Title: Fables – Book Five
Author: Bill Willingham
First published June 5, 2012
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781401234966 (ISBN10: 1401234968)
Rating: 4.39
Overview
Fables – Book Five by Bill Willingham is back and better than ever before! This exciting hardcover edition features the aftermath of the Adversary’s brutal attack on Fabletown, with Boy Blue taking matters into his own hands to seek revenge and uncover the true identity of their enemy. In addition, we also get to experience the thrilling two-part Hollywood adventure of Jack, as well as the one-shot story of Mowgli’s return to Fabletown.
With issues 34-45 of the original series included, Fables Deluxe Edition Book 5 is a must-have for any fan of the series.
About the Author
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, this artist created captivating fantasy ink drawings for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He gained recognition for his own comic book series, Elementals, which he both wrote and drew, published by Comico in the 1980s.
However, the series struggled to maintain a consistent schedule, and the artist’s position in the industry became unsteady for many years. He contributed stories to Green Lantern and created a short-lived independent black-and-white comics series, Coventry, which only lasted three issues.
Additionally, he produced the pornographic series Ironwood for Eros Comix.
In the late 1990s, this artist reemerged as a prolific writer. He authored the 13-issue series, Pantheon, for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern-day adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer’s collective, Clockwork Storybook, which he helped establish.
In the early 2000s, he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a duo of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably, the widely popular series, Fables.
Editoral Review
“Fables – Book Five” by Bill Willingham is a stunning addition to the widely acclaimed Fairy Tales series. Willingham is an American comic book writer and novelist known for his distinct style of storytelling that focuses on twisted retellings of classic folklore.
The Fables series introduces readers to a world where characters from popular fables and fairy tales such as Snow White, Big Bad Wolf, and Beauty and the Beast must coexist in secret in New York City after a war forces them into exile. “Fables – Book Five” continues the story with a collection of issues from the series and is published on June 5, 2012, as the fifth volume in the Fables series.
The plot of “Fables – Book Five” revolves around a group of Fables, who band together to save the life of the mysterious Boy Blue. Along the way, they encounter a group of humanity’s protectors, and a rogue faction of Fables that would rather see their kind rule over humankind.
The story is set against the backdrop of a gritty and dark New York, which serves as the perfect stage for the characters’ battles to unfold. The main characters in the book include Snow White, Bigby Wolf, Boy Blue, and King Cole, all of whom developed significantly throughout the course of the story.
One of the key strengths of “Fables – Book Five” lies in Willingham’s writing, which is incredibly detailed and evocative. Willingham fleshed out the various characters of the story, providing them with distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations, which made them relatable to the audience.
Furthermore, the pacing of the plot is well-considered and structured, making it easy for readers to follow the events in the story.
The themes of betrayal, loyalty, and redemption stand out throughout the book.
Willingham highlighted the differences in morality between the Fables and human beings, forcing readers to question who the true villains and heroes of the story are. Additionally, the book touches on themes of family, love, and self-awareness, making it a well-rounded and thought-provoking read.
Another distinguishing factor of “Fables – Book Five” lies in the refreshing take of cherished fairy tales and the incorporation of everyday problems that resonate with readers, making it easy for them to connect with the characters and the story.
Although “Fables – Book Five” is a brilliant addition to the Fables series, it may not be the best point to start reading the series, as readers might miss out on the background information and references from earlier volumes.
One possible limitation of the book is that certain characters, particularly the villains, could have been more nuanced, and more information regarding them would have been helpful.
In conclusion, “Fables – Book Five” is a must-read for fans of the series, particularly for those looking for an engaging and well-written read that tackles issues that are relevant to our times.
The book humorously, and in some cases darkly, explores the dynamics between Fables and human beings, and how each faction’s actions could dramatically impact the other. The themes of the book are woven skillfully into the narrative, making it a fantastic read that will leave readers eager for more.
“Fables – Book Five” receives an impressive 9/10 rating from the Washington Post.