Graphic Novel Review - 1001 Nights of Snowfall (Fables Prequel) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 144 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: March 5, 2008
ISBN: 978-1401203696
Stand Alone or Series: Prequel to Fables series
Source: Swapped
Rating: 5/5 stars


This is a prequel to the Fables series and it was very well done. I enjoyed learning the back stories on some of our favorite characters. I also enjoyed the variety of different types of illustration, all of which were unique and beautiful.

This is a wonderful installment where Snow White is held hostage by the Sultan and, in exchange for delaying her execution, she tells the Sultan a new story every night. All of the stories tell of the pasts of Fables characters we have come to know and love. The illustrations vary a lot in style but are absolutely fantastic.

We hear about the Frog Prince and his past, about Snow White and how her and Rose Red came to be at odds. Another excellent story was the one about how Bigby was born and came to be the Big Bad Wolf he is in current stories. The stories are very well done and just wonderful.

We also learn about about the exile of the Fables to our world. Some of this back story we already know, but this installment provides some extra background.

I really really enjoyed learning the back stories for all of these wonderful Fables characters. It adds a lot of depth to these characters we know and love.

The variety of illustration was fantastic. All of these illustrations are very well done but very different from story to story.

Overall a very enjoyable addition to the Fables universe. If you are a fan of this series definitely pick this up. I would actually recommend this as an excellent introduction to the Fables world and great stand alone read as well. Fans of fantasy graphic novels should definitely check this out.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
- 150+ Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Cubs in Toyland (Fables, Book 18) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Size: 192 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: January 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-1401237691
Stand Alone or Series: 18th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 5/5 stars


The last couple installments of the Fables trade back books have been good but not as excellent as previous books in the series. This book however was truly excellent. I really enjoyed it a lot.

Bigby’s and Snow’s children are growing up and being forced to assume responsibilities. Winter inherited her kingdom in the last book and this book focuses on Therese and Dare. Therese follows her creepy toy boat’s advice and ends up in Toyland. Toyland is a land inhabited by evil toys that needs a new Queen. As Therese struggles to survive and struggles with her sanity, her brother Dare sets off to try and find her.

This was an excellent installment in this series. I loved the adventures in Toyland and how involved we are getting with Bigby’s and Snow’s kids. The prophecy about Bigby’s and Snow’s kids is slowly coming to light. We’ve meet the child that will become a king, in this story we read about the child that does an evil thing and the child that dies to stop her.

The evil toy kingdom is one that’s been written about before. Mike Raicht’s The Stuff of Legend graphic novels do an excellent job exploring a similar theme. This is a dark story and it is very well done. I love how the story wraps up and what Therese decides to do to atone.

There is also a side story about the Fables going to explore Mister Dark’s old castle and finding Nurse Sprat.

The illustration was excellent and in keeping with previous installments. Fans of the series should be pleased with this addition, it’s one of the best Fables installments released in a while.

Overall a very solid addition to the Fables series. I really enjoyed reading more about Snow and Bigby’s children and how they are slowly fulfilling the prophecy. This whole series is recommended to fans of fairy tales and urban fantasy who love graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
- 150+ Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Inherit the Wind (Fables, Book 17) by Bill Willingham (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 144 pages
Publisher:Vertigo
Release Date: July 10, 2012
ISBN: 978-140123516
Stand Alone or Series: 17th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 4/5 stars


This is the 17th book in the Fables series and picks up after the battle with Mister Dark. It was a decent installment in the series and I enjoyed it. We see a lot of little snippets of different stories here, so it is a bit of a transition book.

In this book we start to see a number of new storylines starting up. The Fables are trying to rebuild their lives. Buffkin is trying to start a rebellion in Oz. A new North Wind must be chosen, and the ex-nurse Spratt is honing her fighting skills to revenge Mister Dark.

A lot is going on in this book, it was an enjoyable read but a bit piecemeal. You get quick snippets from all the different stories. The storyline that gets the most attention is the choosing of the new North Wind. We get to meet the other winds and watch as Snow and Bigby’s children compete to be the North Wind.

Amidst that North Wind storyline we see the Fables rebuilding and Buffkin started a rebellion in Oz. A lot of time is also devoted to Nurse Spratt as she trains to take on a new identity and revenge Mister Dark. It seems like she will be playing a large role in future installments.

There is also Christmas special in which Rose tries to decide what type of Lady of Hope she will become.

As with previous books the illustration was wonderful and in keeping with the story.

Overall a solid addition to this series. I enjoyed the North Wind storyline and am curious where the storylines featuring Buffkin and Nurse Spratt are going. Recommended to fans of urban fantasy graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
- 150+ Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Super Team (Fables, 16) by Bill Willingham (4/5 Stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Urban Fantasy
Size: 160 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: December 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1401233068
Stand Alone or Series: 16th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the 16th book in the Fables series. It was a decent installment in this series. The story surrounding Mister Dark comes to a climax and we learn a little more about Bufkin in the Office.

