stackx's review
4.0
An interesting and modern take on the classic fairytales. I liked the worldbuilding but didn't really connect much with Snow White and Wolf. However, I'm excited to see where this story goes.
celise_winter's review
4.0
This is a cool concept. "The Adversary" took over the Fable Realm so all of the familiar characters like Cinderella, Snow White and the Big Bad Wolf (Bigby Wolf) escaped into the human world where they live in Fabletown and hide their non-humanity. All "Fables", as the people are called, were granted amnesty for anything they had done back in the Fable realms. Now one of them has gone missing, and one of their own is to blame.
It's cool to see Bigby Wolf as the sheriff and Snow White as the mayor. All of the airhead princesses have legitimate jobs and purposes which is kind of cool. Even some non Disney-fied fables are present, like Bluebeard. It's also neat that characters with the same name in various fables have been combined into one in this graphic novel. Both Cinderella and Snow White had "Prince Charmings", so in this series they both have the same man as their ex-husband. And he's total trash.
Before reading this I accidentally picked up the first volume in the Cinderella spin-off series and I can't say I was enthralled. This one makes me think I'll like this series!
As a bonus, there's a short story at the end about how Bigby and Snow White first met and how they came to the human world. Good stuff.
It's cool to see Bigby Wolf as the sheriff and Snow White as the mayor. All of the airhead princesses have legitimate jobs and purposes which is kind of cool. Even some non Disney-fied fables are present, like Bluebeard. It's also neat that characters with the same name in various fables have been combined into one in this graphic novel. Both Cinderella and Snow White had "Prince Charmings", so in this series they both have the same man as their ex-husband. And he's total trash.
Before reading this I accidentally picked up the first volume in the Cinderella spin-off series and I can't say I was enthralled. This one makes me think I'll like this series!
As a bonus, there's a short story at the end about how Bigby and Snow White first met and how they came to the human world. Good stuff.
natty11's review
5.0
Fables is my absolute favourite graphic novel of any kind in any form. I've read the full series, the spin-offs, I've played the game, and let me tell you, nothing has captured my heart more than this series. Not every issue is weighted equally in terms of quality, but each one makes up part of something I adore.
The range of characters is familiar enough from fables that they can be easily remembered, diverse enough in personalities that you can't forget. If you don't find yourself loving at least one character (Bigby, please), then maybe this series isn't for you, as the characters are the backbone. The adventures they go on, the obstacles they face, and the relationships they have are so refreshingly different from every other Western comic.
The range of characters is familiar enough from fables that they can be easily remembered, diverse enough in personalities that you can't forget. If you don't find yourself loving at least one character (Bigby, please), then maybe this series isn't for you, as the characters are the backbone. The adventures they go on, the obstacles they face, and the relationships they have are so refreshingly different from every other Western comic.
futurememory's review
3.0
So, Fables.
I really was anticipating reading this. It was a pretty good book, but the Rose Red murder arc was too simple and uninteresting. I was able to solve it incredibly easily, and it really left me a little bit bored. Too drawn out. I really love the characters (Bigby might have to be my new hero), and the different takes on the fairy tale and fable characters, but I just think I wanted a little more. I didn't get to see what these characters are really made of, I didn't really connect with anything on an emotional level. If they would have left the silly detective story behind, it might have been a smoother read for me.
I'll probably be picking up the next book though, just to see what happens.
I really was anticipating reading this. It was a pretty good book, but the Rose Red murder arc was too simple and uninteresting. I was able to solve it incredibly easily, and it really left me a little bit bored. Too drawn out. I really love the characters (Bigby might have to be my new hero), and the different takes on the fairy tale and fable characters, but I just think I wanted a little more. I didn't get to see what these characters are really made of, I didn't really connect with anything on an emotional level. If they would have left the silly detective story behind, it might have been a smoother read for me.
I'll probably be picking up the next book though, just to see what happens.
yuliia_trevi's review
5.0
This is not the first time that I am reading this book. I started the series once, but didn't finish. This is my third try - hopefully a charm
book_whispers's review
4.0
Pretty ding dong cool! The art is wonderful and I adore how gritty and naughty this first collection is! This is how I had always wished Once Upon a Time could have been. Thank goodness a Goodreads friend reviewed this and told me this is what I had been waiting for. It’s the best of Urban Fantasy mixed with the kind of brave stuff I want out of my fairytale reimaginings!
It’s enchanting to see the fables shadowing the fair city of New York. The art captures the dark tone of the city itself as well as the beasties that live there. Fabletown seems right at home in the Big Apple. Especially as a violent crime takes place and a murder must be solved!
The pacing is well done in these first five volumes as it gives readers the basics and introduces the main players. It introduces The Adversary and how the Fables came to be in the mundane world. (Which is actually a pretty clever and funny story when told by King Cole.) Thankfully that’s not the focus right now. It focuses on how the people of Fabletown are dealing with living in this world and takes place around a murder. While I guessed how it would end, the murder/who dun it part, it was still fun getting to that conclusion with Wolf.
