Fables is a comic book series written by Bill Willingham and published by DC Comics’ Vertigo. It is set in modern-day New York City following various characters from fairy tales and folklore (known as Fables) have fled the Homelands after its conquered by “the Adversary”. The series follows sheriff Bigby Wolf, deputy mayor Snow White, her sister Rose Red, Prince Charming, and Boy Blue, as they deal with troublesome Fables and try to solve conflicts in both Fabletown.

The story follows main protagonist Bigby Wolf and other fairy tale characters who’ve escaped the Homelands which is being invaded by the Adversary and his armies to seek refuge in our world settling in what’s called Fabletown. The story is really complex with several subplots that keep it interesting. Think Once Upon a Time but much more grittier.

The majority of the story follow’s Bigby Wolf and his attempts to maintain order in Fabletown but continues to expand with the war with the Adversary in the Homelands. There are a lot of great moments, some humorous, horrifying, emotional, action packed; moments that change the dynamic and pacing of the story fulfilling its premise of engaging stories, creative backstories, and branching subplots. (5 out of 5)

I promis you, you’ve never seen these fairy tale characters quite like this before. Our main protagonist is Bigby Wolf, Sheriff of Fabletown. Next to him is Snow White who he helps manage Fabletown with. I’ve really enjoyed the relationship between these two and how it has evolved and grown over the course of the series.

Surrounding them are characters who’re just as well-written with interesting stories themselves who include Prince Charming, Beauty, Beast, Boy Blue, Flycatcher, Pinocchio, Rose Red, and so many more. Hell, Willingham even breaks barriers by including fairy tales from other cultures which adds to the exceptionally large cast. They are a great take on the fairy tales with a surprising amount of depth. (5 out of 5)

The art style is actually done pretty well given the various artists who Willingham collaborates with. Some artists include James Jean and Mark Buckingham. I’ve really enjoyed Buckingham’s contributions to the series. Many of the character designs I feel are pretty grounded. (4 out of 5)

I’ve really enjoyed the writing and direction set by Bill Willingham who’s definitely a talented writer with such a brilliant imagination which I’ve greatly appreciated. Under his direction we’ve got an new incarnations to some of our most beloved characters with modernized evolution to their characterization while providing a unique look at their personality.

Another aspect are the deeper themes that are explored throughout the series (thankfully not bluntly shoved in your face). There is some social and political commentary on what not only sets itself as the foundation for the characters and the storytelling but also a reflection of issues in current society.

Willingham’s series has a surprising amount of innovation that keeps it fresh, waving away the tendrils of staleness which a lot of comics tend to fall prey to with such a long running series. He appears to have a keen eye for exploration but is consistent enough to weave such a massive world without letting it splinter on the outskirts. When a comic’s narrative can remain insightful, engaging, steady, and inventive; you know the writing has a talent behind it. Hell, even some of the dialogue can fruitful and thoughtful without being pretentious. (5 out of 5)

In the end, Fables is the gift that just keeps on giving. Bill Willingham has not only done well with the fairy tale characters but he has done an exceptional job of building the world. The writing is fantastic, both in terms of the characters and the storytelling with good artistic vision. There are some issues with the art style depending on which artist is at the helm but for the most part the art is good. I love the story, I love the characters, I love the direction. Man, Fables definitely gets 5 out of 5.