In this issue Ozma creates a Super Team to take on Mister Dark, but the North Wind gets to him first. The book also includes a little story about Bufkin the Monkey and a story about Sleeping Beauty.

Bufkin is returned to his homeland in this story and another storyline is started with Sleeping Beauty, but the main point of this installment is to take care of the Mister Dark storyline.

Ozma and Pinocchio decide to put together a Super Team to go and fight Mister Dark. They hold auditions and make silly looking skin-tight costumes for the group. All in all it is a little silly but also a bit ironic...you know...having fables in super hero suits.

Ozma and Pinnochio’s plot is set astray when the North Wind gets ideas of his own.

The illustrations are in keeping with previous issues and I enjoyed them, they fit the tone of the story well. It was also nice to have the whole Mister Dark storyline finally tied up.

Overall a decent addition to the series. I enjoyed the way the Mister Dark story was tied up, but thought the whole Fables as super heroes thing was a bit goofy. I am intrigued to see where the Sleeping Beauty bit ends up going. Highly recommended to fans of fairy tale retellings and urban fantasy.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Rose Red (Fables, Book 15) by Bill Willingham (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 256 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: April 12, 2011
ISBN: 978-1401230005
Stand Alone or Series: 15th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This is the 15th installment in the Fables series. It was a great continuation of the story and did a good job of giving some background on Rose Red and Snow White as well as continuing the storyline of Mister Dark.

In this book we get to take a journey back into Snow White and Rose Red’s past and find out what exactly happened to make these two bitter towards each other. We also get to see the final showdown between Mister Dark and Frau Totenkinder.

This installment did a wonderful job of both giving some good back story and of moving the main storyline along. Rose Red is finally forced to face up to her past and get her butt out of bed and deal with how things are going at the Farm.

The battle between Mister Dark and Frau Totenkinder was fantastic and I really enjoyed reading/looking at it. A new potential baddie also enters the series in the form of the Nurse Sprat.

There are a lot of miscellaneous things going on in the background as well. Gepetto gets a new potential army, Beauty has her (very interesting) baby, and the North Wind finds out about his zephyr grandson.

The artwork was consistent with previous installments. It matched the tone of the story well and was easy to follow. I enjoyed it a lot.

Overall a great installment in this series. I loved that some of the plotlines from previous installments were summed up and others were expanded on. Loved the Rose Red/Snow White back story and I also really enjoyed the Mister Dark/Frau Totenkinder face off. I can’t wait to see what future installments in this series will hold.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Witches (Fables, 14) by Bill Willingham (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Size: 192 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: December 7, 2010
ISBN: 978-1401228804
Stand Alone or Series: 14th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This is the fourteenth book in the Fables series and finally takes us back to the storyline started in book twelve. Finally we learn more about what Mister Dark is up to and what happened to Baba Yaga. It was very good installment in this series; I enjoyed it a lot.

The first part of the book goes through the history of Mister Dark and how he was trapped in the first place. Then we go to Fabletown where the witches are preparing to smackdown with Mister Dark. Ozma is trying to throw out Frau Totenkinder and Frau Totenkinder takes a walk between worlds for mysterious purposes.

While all of the above is going on Bufkin is still trapped in the Fable’s office and ends up facing off against Baba Yaga and a Genie; his only allies are the Magic Mirror and a bunch of seed fairies.

It was a very fun issue. We learn lots of back history and there was lots of excellent action. The illustration is spectacular, in keeping with previous issues. I wasn’t as keen on the illustration for the last couple issues; this was a short diversion featuring Ambrose and Red Riding Hood.

The main storyline progresses some, not a ton and I hope we really get to see the Witches and Mister Dark face off in the next issue.

There was action, a great storyline, and some wonderful humor. All in all much, much better than The Great Fables Crossover.

Overall another excellent installment in this series. I loved learning the history of Mister Dark, watching the Witches prepare for war, and seeing Bufkin face off with Baba Yaga. Fans of the series should be happy with this installment. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and urban fantasy graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reaidng challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - The Great Fables Crossover (Fables, Book 13) By Bill Willingham (3.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Size: 232 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: February 9, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1401225728
Stand Alone or Series: 13th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

This is the thirteenth book in the Fables series. It was an interesting and amusing read, but still one of the weakest books in the series so far.

This book features Jack (I guess he is supposed to be crossing over to Fables from his own series). Jack shows up at the farm and is mistaken by Stinky to be a reborn Boy Blue. Meanwhile Jack introduces the Fables to the Literals...a group of genre based characters and their creator Kevin Thorne (The Storymaker). Fables and crew have to stop Kevin Thorne from rewriting the universe.

