Fables Vol. 8: Wolves

Well, herein we finally find out.We've been hanging in there, pining away for more stories about the fates of the central characters in this ensemble cast, whom we met at the very beginning of the first story in the series. Ever since _The Mean Seasons_, when Bigby went away because the only person whose smell he likes (Remember he's a wolf: The Wolf!) couldn't decide to throw her lot in with him. Understandably, I suppose, because she was a practical girl and, let's face it, their history together had its ups and downs. She also had so cubs to take care of, and there were political issues with having Bigby around.So we waited and waited (well, _I_ did!) and followed Boy Blue into the Homelands to reveal the Adversary, and the fates of an assortment of others dealing with folks from other cultures--all the while chuckling at Willingham's built-in jokes, very often of the political kind, and usually with a strong libertarian slant.In _Wolves_ too, there a lot of implied politics and social commentary, but it all fades into insignificance before the central issues: where's Bigby, what's he been doing, and how is this thing with Snow going to play out? _Is_ it going to play out? Whatever happened to the aberrant 'Zephyr' cub of Bigby and Snow's; the one that kills living creatures because it likes their breath?As a bonus there's also another story, involving that sexy spy, Cinderella; who is like a female James Bond, and so much nicer than that psycho Goldilocks (whom we're sure to meet again one day, even though she had an axe buried in her head last time we saw her plunge into a river).As usual, the action is rough and tough, with few punches pulled; though in general the tone of the stories is gentler than those compiled into the previous two books. As fairytales for adults go, there is nothing better, and I'm of a mind, now that the story has gone the way it goes, to start the whole series all over again. It's great bedtime literature, and if, like me, you grew up with fairy tales, it's a homecoming of sorts. Thing is, in real life you can never go back--and often you really don't want to either--but FABLES on the whole takes me back to something familiar at the same time as it is firmly facing into the future.On a purely professional basis and since I write novels and scripts myself, it was instructional to have the entire script to one of the 'episodes' collected into this volume added at the end. Been meaning to tackle this kind of medium myself, and for those similarly inclined there are valuable pointers for method and style.

Warning! Spoilers below!This is one of my favorite books in the entire FABLES series. It is built around several major events. First, Mowgli continues his long and ultimately successful search for Bigby Wolf, partly because Prince Charming wants him to carry out a mission behind the Adversary's lines and partly to fulfill the requirements to allow the early release of Bagheera for his role in the farm uprising (see Book 2 in the series, ANIMAL FARM). Enlisting major allies in the cloud giants who inhabit a parallel dimension in the sky, Bigby is able to appear near the magic woods surrounding Gepetto's hut, completely destroying them and making it impossible for Gepetto to make new puppets for a few decades when the forest will regrow. Mission accomplished, Bigby and Snow White marry (old hokey ceremony and all, the kind of offensive one where the woman pledges to honor and obey and it concludes with them being named man and wife -- come on Bill! It is the 21st century, even the Fables would have junked that old dusty routine) and settle in the valley where the giants used to sleep. The book concludes with a diplomatic mission to the cloud giants by Cinderella to urge them to finally sign a mutual defense pact. Clearly, in the event of a major conflict, the Fabletown residents are going to need some major help. Having allies who are both giants and accomplished will surely help. But what of those who Cinderella inadvertently offended? Will that one day come back to haunt the Fables?All in all, another spectacular addition to an outrageously fine series of graphic books.

I have been seriously enjoying this series since I started reading it after getting interested through the Wolf Among Us video game.Truly enjoyable storyline, and characters that you emotionally connect with almost immediately.Unfortunately, this book is marred when, halfway through, one of the main characters gives a multiple-page diatribe about international politics. The chapter is even called "The Israel Analogy." This isn't a case of someone being oversensitive.I have since read that the author has some strong political beliefs, but I find it depressing that he would use such a lovely story in such an obvious way.The "analogy" really had no place in the story; the event could have unfolded exactly as is without it. The author could have even subtly alluded to his beliefs, if that was his choice, without hitting us over the head with it.This dialog didn't fit in with the story, and took me right out of the book.What's worse, it came right at the climax of a storyline detailing the return/reunion of one of the biggest characters in the series, and breaks the storyline right at a critical point.Instead of being moved by the important scenes that followed, I found them overshadowed by the previous events. Honestly, the entire conclusion of this particular storyline was rushed, unemotional, and not treated with the care I felt it needed.Also, the last 20+ pages of this edition are maps, and a written script of one of the issues. Some readers may be interested in these sorts of items, but to me, it felt tacked on to try and justify the full price of this very short trade paperback.I will probably still continue reading this series, but with the rather high cost involved, will do so one book at a time, and if the politics keep getting in the way of the story, might change my mind.

This is the first real resolution to an ongoing story in the series so far. It focuses mainly on the relationship of Bigby and Snow which has been in the background since the very beginning, and in my opinion it is beautifully managed.This issue takes a small step back from the war with the adversary that Boy Blue has been leading to focus on this more emotional subject matter, but to me that enhances the story as a whole and leads to a satisfying conclusion that means that other subjects can now be brought back to the fore and followed up on.The series is pure genius and one of the best things to happen in comics for the last 10 years. If you have not followed this story i recommend you buy the first trade paperback and start immediately.

Wolves has a bit for everybody. Mowgli gets a cool story, Bigby FINALLY returns after having been absent for several volumes worth and he comes back big. This is also the first time we get a first and proper look into his and Snow White's kids. At the end of the volume you will get some extra info about Fabletown and the Farm, which as far as I know is not even shown on the "official" fables wikia so its worth getting, and for those who want to know how comics are written you get the entire 50th issue in script form to see how author and artist team up to provide a comic for you every month.All in all if you like the previous volumes I think you will like this one as well.

Great

Love the illustrations and story line.

Great book