Title: Fairest: In All the Land
Author: Bill Willingham
First published November 26, 2013
160 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781401239008 (ISBN10: 1401239005)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
From the pages of Bill Willingham’s Fairest comes a new graphic novel that delves into the secret histories of Fabletown’s most captivating characters. Fairest: In All the Land features the stunning beauties we know and love, including Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, as the best names in comics explore their pasts.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Willingham’s epic fairy tale series or new to the world of Fables, this original graphic novel is the perfect entry point to the enchanting world of Fairest. Don’t miss out on this captivating new chapter in the ongoing saga of Fabletown’s finest.
About the Author
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, this talented artist created stunning fantasy ink drawings for the rulebooks of the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert games. He became known for his comic book series Elementals, which he wrote and illustrated, and was published by Comico.
Unfortunately, the series struggled to stick to its original schedule, and the artist’s position in the industry was inconsistent for a long time. He contributed to Green Lantern and started his own Coventry comics series, which only lasted for three issues.
In addition, he produced a pornographic series named Ironwood for Eros Comix.
However, in the late 1990s, this artist made a comeback as a prolific writer. He wrote the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and authored two short novels about the modern adventures of the legendary hero Beowulf, which were published by Clockwork Storybook, a collective of writers that he founded.
In the early 2000s, he began writing for DC Comics, creating several limited series such as Proposition Player and two about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman. His most notable work from this period is the beloved series Fables.
Editoral Review
Fairest: In All the Land by Bill Willingham is a gripping graphic novel that was first published on November 26, 2013. Willingham is an award-winning writer and artist with several titles to his credit.
The graphic novel falls within the fantasy genre, and it features fairy tale characters from the Fables series. Fairest: In All the Land is an exceptional work of art that speaks to the human condition while skillfully navigating the complexities of the fairy tale world.
The plot of the graphic novel centers on a mysterious murderer who is on the loose, targeting the fairest of them all in the Land. The characters are drawn from various fairy tale stories, including Snow White and Beauty and the Beast.
However, the plot is not based on the original fairy tales. Instead, Willingham uses these characters to create a unique world of his own, filled with thought-provoking perspectives on power, beauty, and morality.
Willingham’s prose is impeccable, and he masterfully intertwines the stories of the various characters without losing the plot’s focus. The characters are well-developed, and their personality traits are consistent throughout the narrative.
The plot is well structured, and the pacing is excellent, with just enough suspense and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. One of the significant strengths of Fairest: In All the Land is the way that the narrative successfully intermeshes the dark underbelly of the fairy tale world with the cynical realities of the human world.
Willingham’s use of fairy tale characters provides a clear and concise view of contemporary issues such as body image, gender, and societal standards. One of the glaring weaknesses of the graphic novel is that it can be somewhat hard to follow for readers who are not well-versed in the Fables series.
While the plot is straightforward, the sheer number of characters and storylines may leave unfamiliar readers confused at times. The artwork is fabulous, but the colors and the art style may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, Fairest: In All the Land is a fantastic piece of literature that meets the high expectations set by Willingham’s previous works. It is a must-read for anyone who loves graphic novels and fairy tales.
The artwork is mesmerizing, and the narrative is thought-provoking, showcasing some of the most complex themes of human nature. The graphic novel is suitable for both adults and young adults, and it may trigger discussions on contemporary issues that are relevant to today’s world.
In conclusion, I recommend Fairest: In All the Land to anyone who appreciates well-written graphic novels that explore the complexities of human nature. While the book has some flaws, the overall quality of the writing and artwork makes it a worthwhile read.
I give this graphic novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5.