Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Fables Vol. 19: Snow White by Bill Willingham - Book Review


From the publisher: With Castle Dark now back in the hands of the Fables, mysteries both young and old begin to challenge the residents of Fabletown. Bigby and Stinky set off from Fabletown in Rose Red's blood-fueled sports car to track down the two abducted cubs. Unfortunately for Snow White, besides suffering the trauma of having two of her cubs go missing, a long forgotten secret uncovered in Castle Dark threatens to sabatoge her and Bigby's marriage.

This volume also collects the backup adventures of Bufkin and Lily from issues #114-121, as well as their full length adventures found in issue #124.

Collected here are Fables issues #114-123 (back-up stories only) and Fables issues #124-129.


I love Fables, mostly because Bill Willingham is an extraordinary writer, and once again he has done a terrific job. Fables Vol. 19: Snow White focuses on Snow White's family: Bigby Wolf is searching for their two missing children, Ambrose is narrating the events, and a long forgotten suitor of Snow's shows up.  Willingham draws upon seeds planted many issues ago (it must be years in real time) to tell this tale.  And as he does with consistency and spectacularity, those seeds grow into a story that brings all the emotional and dramatic depth one could hope for.

Added to the main storyline is the story of Bufkin the Flying Monkey (who can't fly anymore) and his (girl)friend Lily.  This is a fun story, and it wraps up the story of a couple of minor characters from throughout the run of Fables.

As usual, the art by Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialohais gorgeous as always, and really adds to the fairy tale aspect of the story.

There is really no way to review the contents of the story without revealing many spoilers, some small and at least one major one.  So I won't do that.  But I will recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great writing, no matter the medium.  I will also suggest that there are several storylines that pay-off for long-time readers.  It's not a great jumping on point for new fans, but with 129+ issues, those places are few and far between.  But pick it up anyway and give it a shot.  Also, for some of the events that happen immediately following Fables Vol. 19, pick up Fairest In All The Land (the fallout for some characters is addressed in that story).

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

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