I’ll be completely blunt here and say I just don’t like Jack as a character, he bugs me and so a story featuring him wasn’t my favorite. While the Literals are an amusing set of characters and an interesting idea, they didn’t really match well with the rest of the Fables characters. After being so excited by the appearance of a new baddie for the Fables to face off against in the last book, I was left confused when Mr. Dark wasn’t in this story all that much.

I was kind of left feeling like this installment was an effort to get Fables’ fans to go and read the Jack series, and that just didn’t work for me.

That’s not to say it was all bad. The Page sisters are funny and kick-butt and Kevin Thorn is an oddly disturbing villain. The story is creative and amusing but doesn’t build on the rest of the Fables story all that much.

The illustration is in keeping with previous installments and was generally well done and in keeping with the story.

The book was amusing and interesting but not as gripping as previous installments. Mostly I was just happy to see the end of the Literals and Jack. I am eager to get back to the main story and find out what happens with Mr. Dark.

Overall an okay installment in the series but one of the weakest. This book revolves more around Jack and the Literals; they are all mildly interesting but I missed the main story of Fables new dark adversary. I don’t really enjoy Jack as a character, so was disappointed that so much of the story revolved around him. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Witches, and am hoping that the next book will go back to the storyline that was started in The Dark Ages.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - The Dark Ages (Fables, Book 12) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/UrbanFantasy
Size: 192 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: August 18, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1401223168
Stand Alone or Series: 11th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the twelfth book in the Fables series. I think it was one of the darkest books yet in the Fables series, hence the name is very appropriate. It was a painful read at points, but a necessary one.

The book starts with a short installment where Gepetto is installed in Fabletown and showed around by his son Pinocchio. The next few chapters focus on picking up the pieces after fighting the Adversary, you learn who is alive and who is dead or dying. We also get to follow the adventures of two rogues named Freddy and Mouse who unknowingly release an enormous evil into the Homelands.

This was another excellent, if painful at times, Fables. Some of the things that happen in here will tear at your heart. Boy Blue is still struggling with the injury he received in the battle. Rose Red is depressed because she realizes she has feelings for him. Not to mention the Fables just don’t get a break when a huge evil is released into their world.

There is also a lot going on with trying to reinstate the Fables into their various Homelands. The Homelands are a mess since there is no leadership there. You have Fables that were born in America and want to choose their Homeland and you have people raiding the Homelands for treasure...as I said an absolute mess.

It is a great installment and love where the story is going. I am curious to see how the Fables will combat this latest evil challenge. The illustration was in keeping with previous novels. I wasn’t all that keen on the illustration for the first part with Pinocchio, it was too simple, the rest of the installments were very well done though.

Overall an excellent installment in the Fables series. I was a bit worried after the last book what the new storyline would be; but Willingham did an excellent job of dealing with the aftermath of the war and in addition started a new and engaging storyline. This whole series is highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy and/or fairy tale retellings.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - War and Pieces (Fables, Book 11) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 192 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: November 25, 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1401219130
Stand Alone or Series: 11th book in the Fables series
Source: Gift
Rating: 5/5 stars


This is the 11th book in the Fables series and brings us to the battle between Fabletown and the Adversary. It was an excellent continuation in this series and ties up a number of things that the series has been building up to.

The book starts with a story that deals with Cinderella and her mission to recover a certain missing fable. After that we quickly get into the main story of the epic war between the Fables and the Adversary.

The illustration was very in keeping with previous installments; very well done and fits the tone of the story nicely. It’s never hard to follow what is going on and the characters have wonderful facial expressions.

This is the issue we have all been waiting to read. Finally we see the Fables engage the Adversary in war. It’s the Fables huge dirigible like machine supported by flying carpets with buttloads of ammo versus the Adversary’s dragons. At first it looks like technology will win the day, but the Adversary has some tricks up its sleeve.

There is some great humor in the story. Boy Blue and Prince Charming feature in much of the war scenes. We also hear a lot from Snow, Bigby, Rose Red, the Emperor, and the Snow Queen.

Lots of breath-taking action scenes and the Fables/fairy tales are woven into the story in many clever ways. I loved the way Briar Rose uses her “power”.

Overall one of the best installments in this series so far. I am curious as to what will be next for the Fables and can’t wait to read Dark Ages. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy/urban fantasy graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - The Good Prince (Fables, Book 10) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Urban Fantasy
Size: 240 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: June 17, 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1401216863
Stand Alone or Series: 10th book in the Fables series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the tenth book in the Fables series by Willingham and was absolutely fantastic. It tells the story of Flycatcher, as he regains his place of power as the Frog Prince and becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Flycatcher remembers his past and realizes that he has a large role play against the Adversary. Armed with Excalibur and the special armor of Lancelot he will become a force for good against the Adversary. The Fables in Fabletown are finally fully aware of the plans for war that the Adversary has and are preparing to meet this challenge. There’s a little break in this heavier story as we revisit the cubs.

