Fables

Top 10 Comic Issues of 2013

/ / Top Tens & Lists

top-10-comic-issues-of-2013

Here’s my look back at the ten best single comic issues from the past year. Including ongoing series, one-shots, and mini-series, the only limitations I put on this list was that the comic had to have been released in 2013 (no reprints) and I limited myself to only a single issue from any one title. Because I was focusing on standout issues rather than consistently strong comics every month several of my favorite series missed the cut, but, if time permits, I may work up my regular list of best comic series of the past year as well.

…

Top 10 Comic Issues of 2013Read More »

Top 10 Comic Issues of 2013 Read More »

Fables #135

/ / Comics

Fables #135After last month’s look in at the afterlife of Bigby Wolf, Fables jumps right back into the Camelot storyline with Rose Red meeting those wishing to join her new Round Table as Knights of Hope. Despite the heavy turnout, there are still quite a few obstacles standing in Rose Red’s way including Snow White who has not forgiven her sister for recruiting Prince Brandish as part of her undertaking.

Other than her sister, Rose Red still has to come up with a method of choosing her knights and deal with the wide assortment of volunteers ranging from all sizes of both a wide variety of creatures and humans. There’s also the matter of the quiet man of the hills whose true name and purpose for journeying to the new Round Table has yet to be revealed.

With the near completion of Bigby’s shattered crystal form we find one crucial piece still missing (in the hands of a mysterious woman) which must be recovered if the witches’ magic has any chance at returning him from the dead. What dark forces are working against Bigby and his return? Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

Fables #135 Read More »

Fables #134

/ / Comics

Fables #134A single issue interlude in the “Camelot” storyline centers around the afterlife of Bigby who has been living out his days in a forested realm without remembering the series of events which led him there. Visited by Boy Blue, and one other important visitor, Bigby is roused out of his dream state to consider and question what happens to the legendary Fable going forward.

Although Blue doesn’t show him the way, his conversation to Bigby implies the wolf can return to the land of the living if he so desires. Or, if he believes that life is finished and is happy in his new surroundings, the wolf can stay in his new realm for eternity.

Bigby’s abscence in the comic has been felt, even before he was turned to crystal and shattered by Prince Brandish. This issue suggests that his return has more to do with the wolf’s decision and will than the various magics of Fabletown tirelessly working to put him back together again. The issue ends on a sweet, if melancholy, note, but I expect we haven’t seen he last of the wolf. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

Fables #134 Read More »

Fairest #20

/ / Comics

Fairest #20Prince Charming and Nayalani’s story arc concludes with some background on Singh, the former maharaja who is responsible for all of Charming’s recent troubles, and a final showdown between the pair that leaves the villain dead and Charming with a roguish pirate look.

From the epilogue it appears Nayalani and Charming are both staying together and sticking around. I’m looking forward to the pair heading to Fabletown, and an inevitable confrontation with Charming’s ex-wife Snow White.

Although I thought “The Return of the Maharaja” got a little bogged down in the middle issues of what I felt was an unnecessarily long six-issue arc (four would have done just as well), the storyline ends with a pair of strong issues and characters I will look forward to seeing more of in the wider Fables universe. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

Fairest #20 Read More »

Fables #133

/ / Comics

Fables #133An impasse between sisters temporarily halts Rose Red‘s new calling as the Paladin of Hope when Snow White discovers her sister is actually considering saving the man who held her captive and killed her husband. While Rose sees Prince Brandish as the perfect attempt to proves second chances can breed positive results, Snow has very definite feelings about never letting the villain loose to do any more harm to any member of her family.

Given the fact that neither will budge, the grudgingly new-formed friendship between the sisters falls apart as Rose decides, for good or ill, to make Brandish part of her new Round Table (even if it costs Rose her family).

Fables #133 presents a strong story in that both sister’s points are valid from their point of view. It also gives us a very un-Disney version of Snow White’s history as the character discusses with her daughter Therese the hard choices she’s need to make over the years to survive. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

Fables #133 Read More »