What a cast to pick from! Snow White, so far, is the leading lady and boy is she quite the woman! I’m starting to think that White is very popular as she’s the one that always seems to get the most love, and kick ass personality, when she’s reimagined in a story. She’s the Director of Operations of Fabletown, and she handles it amazingly! That’s not to say some of the other ladies don’t get makeovers. I have a feeling that Cinderella and I are going to get a long quite nicely once she gets more page time. Beauty isn’t what I had hoped for, but maybe that will change over time. Rose Red is quite the interesting character, and sure she’s not the normal big princess, but I like her!
What’s more is no one has their happily ever after. Two of the “big” princess have already gone through divorces and one is battling it out for the long haul. Martial issues of the happily ever after kind, too cool. These realistic takes are my bread and butter!
Prince Charming is such a slut. Man he’s going to be a character I love to loath. Especially because of his dialogue. There’s some bedroom scene dialogue that practically had me laughing until I hurt. Jack is an interesting type, he’s the quick to make a buck and idiot type. Bluebeard is so fascinating! And scary. I’m going to love his character. Then there’s Bigby Wolf.
Ah. No matter the media form I can’t say no to a man who changes into a wolf. To top that this is THE Big Bad Wolf. I’d like him to huff and puff my—OK I’ll stop. (Things could get awkward. Fast.) Wolf is the perfect Sherriff of Fabletown. Not to mention his looks and personality fill that old time cop feel that I love. Solving the murder with him was a true treat. It was a mix of old school detective work and CSI. (Well low tech CSI.)
This was a great introductory to the Fables universe. It’s got my attention and I am revved up for the next collection! Plus, I want to know what happened with the Dwarves that makes Snow White so touchy! I need Cinderella's development! As sad as it is to say I need more horridly naughty Charming moments. Wolf. Yeah, totally need more of him. Clearly The Adversary is going to come into conflict, maybe a big battle for the homeland back. For now though I’ll take what the series is offering while it builds up to it. Gritty takes on fables in the modern age! Nothing is off limits.
Sexual Content: No nudity, but there is sex. Plenty of sexual humor. Very much adult.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
It’s enchanting to see the fables shadowing the fair city of New York. The art captures the dark tone of the city itself as well as the beasties that live there. Fabletown seems right at home in the Big Apple. Especially as a violent crime takes place and a murder must be solved!
The pacing is well done in these first five volumes as it gives readers the basics and introduces the main players. It introduces The Adversary and how the Fables came to be in the mundane world. (Which is actually a pretty clever and funny story when told by King Cole.) Thankfully that’s not the focus right now. It focuses on how the people of Fabletown are dealing with living in this world and takes place around a murder. While I guessed how it would end, the murder/who dun it part, it was still fun getting to that conclusion with Wolf.
What a cast to pick from! Snow White, so far, is the leading lady and boy is she quite the woman! I’m starting to think that White is very popular as she’s the one that always seems to get the most love, and kick ass personality, when she’s reimagined in a story. She’s the Director of Operations of Fabletown, and she handles it amazingly! That’s not to say some of the other ladies don’t get makeovers. I have a feeling that Cinderella and I are going to get a long quite nicely once she gets more page time. Beauty isn’t what I had hoped for, but maybe that will change over time. Rose Red is quite the interesting character, and sure she’s not the normal big princess, but I like her!
What’s more is no one has their happily ever after. Two of the “big” princess have already gone through divorces and one is battling it out for the long haul. Martial issues of the happily ever after kind, too cool. These realistic takes are my bread and butter!
Prince Charming is such a slut. Man he’s going to be a character I love to loath. Especially because of his dialogue. There’s some bedroom scene dialogue that practically had me laughing until I hurt. Jack is an interesting type, he’s the quick to make a buck and idiot type. Bluebeard is so fascinating! And scary. I’m going to love his character. Then there’s Bigby Wolf.
Ah. No matter the media form I can’t say no to a man who changes into a wolf. To top that this is THE Big Bad Wolf. I’d like him to huff and puff my—OK I’ll stop. (Things could get awkward. Fast.) Wolf is the perfect Sherriff of Fabletown. Not to mention his looks and personality fill that old time cop feel that I love. Solving the murder with him was a true treat. It was a mix of old school detective work and CSI. (Well low tech CSI.)
This was a great introductory to the Fables universe. It’s got my attention and I am revved up for the next collection! Plus, I want to know what happened with the Dwarves that makes Snow White so touchy! I need Cinderella's development! As sad as it is to say I need more horridly naughty Charming moments. Wolf. Yeah, totally need more of him. Clearly The Adversary is going to come into conflict, maybe a big battle for the homeland back. For now though I’ll take what the series is offering while it builds up to it. Gritty takes on fables in the modern age! Nothing is off limits.
Sexual Content: No nudity, but there is sex. Plenty of sexual humor. Very much adult.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.