Type of Read:
Graphic Novel
Plot Summary:
All the fables of old have been run out of their Homeland and have made a new home in New York. Those fables that cannot pass as humans have to live on a secluded Farm so mundys don't discover them.
Strengths:
It was a lot of fun to come across new characters and try to think of what fable they were originally from. There's Prince Charming (who's actually not that great of a person), Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and The Big Bad Wolf (now known as Bigby Wolf). Most of the fables are obvious, but the one that tripped me up was a character names Flycatcher. It wasn't until the third novel that I finally figured it out. Not Really A Spoiler: He was the Frog Prince!
Another strength of this series is how intricate that plots are. As the story progresses, the more things tie in together. Things that seem insignificant in one story, become major plot twists later. I'm not sure if the writers had everything planned from the beginning or if they just let the story unfold as they write, but whatever they do, it's fantastic.
Last but not least is the characters. If you've read my other blog posts, you know how important characters are to me. The more the reader can connect with them, the more we care. I absolutely love the relationship between Bigby and Snow. Not to give any spoilers, there is tension there that has probably be festering for several centuries. (Fables lives a long time)
Weaknesses:
The first volume's plot was a little weak. It serves more as an introduction to Fabletown and the main characters. As the stories progress, the plot thickens and the characters become more believable. But the first novel is kind of 'eh'. It's a little predictable and the characters are a little shallow. But stick with it! They get better.
Also, there are some surprisingly inappropriate parts. I was reading this at work (shhhh) and had to stop when I came across a certain illustration. It was definitely not safe for work. Also there is quite a bit of language. It's not gratuitous, but not something you would want your child to read.
Lastly, this is still an on going series. It is rumored that it will end after novel #21, but they just recently released #19. This means that if you fly through this series as fast as I do, there will come a time when you have to wait...
Opinion and Recommendation:
If you are new to graphic novels this is a good series to start out with. It has fairy tale characters that most of us have grown up with, but they are for grown ups. I have been checking them out from the library mainly because I go through a graphic novel in about two hours. But when I have the time and finances, you can bet that I will be purchasing the series. So you can do what I did and just test out the series, but be warned. It's very addicting. (I stayed up until 4 am one day in order to finish one)
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