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bigcurls123's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kathrynkao's review against another edition
5.0
I think I read the issues in this book a really long time ago--like, 2006 or 2007? Slightly before I really got into comics. I remember enjoying it, but feeling kind of overwhelmed because there were so many books in the run, and I think I was reading the single issues or trades, and since I hadn't really gotten into comics by that point it was just too much.
Since then, I'd been meaning to try reading Fables again, and luckily it was one of the books my Reddit Gift Exchange gave me (hooray!). Perfect excuse to really get into Fables this time. And now that there are these deluxe editions, collecting them all is far more doable. Deluxe editions are my preferred way to read comics, anyway--they're gorgeous and durable, and the size helps me really pay attention to the art.
I almost always enjoy retellings and reinventions of fairy tales and folklore, and the premise of Fables is both really fun and somewhat menacing. You get very little details of what the Exile was like; much of the two stories in this book focuses on building the world of Fabletown and introducing us to Snow White, Rose Red, and Bigby Wolf. Having the first arc take place in New York (where the human-appearing Fables live) and the second at the Farm in upstage NY (where the Fables who can't pass as humans live) is smart. It's an efficient way to introduce a wide range of types of Fables, contrast Fabletown and the Farm, and explore the impact centuries of exile had on the non-human Fables. While that storyline does get resolved, there's an inevitable conflict looming ahead that gives the ending an unsettled quality--there's an overarching story here that the following books must be working towards. I'm excited to keep living in this world.
Since then, I'd been meaning to try reading Fables again, and luckily it was one of the books my Reddit Gift Exchange gave me (hooray!). Perfect excuse to really get into Fables this time. And now that there are these deluxe editions, collecting them all is far more doable. Deluxe editions are my preferred way to read comics, anyway--they're gorgeous and durable, and the size helps me really pay attention to the art.
I almost always enjoy retellings and reinventions of fairy tales and folklore, and the premise of Fables is both really fun and somewhat menacing. You get very little details of what the Exile was like; much of the two stories in this book focuses on building the world of Fabletown and introducing us to Snow White, Rose Red, and Bigby Wolf. Having the first arc take place in New York (where the human-appearing Fables live) and the second at the Farm in upstage NY (where the Fables who can't pass as humans live) is smart. It's an efficient way to introduce a wide range of types of Fables, contrast Fabletown and the Farm, and explore the impact centuries of exile had on the non-human Fables. While that storyline does get resolved, there's an inevitable conflict looming ahead that gives the ending an unsettled quality--there's an overarching story here that the following books must be working towards. I'm excited to keep living in this world.
kaigairg's review against another edition
5.0
http://greenmanreview.com//book/book_willingham_fablesdeluxe_volumeone.html
confusedlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but not enough to keep reading the entire series.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
3.0
Good concept but not loving it all that much yet.
murphyc1's review against another edition
5.0
Utterly brilliant. I had forgotten just how well-constructed and polished this comic is. The story is perfectly paced, exciting, and relevant; the art is intricate, cinematic, and endearing. The dialogue reads naturally and logically. I loved re-reading these comics in the enlarged "Deluxe Edition" format, but I wish that there were more extras included. There's a brief introduction by the author, one variant cover of issue #1, and a handful of character sketches. Personally, I want more.
jenlouisegallant's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really cool start. It was nice to see familiar characters in a different way. There were also some nice literary metaphors. Definitely interested in continuing this series.
arcanumxiii's review against another edition
2.0
The first half of this edition is, to be blunt, annoying. But the last few stories get stronger — maybe because we get to know the cast and the geography?
Still, you have to have grit to reach this point. So, reader beware!
Still, you have to have grit to reach this point. So, reader beware!
colinhdempsey's review against another edition
3.0
Fables has circled around my consciousness for the past decade but it wasn’t until I received a firm recommendation that I looked past its premise. Fairy tales living in New York doesn’t appeal to me and after finishing the volume I still don’t think it does. The entire cast and setting could be replaced with original works and it’d net the same returns for me. That being said everything works because the characters function so well and Willingham is a great world builder. So it doesn’t succeed despite its premise, it does so regardless of the premise. Whether that’s a positive, negative, or neutral trait is undecided.
holly_117's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic novel is a really interesting spin on fables we all know. The fairy tale lands have been invaded, so Snow White, King Cole and the other human looking characters have moved to New York City, where they live in an enchanted apartment building called "The Woodlands". The non-human characters live on a a farm in upstate New York.
This collection follows the NYC group through a murder investigation, conducted by B. Wolf (of Three Little Pigs fame) in the first half. The second half introduces the farm characters and finds them ready to revolt against their 'imprisonment' on the farm. Even though there's a lot of world building and character introductions in this collection, it's definitely not lacking for action. I will definitely read the rest of this series and try out the spin-off series as well.
This collection follows the NYC group through a murder investigation, conducted by B. Wolf (of Three Little Pigs fame) in the first half. The second half introduces the farm characters and finds them ready to revolt against their 'imprisonment' on the farm. Even though there's a lot of world building and character introductions in this collection, it's definitely not lacking for action. I will definitely read the rest of this series and try out the spin-off series as well.