Grimm Fairy Tales Presents The Jungle Book Vol. 1 – 3 (TPB)
Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: The Jungle Book Vol. 1 – 3 (TPB)
Genre
🌍 Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Dark Reimagining, Coming-of-Age
Zenescope's Jungle Book trilogy veers from its classic roots into a gritty, fantastical world. It weaves together high-stakes action, rich world-building, and the trials of survival into a saga of war, identity, and power.
Main Characters
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Mowglii – A fierce and determined human girl raised by wolves, torn between her animal upbringing and human origin 🐺👧
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Bagoo – A powerful black panther who serves as a wise mentor and protector to Mowglii 🐆
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Shere Khan – The cunning and merciless tiger who believes in animal dominance over humans 🐅
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Balu – A mighty bear and guardian figure who plays a critical role in Mowglii’s growth 🐻
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Kaa – A deadly python with his own motives, slithering through both loyalty and betrayal 🐍
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Dah'Raca – Leader of the tiger clan, a fierce political force in the fractured jungle
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Kaa's Sister (from Vol. 3) – Introduced as a new serpentine threat, manipulating events from the shadows
Writer
✍️ Mark L. Miller – Known for his bold storytelling and character-driven narratives, Miller redefines Kipling’s world through a darker, more mature lens while keeping the emotional core intact.
Artist
🎨 Carlos Granda, Riccardo Baghera, Jungle Book: Last of the Species – Their detailed, vivid artwork enhances the raw tension of the jungle. Creatures are majestic yet menacing, while characters are expressively drawn and emotionally grounded.
Editor Details
📝 Raven Gregory (Editor-in-Chief during early volumes), Dave Franchini (later editorial supervision). Their influence brought consistency and emotional weight across the three arcs.
Publisher and Brand
🏷️ Zenescope Entertainment – A publisher known for its mature, often dark reimaginings of classic fairy tales and literature.
🏷️ Brand: Grimm Fairy Tales Presents – A flagship line within Zenescope, focused on transforming well-known fables into compelling, adult-themed narratives.
Release Year
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Volume 1: 2012
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Volume 2 (The Jungle Book: Last of the Species): 2013
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Volume 3 (The Jungle Book: Fall of the Wild): 2015
Brief Plot Summary
Stranded on the island of Kipling after a shipwreck, a group of human children is raised by different animal tribes. Mowglii, raised by wolves, grows into a warrior in a jungle torn apart by political rivalries and bloody wars between species. As tensions rise, Mowglii must navigate between loyalty to her animal family and the mysterious call of her human roots. The story unfolds into a tribal conflict where survival hinges on both cunning and courage, ultimately forcing her to become a unifying figure—or the jungle’s final victim.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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Vol. 1 – Jungle Law: Establishes Mowglii's origins, the tribal rivalries, and introduces a brutal survivalist tone.
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Vol. 2 – Last of the Species: Deepens the mythology, revealing new human characters and animal factions, and Mowglii's leadership trials.
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Vol. 3 – Fall of the Wild: A full-scale tribal war, dark betrayals, and the jungle’s fate teetering on Mowglii’s decisions in an explosive finale.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Mowglii as a Chosen One: Fans often interpret Mowglii as a symbolic “bridge” between humanity and nature—a reincarnation of harmony.
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The Island of Kipling as Purgatory: Some readers theorize the island is metaphorical purgatory, with each tribe representing a human vice or virtue.
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Shere Khan’s Legacy: Several fans argue that Khan's dominance is a metaphor for colonial aggression—his character often read as an allegory of unchecked power.
Review Summary
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Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: The Jungle Book delivers a compelling, savage, and surprisingly emotional saga that reimagines a childhood classic for a mature audience. The writing is tight, with Mark L. Miller successfully layering character evolution over primal conflict. The art impresses throughout—lush jungle backdrops, expressive animal designs, and dynamic action sequences keep the story visually rich. Mowglii, in particular, is a standout protagonist: fierce, intelligent, and emotionally resonant. This trilogy is a must-read for fans of fantasy epics with a wild twist.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