I really enjoyed this installment of Fables; the story about the Adversary versus the Fables was expanded on quite a bit. It was fun to see Flycatcher go against his tame personality and embrace both power and responsibility. I enjoyed how the story broadened out and enjoyed seeing Flycatcher given a larger role.

The artwork was similar to previous installments in the series. The interlude featuring the cubs had a different artist, but this was also very nicely done.

Overall I think fans of the Fables series will be pleased with this installment in the series. Flycatcher sees a lot of character growth and things are set up nicely for the upcoming war between the Fables and the Adversary. Recommended for fans of fantasy/urban fantasy graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Sons of Empire (Fables, Book 9) by Bill Willingham (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 200 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: June 6, 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1401213169
Stand Alone or Series: 9th book in the Fables series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This is the ninth installment in the Fables series. This one progresses the story of the Adversary some, but also spends time with Bigby, Snow and their family. It was a good installment in the series and I enjoyed it.

The first couple issues go over the Adversary and their plans to attack the Fables after the devastation Bigby caused to their Sacred Grove. The remainder deals with Bigby, Snow and their kids. We see Christmas at their house and Bigby et al finally find his father the North Wind and visit him. This is about the sons (Pinocchio and Bigby) trying to reconcile and deal with their fathers.

This was a fun addition to the series. It doesn’t progress the overall story much; we just get to see some war planning on the Adversary’s end. We do get to see a lot more of Bigby, Snow, and kids. This was entertaining and nice interlude amongst all the heavy war talk.

In general the drawing is similar to previous issues, with the exception being one issue with Bigby in it that is drawn in a very sketchy way. It was okay, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other illustrations.

There is also a funny section in the back of the book where Willingham answers questions from the readers. I enjoyed this.

Overall this is another solid installment in the Fables series. I liked that the main story was progressed some. I also enjoyed learning more about Bigby and the North Wind and their relationship. Highly recommended to those who enjoy fairy tale retellings and/or urban fantasy.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Wolves (Fables, Book 8) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 160 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: December 6, 2006
ISBN-13: 978-1401210014
Stand Alone or Series: 8th book in the Fables series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the eighth installment in the Fables series. I really enjoyed this installment, we finally get a reunion between Bigby and Snow! We also get to learn more about Snow’s children.

In this installment Mowgli finally finds Bigby and Bigby is given a mission to the Cloud Kingdom. If Bigby can complete his mission there’s a chance that him and Snow can finally be together once and for all.

I liked this book much better than Arabian Nights (and Days); we finally get some resolution around the whole Bigby/Snow relationship. We also get to meet their children in more detail and follow as they learn to control their powers.

Additionally we are introduced to a new kingdom called the Cloud Kingdom. Fabletown desperately wants an alliance with the Cloud Kingdom.

Cinderella also played a much bigger role in this book; I enjoyed her character and am curious to see what happens with her in the future.

The book includes the original “script” from one of the scenes at the end and this was an entertaining read as well.

Overall a fun addition to Fables; I really enjoyed this installment and am curious to see what happens next. Definitely recommended for fans of the Fables comics. Also recommend for urban fantasy fans or fans of fairy tale retellings.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Graphic Novel Review - Arabian Nights (and Days) (Fables, Book 7) by Bill Willingham (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 144 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: June 28, 2006
ISBN-13: 978-1401210007
Stand Alone or Series: 7th book in the Fables series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the seventh installment in the Fables series. It was a great book and very entertaining. I didn’t like it as much as Homelands but it was still a fun read.

The bulk of this trade covers the story of a delegation of characters from the Arabian Tales that spend some time in Fabletown and suffer a bit of culture shock. The second story is a love story about two of the Adversary’s wooden soldiers.

I enjoyed that some Arabian myths enter the story in this edition. Some of this story is funny as the Arabian characters try to adjust to the way the Fables of Fabletown live. I wasn’t really sure what the point of this was though; it didn’t tie in much with the main story.

I enjoyed the love story between the two wooden soldiers more. It was an interesting look into how the wooden soldiers of the Adversary’s army were created and at how they live. It just gave some depth and background to “the enemy” troops and fills out the world nicely.

Overall an entertaining addition to the Fables series, but not as strong as the previous book, Homelands. I am hoping that the Arabian characters will tie into the story in more depth in later installments. It was great to have them introduced into the story, but they didn’t actually do much. The love story between the wooden soldiers did add depth to the world though and was entertaining. This graphic novel series is recommend to those who love fantasy and urban fantasy.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge