mschlat's review
3.0
A let down after the previous volume --- a lot of small backup features that didn't go where I wanted, and the main storyline had a fair bit of deus ex machina. Also, I read the Fairest original GN before this one, and that spoiled some story elements.
thisotherbookaccount's review
2.0
Fables has been meandering for some time now. Ever since the semi-conclusion of the Mr Dark arc in volume 12, most of the subsequent stories have been going absolutely nowhere (save for the fantastic, heart-rending volume 18, Cubs in Toyland).
There are 1,001 things that I can complain about Fables after volume 12, The Dark Ages. Allow me to list a few off the top of my head:
1) Volume 13: The Great Fables Crossover. Undoubtedly the most embarrassing entry to the series and the beginning of the downfall.
2) The resolution of Mr Dark's arc is the biggest deus ex machina ever conceived in the history of comic books. I cheered for Bellflower's character all the way until that point.
3) Nobody really cares for Bufkin's adventures in Oz.
4) The entirety of Volume 16, Super Team, the second most embarrassing entry to the series.
5) The somewhat misguided plot about finding the new North Wind in volume 17, Inherit the Wind.
All of that coming from a fan who hasn't read the series in over a year.
Volume 19, Snow White, has been sitting on my table for the better part of the year. Since its release, I've felt a distinct inertia to read it because I hate to be reminded of how far the writer and my favourite characters have fallen (again, I have to make the exception to volume 18, Cubs in Toyland. It was a brief and satisfying return to the glory of Fables). Hell, even Mark Buckingham, one of my favourite pencillers, has slackened off over the years. His humans, animals and forms are still top-notch, but take a look at his characters' facial expressions! Even when they are surprised, angry, happy or dumbfounded, their faces are almost all frozen in a blank slate -- what happened to you, Buckingham? Gotten lazy over the years?
Also, the arrangement of arcs in this series is questionable. Gepetto's arc was followed by an equally, if not more menacing villain, Mr Dark. Even though that arc had a lame ending, at least he was a worthy villain who singlehandedly destroyed Fabletown and killed half of all our favourite characters.
However, ever since Mr Dark's downfall, Fables has completely lost its footing. It almost feels like Willingham has been throwing random plot points at our characters just to see what happens. Oh, the arc about finding a North Wind is not working out? Hmm, let's end it abruptly, hope no one notices and let's move on to this other random plot about Prince Brandish and his supposed wedding arrangement with Snow White. Let's see how THAT works out in volume 19!
So how did it work out? Poorly, for the most part. There are still hints of Fables' greatness throughout this volume, but Prince Brandish makes for a weak villain. Don't get me wrong, he's fully enchanted by some powerful magic. However, as a character, he is paper thin with a stupid motivation to begin with. Besides, after revealing his true identity 1/3 of the way through the book, he is swiftly killed off by Snow White. Not after some great sacrifices, yes, but what was the point of THAT story line? Make things more difficult for Bigby and Snow?
Speaking of which, Bigby's death was pointless and stupid. Unlike most of the other major character deaths so far, this one meant nothing in the greater scheme of things. The only redeeming factor about this book is the final page/panel, which is a throwback to the previous, more brilliant book in the great Fables saga.
There are 1,001 things that I can complain about Fables after volume 12, The Dark Ages. Allow me to list a few off the top of my head:
1) Volume 13: The Great Fables Crossover. Undoubtedly the most embarrassing entry to the series and the beginning of the downfall.
2) The resolution of Mr Dark's arc is the biggest deus ex machina ever conceived in the history of comic books. I cheered for Bellflower's character all the way until that point.
3) Nobody really cares for Bufkin's adventures in Oz.
4) The entirety of Volume 16, Super Team, the second most embarrassing entry to the series.
5) The somewhat misguided plot about finding the new North Wind in volume 17, Inherit the Wind.
All of that coming from a fan who hasn't read the series in over a year.
Volume 19, Snow White, has been sitting on my table for the better part of the year. Since its release, I've felt a distinct inertia to read it because I hate to be reminded of how far the writer and my favourite characters have fallen (again, I have to make the exception to volume 18, Cubs in Toyland. It was a brief and satisfying return to the glory of Fables). Hell, even Mark Buckingham, one of my favourite pencillers, has slackened off over the years. His humans, animals and forms are still top-notch, but take a look at his characters' facial expressions! Even when they are surprised, angry, happy or dumbfounded, their faces are almost all frozen in a blank slate -- what happened to you, Buckingham? Gotten lazy over the years?
Also, the arrangement of arcs in this series is questionable. Gepetto's arc was followed by an equally, if not more menacing villain, Mr Dark. Even though that arc had a lame ending, at least he was a worthy villain who singlehandedly destroyed Fabletown and killed half of all our favourite characters.
However, ever since Mr Dark's downfall, Fables has completely lost its footing. It almost feels like Willingham has been throwing random plot points at our characters just to see what happens. Oh, the arc about finding a North Wind is not working out? Hmm, let's end it abruptly, hope no one notices and let's move on to this other random plot about Prince Brandish and his supposed wedding arrangement with Snow White. Let's see how THAT works out in volume 19!
So how did it work out? Poorly, for the most part. There are still hints of Fables' greatness throughout this volume, but Prince Brandish makes for a weak villain. Don't get me wrong, he's fully enchanted by some powerful magic. However, as a character, he is paper thin with a stupid motivation to begin with. Besides, after revealing his true identity 1/3 of the way through the book, he is swiftly killed off by Snow White. Not after some great sacrifices, yes, but what was the point of THAT story line? Make things more difficult for Bigby and Snow?
Speaking of which, Bigby's death was pointless and stupid. Unlike most of the other major character deaths so far, this one meant nothing in the greater scheme of things. The only redeeming factor about this book is the final page/panel, which is a throwback to the previous, more brilliant book in the great Fables saga.
marimoose's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
I think I would have rated the MAIN storyline much higher if the volume hadn't been bogged down with Bufkin and that stupid side story in Oz. I WANTED to get back to Bigby, and the friggin' volume is titled SNOW WHITE for heaven's sake.
That said, I probably would have rated this book much lower if I didn't already know how the entire series would end, because what happens to Bigby in this volume...just ugh.
But Snow, on the other hand...hell to the yes! Post-Adversary arc, she's been totally sidelined, so I truly loved her in this volume, because she showed Fabletown just how formidable she could be when she's resolved to save herself.
I think I would have rated the MAIN storyline much higher if the volume hadn't been bogged down with Bufkin and that stupid side story in Oz. I WANTED to get back to Bigby, and the friggin' volume is titled SNOW WHITE for heaven's sake.
That said, I probably would have rated this book much lower if I didn't already know how the entire series would end, because what happens to Bigby in this volume...just ugh.
But Snow, on the other hand...hell to the yes! Post-Adversary arc, she's been totally sidelined, so I truly loved her in this volume, because she showed Fabletown just how formidable she could be when she's resolved to save herself.
gentlemanbeggar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
joanarcherknight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
psykobilliethekid's review
5.0
Nice! That was a pretty sweet way to tie up lose ends! Brought the story back around at least 3 times so we could see what happened/happens to several characters at different points. Really well done. And I like the lead in to the next volume. If things were telling from the previous parts of the story, this will be a very worth while read. Can't wait for it to come out! :)
gohawks's review
4.0
Just okay as far as Fables goes. The art was really great at the beginning with the magic artifacts and Stone empire arc, but the storyline was utterly disposable. Snow and her husband from the past was much more satisfying.
ferrisscottr's review
4.0
This had two distinct sections/plots and I had issues with each one.
The first is around Bufkin and the Revolution in Oz. These were originally published in each issue as a couple page addition and I don't think they work as well when published all together, back to back in a graphic novel format (which is how I read them).
The second revolves all around Snow White and the return of her original love interest who returns and thinks they're married. He's an evil, mean, twisted, abusive SOB. The story felt rushed and not well thought out and HOLY CRAP - the ending! I hated it (no spoilers here).
But the art was still f'ing amazing so we'll round up to four stars.
Only three volumes left in the wonderful series which makes me a little sad.
The first is around Bufkin and the Revolution in Oz. These were originally published in each issue as a couple page addition and I don't think they work as well when published all together, back to back in a graphic novel format (which is how I read them).
The second revolves all around Snow White and the return of her original love interest who returns and thinks they're married. He's an evil, mean, twisted, abusive SOB. The story felt rushed and not well thought out and HOLY CRAP - the ending! I hated it (no spoilers here).
But the art was still f'ing amazing so we'll round up to four stars.
Only three volumes left in the wonderful series which makes me a little sad.
misssusan's review
2.0
:D!
okay the bufkin story was boring and pointless and i will never stop demanding to know what willingham's got against dorothy BUT
if bigby wolf actually stays dead i, miss susan, solemnly promise to...well not to stop complaining about fables because i will always dream about the day i can kick willingham for ruining everything i like with his gross sexism. however, i will promise to stop futilely swearing to quit every single volume!
also the next volume is rose red does camelot aww yeah, at first i was mad he found the one thing that would sucker me back in but lbr i was always going to continue. i've spent way too many years of my life on this story to quit this close to the end so i'm just going to celebrate the fact that it looks like something i'll enjoy
fingers crossed for a rose red-guinevere team up!
2.5 stars
okay the bufkin story was boring and pointless and i will never stop demanding to know what willingham's got against dorothy BUT
if bigby wolf actually stays dead i, miss susan, solemnly promise to...well not to stop complaining about fables because i will always dream about the day i can kick willingham for ruining everything i like with his gross sexism. however, i will promise to stop futilely swearing to quit every single volume!
also the next volume is rose red does camelot aww yeah, at first i was mad he found the one thing that would sucker me back in but lbr i was always going to continue. i've spent way too many years of my life on this story to quit this close to the end so i'm just going to celebrate the fact that it looks like something i'll enjoy
fingers crossed for a rose red-guinevere team up!
2.5 stars