A review by iguessilikereading
Fables: The Deluxe Edition, Book Nine, by Bill Willingham
3.0
Well, it got to this. Let's start from the introduction. The person in this issue writes how Fables is one of those comic books that gets better with every new issue. I can't help but wonder, was this introduction written before or after the crossover to come in the next book?
I am conflicted about my grade for this book as it is a sure five stars for the story - completing the war against Geppetto and introducing Mister Dark. However, I changed my grade to three knowing what I know now, and agreeing with the sentiment I saw in some reviews that Fables should have ended with the 75th issue.
Willingham's writing here is superb. The deaths of Prince Charming and Boy Blue are so well written and complete their character arcs perfectly. Charming goes from a roguish womaniser who runs for mayor just for the good life in splendour to a battle leader who selflessly sacrifices to win the war. Blue just wants to play jazz, but is called to service and performs above and beyond the call of duty and both die in the war. The contrast of their lives is amplified in death with the grandiose funeral Charming has and the low key tombstone for Blue in Haven he wants.
One of my favourites, Frau Totenkinder explains to Geppetto he is under her power completely. I loved how she controls the situation after the big dialogue with the Beast in the previous book that this was their personal conflict. It adds to the genuine fear she feels for Mister Dark, as something even she can't comprehend or stop.
One other titbit of information that is serious foreshadowing of the coming book, and another reason for reducing this book's grade, is Stinky's conclusion about the magical nature of the mundy world. And boy, will we see it. I think this nature of the world should have stayed a mystery, to spare us of the issues to come.
I am conflicted about my grade for this book as it is a sure five stars for the story - completing the war against Geppetto and introducing Mister Dark. However, I changed my grade to three knowing what I know now, and agreeing with the sentiment I saw in some reviews that Fables should have ended with the 75th issue.
Willingham's writing here is superb. The deaths of Prince Charming and Boy Blue are so well written and complete their character arcs perfectly. Charming goes from a roguish womaniser who runs for mayor just for the good life in splendour to a battle leader who selflessly sacrifices to win the war. Blue just wants to play jazz, but is called to service and performs above and beyond the call of duty and both die in the war. The contrast of their lives is amplified in death with the grandiose funeral Charming has and the low key tombstone for Blue in Haven he wants.
One of my favourites, Frau Totenkinder explains to Geppetto he is under her power completely. I loved how she controls the situation after the big dialogue with the Beast in the previous book that this was their personal conflict. It adds to the genuine fear she feels for Mister Dark, as something even she can't comprehend or stop.
One other titbit of information that is serious foreshadowing of the coming book, and another reason for reducing this book's grade, is Stinky's conclusion about the magical nature of the mundy world. And boy, will we see it. I think this nature of the world should have stayed a mystery, to spare us of the issues to come.