does what he does for love once he sets down the slippery slope into Belinda’s trap there is no coming back.

The issue ends with a nice (albeit cliché) setup for the things to really go to high hell.

As always, the artwork, both on the cover and the interiors, is top notch. Having its share of both beefcake and cheesecake, it still doesn’t lose sight of the various aspects of the story, be it the hardness of current day Wilhelm or the innocence of his past self or even the change that comes with him as the plot progresses.

Conclusion: Despite Belinda’s being there this (somewhat clichéd) tragic story makes for a more than average time-pass read.

RATING: 7/10