Fables #91 review

With this issue’s conclusion of the Witches story arc, Fables is back to its original splendor. With the disappointing “not so” Great Fables Crossover, I began to wonder if Fables ran its run. Well, worry no more! The creative team of writer Bill Willingham and penciller Mark Buckingham has returned their brilliant storytelling abilities to this imaginative series.

There are many plots, but each is juggled well and gives the book a great pace. Geppetto, sensing a power vacuum, makes his case for becoming leader of the fables. Protecting him from the angry mobs are brother and sister dyrads with anatomically correct parts (creepy, but I had to look). The cute and sneaky Ozma makes her play for the witches’ leader. Red Rose is hallucinating in bed, still unable to recover from the death of Boy Blue and talking to a dead decapitated pig. Bufkin and his misfit team of heroes make their stand against the powerful evil witch Baba Yaga. Each plot thread gets dealt with and concluded well. The dialogue is sharp and witty without being forced.

The last page vaults us toward the next arc with anticipation. A new fable is introduced and should have a big role in future issues. Lurking in the background is Mister Dark. How will the fables unite to tackle their toughest enemy yet? I can’t wait to find out. This is what Fables should be; fun, dark, well written and unlike any other comic.

4 out of 5

The all-star team of writer Bill Willingham and artist Mark Buckingham guest penciler Jim Fern and guest inker Craig Hamilton are back…  Uh oh.

I can’t say that I was a big fan of issue #82 where “guest” artists were also utilized (I’m not counting The Great Fables Crossover issues, because that had a crazy schedule and the team had to expand).  I don’t mean to cast aspersions on the work of these fine gentlemen, but to compliment Mark Buckingham.  Along with brilliant writing, the key to Fables’ success has been the beautiful and consistent penciling of Buckingham.  They’ve spoiled us by keeping the team together for such a long run.

This story is not the fanciful tale that we’ve grown accustomed to.  It takes us back in time to the glory days of the empire.  We’re introduced to Dunster Happ and his rise through the Emperor’s Scorcery Corps.  If we didn’t know better, we might think they were the good guys.  This is a case of the bad guys dealing with the worse guy.  The worse guy is Mr. Dark, the vile creature that currently has taken over Bullfinch Street and is threatening the Fables.

Pleasantly, we can pull away from the art comparisons that were made in issue #82 because none of the Fables appear in this issue.  Jim Fern has a more realistic style that fits this story.  The highlight is the battle scene with a blood-red sky on page eight.  The depiction of Mr. Dark portrays pure evil, so much that I felt a slight shiver when staring at his face.

I understand and appreciate the need to flesh out the character of Mr. Dark and to tell his tale, but now I’m ready to see the Fables again.

2.5 out of 5

With the conclusion of this series, “The Great Fables Crossover” reaches its end.  My reaction in one word, disappointed.  Marketed as a major event in the Fables universe, this nine-part series was drawn- out, meandering and concludes with a fizzle rather than a bang.

Please know that it pains me greatly to write this review.  Fables and Jack of Fables have been two of my most beloved monthly reads for the past few years.  I have converted many friends to the inimitable work of Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges in these two groundbreaking series.  Fables is a truly unique concept and it’s execution has been nearly flawless – that his until now.

I love the idea of the literals, immoral characters governing the world of fiction from genres to literary devices via personification.  Brilliant!  When Kevin Thorne, a powerful literal, threatens to rewrite reality the Fables must devise a plan to stop him.  More brilliance!!  Where this event failed was the plot.  From issue to issue, there is just a slowly brewing buildup to the final confrontation with Thorne.  Great new characters are introduced, but nothing much is done with them.  The ending is reminiscent of an author that just wants this thing to end.  So did I.

This issue and the others are littered with witty moments, making it still a fun read for Fables fans.  This is a smartly written book and the all-ready established cast shine at various instances.  Mark Buckingham’s art is wonderful, but can’t save a boring story.

Do not give up on Fables because of one bad story in a procession of incredible arcs.  There are much more interesting things going on the Fables’ world that I can’t wait to get back to.  Fables creative team, you are forgiven.  Now get back to what you do best!

2 out of 5