haia_929's review
5.0
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
Here it is folks, the final issue and the final volume of Fables all wrapped up in one shiny 150 page book. I'm certainly sad to see the series, which I've been reading for a decade, come to an end. And what a brilliant end it was. This ending was unexpected and really made me quite pleased after my disappointment with events leading to the end. Willingham really turned this around for me and left me a happy and still very devoted fan of Fables.
I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot. This volume wraps things up though. It starts first with the overall story and then it follows that up with little vignettes to end all the loose stories and characters we've all grown to love from throughout the history of the Fables-verse.
For me, Fables has ended on a near perfect note. I think everyone should read this series, because - while there have been some disappointing moments - it has always been excellent.
Here it is folks, the final issue and the final volume of Fables all wrapped up in one shiny 150 page book. I'm certainly sad to see the series, which I've been reading for a decade, come to an end. And what a brilliant end it was. This ending was unexpected and really made me quite pleased after my disappointment with events leading to the end. Willingham really turned this around for me and left me a happy and still very devoted fan of Fables.
I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot. This volume wraps things up though. It starts first with the overall story and then it follows that up with little vignettes to end all the loose stories and characters we've all grown to love from throughout the history of the Fables-verse.
For me, Fables has ended on a near perfect note. I think everyone should read this series, because - while there have been some disappointing moments - it has always been excellent.
kellylynnthomas's review
5.0
I literally put off reading this for two years because I didn't want Fables to be over. This was the perfect conclusion, in my opinion, and a fitting farewell. Though now that I've read it I don't know what to do with myself, except maybe re-read the whole thing.
psykobilliethekid's review
1.0
Anti-climatic and a huge let down. At least I got to see what happened to Boy Blue bit even then it wasn't as awesome as I hoped it would be. But at least I read it to the end. Not the ending I was hoping for but an ending.
irvine_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ferrisscottr's review
5.0
So after two years or reading and 22 volumes I have completed Fables.
I've said it before and say one final time - this is without a doubt the greatest story ever told. It's better than any book you've ever read, the world is more amazing than any world building fantasy novel you can think of.
Everything about this series is as close to perfection as you can get.
Writing, plotting, characters, character development - without peer.
I've been reading comics for over 40 years and Mark Buckingham as an artist is just the best of the best. There wasn't a single volume in this series that wasn't jaw dropping in terms of art.
The final volume tied up everything and there's not much more to say (the plot is way too intricate to get into after 22 volumes) other than this has my highest possible recommendation. Even if you don't like graphic novels or comics you would love this, it's that great.
I've said it before and say one final time - this is without a doubt the greatest story ever told. It's better than any book you've ever read, the world is more amazing than any world building fantasy novel you can think of.
Everything about this series is as close to perfection as you can get.
Writing, plotting, characters, character development - without peer.
I've been reading comics for over 40 years and Mark Buckingham as an artist is just the best of the best. There wasn't a single volume in this series that wasn't jaw dropping in terms of art.
The final volume tied up everything and there's not much more to say (the plot is way too intricate to get into after 22 volumes) other than this has my highest possible recommendation. Even if you don't like graphic novels or comics you would love this, it's that great.
misssusan's review
2.0
okay i'm PRETTY SURE willingham is actually trying to pick a fight with me at this point. bring it billy boy, i won a silver in my last tournament and i have zero inclination to be merciful to someone who refuses to stop disrespecting my religion. get ready to get WRECKED
(i would review this volume but it's the most anticlimactic nonsense, there will be more tension in the first two seconds of our upcoming fight than this entire volume. i plan to take him down in five so enjoy the dramatic irony in anticipating his downfall while he still thinks he has a chance)
2 stars
scorposh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
qgg's review
3.0
I must say that I'm disappointed in the ending to this amazing series of graphic novels. Fables succeeded best for me when it told character-driven stories that added a twist to what you thought you knew of your favorite fairytales. The personal twists brought the characters down to a conceivable level. Bigby smokes like a chimney to block the scent of the woman he pines for, Beast looks more beastly based on his wife's mood and perception of him, and Cinderella uses her frivolous, shoe-obsessed image to hide her life as a spy. That's what I adore about Fables. I like it clever and twisty.
I think this volume's story tended to be philosophical regarding the nature of storytelling. That doesn't draw me in and ends up unsatisfying as a reader. I feel like a passive viewer instead of an engaged reader.
Ambrose Wolf's voiceover narration was distracting to the story. The battle in Fabletown seemed to end so quickly and the battle at the Farm went out with a whimper. The reveal that ended the war seemed rushed and too easy. I guess I never understood the motivations that started it in the first place.
The art, however, is JAW-DROPPINGLY AMAZING and the female characters really shine in this volume (unlike some issues of the Fairest series).
If you like the Fables series, it's a no-brainer. You have to read it. I don't happen to think it's a great story on its own, but it would still be worth checking out for Mark Buckingham's art.
I think this volume's story tended to be philosophical regarding the nature of storytelling. That doesn't draw me in and ends up unsatisfying as a reader. I feel like a passive viewer instead of an engaged reader.
Ambrose Wolf's voiceover narration was distracting to the story. The battle in Fabletown seemed to end so quickly and the battle at the Farm went out with a whimper. The reveal that ended the war seemed rushed and too easy. I guess I never understood the motivations that started it in the first place.
The art, however, is JAW-DROPPINGLY AMAZING and the female characters really shine in this volume (unlike some issues of the Fairest series).
If you like the Fables series, it's a no-brainer. You have to read it. I don't happen to think it's a great story on its own, but it would still be worth checking out for Mark Buckingham's art.
kjboldon's review
3.0
don't think this quite stuck the landing with the end. maybe re-reading from beginning to end would change my mind, but that's a daunting thought.