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Fables
Fables, Vol. 7: Arabian Nights
Winner of Fourteen Eisner Awards
Culture Clash
With the identity of the Adversary finally revealed to the citizens of Fabletown, it's time to begin making preparations in earnest for the defense of their stronghold in the mundane world - and that means forging new alliances with whoever remains unconquered by the Adversary's legions. But the arrival in Fabletown of a delegation from the Arabian Homelands shows just how tricky this kind of coalition-building can be - especially when one side is concealing Weapons of Magical Destruction!
Collecting: Fables 42-47
Culture Clash
With the identity of the Adversary finally revealed to the citizens of Fabletown, it's time to begin making preparations in earnest for the defense of their stronghold in the mundane world - and that means forging new alliances with whoever remains unconquered by the Adversary's legions. But the arrival in Fabletown of a delegation from the Arabian Homelands shows just how tricky this kind of coalition-building can be - especially when one side is concealing Weapons of Magical Destruction!
Collecting: Fables 42-47
143 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
About the author
Bill Willingham
902 books2,792 followersIn the late 1970s to early 1980s he drew fantasy ink pictures for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He first gained attention for his 1980s comic book series Elementals published by Comico, which he both wrote and drew. However, for reasons unknown, the series had trouble maintaining an original schedule, and Willingham's position in the industry remained spotty for many years. He contributed stories to Green Lantern and started his own independent, black-and-white comics series Coventry which lasted only 3 issues. He also produced the pornographic series Ironwood for Eros Comix.
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 660 reviews
December 8, 2021
Sinbad shows up in Fabletown with his entourage, which includes slaves, an evil advisor, and a deadly genie time-bomb.
Without Mowgli there to translate and negotiate, it falls to King Cole and his language skills to keep the new Mayor (Prince-Not-So-Charming) from completely blowing the alliance. And it falls to that nice little old lady who used to have a Gingerbread House in the woods to keep the advisor and genie in line.
Prince Charming also tries to put the moves on Beauty but ultimately gets shut down. But not before that nutty flying monkey sees something that will (I'm guessing) cause problems later on down the line.
The Frog Prince and Red Riding Hood are becoming quite close friends...
And the last story is about a wooden soldier and his girlfriend who are granted their humanity.
But every gift from The Adversary comes with a cost.
This was another great volume.
Recommended!
Without Mowgli there to translate and negotiate, it falls to King Cole and his language skills to keep the new Mayor (Prince-Not-So-Charming) from completely blowing the alliance. And it falls to that nice little old lady who used to have a Gingerbread House in the woods to keep the advisor and genie in line.
Prince Charming also tries to put the moves on Beauty but ultimately gets shut down. But not before that nutty flying monkey sees something that will (I'm guessing) cause problems later on down the line.
The Frog Prince and Red Riding Hood are becoming quite close friends...
And the last story is about a wooden soldier and his girlfriend who are granted their humanity.
But every gift from The Adversary comes with a cost.
This was another great volume.
Recommended!
June 22, 2024
So unlike the sandman.
Arabian fables take a direct role in this fantasy epic.
Sindbad Aladdin and ali baba.
Oh joy!
Its going to be amazing, and what about the djinns being the most powerful magic beings there is! Never mind their stupidity to get imprisoned in the first place LMAO!
I also like the fact that no matter the side story we will be told, it will take part in the very near future in the main story which is a great way to introduce new characters, and events.
Arabian fables take a direct role in this fantasy epic.
Sindbad Aladdin and ali baba.
Oh joy!
Its going to be amazing, and what about the djinns being the most powerful magic beings there is! Never mind their stupidity to get imprisoned in the first place LMAO!
I also like the fact that no matter the side story we will be told, it will take part in the very near future in the main story which is a great way to introduce new characters, and events.
February 25, 2021
In which Sinbad and his entourage arrive in Fabletown; Prince Charming struggles, and charms. in his Mayoral role; and we get more insight into the Wooden Soldiers. It just gets bigger! Not satisfied with re-imagining most of the Western Fables, Bill Willingham hurtles into the Eastern Fables in a wondrously totally respectful of Islam(!) and highly interesting way. The second story is a Wooden Soldier beaut, that has deep repercussions for the series! Another solid 8 out of 12.
January 17, 2019
I love that Sinbad comes to visit Fable town and brings his Vizier and a Genni with him. I love the Arabian Nights and it's nice to see a little bit of that. It becomes a political thriller and Prince Charming actually makes some good decisions. The witch from Hansel and Gretel is pretty awesome in each story too. You don't want to cross her. She is powerful and read.
The first 3 chapters about about the Arabian story line. The final chapters are about some wooden soldiers under the adversary. They have reached the Arabian party of the myth world and it is a fierce battle. We see why the soldiers are so good. The don't get a hurt being wood. I wasn't really into until until the end when we see what is going on.
This continues to be a great, every expanding story. I really enjoy this one. I'll be going on.
The first 3 chapters about about the Arabian story line. The final chapters are about some wooden soldiers under the adversary. They have reached the Arabian party of the myth world and it is a fierce battle. We see why the soldiers are so good. The don't get a hurt being wood. I wasn't really into until until the end when we see what is going on.
This continues to be a great, every expanding story. I really enjoy this one. I'll be going on.
April 2, 2023
While this 7th volume wasn't as gripping as the previous one, I loved getting a glimpse at the Arabian Fables.
Now that everyone knows who the adversary really is, they need to form a plan. One of which is teaming up with other Fables. Apparently, not every land has been conquered yet so there is still time.
However, the delegation sent brings its own problems both in the form of suspicion and hubris. Oh, and by transporting their most capable weapong: a djinn!
Naturally, it IS released and nowhere near as funny or nice as the one we know from the famous Disney movie. I seriously loved Frau Totenkinder here. Sure, she doesn't ahve the strength to go up against every threat, but she knows how to work around that little handicap thanks to her cunning and creative nature. I so adored the solution to the problem. :D
Sadly, the volume didn't end there but added two issues about a wooden soldier and his love and while this might influence later events, I can't say I was too interested in how detailed a look we got at Rodney and June. *shrugs*
Thus, this was a mixed back, once again. And with not nearly enough Bigby!
Now that everyone knows who the adversary really is, they need to form a plan. One of which is teaming up with other Fables. Apparently, not every land has been conquered yet so there is still time.
However, the delegation sent brings its own problems both in the form of suspicion and hubris. Oh, and by transporting their most capable weapong: a djinn!
Naturally, it IS released and nowhere near as funny or nice as the one we know from the famous Disney movie. I seriously loved Frau Totenkinder here. Sure, she doesn't ahve the strength to go up against every threat, but she knows how to work around that little handicap thanks to her cunning and creative nature. I so adored the solution to the problem. :D
Sadly, the volume didn't end there but added two issues about a wooden soldier and his love and while this might influence later events, I can't say I was too interested in how detailed a look we got at Rodney and June. *shrugs*
Thus, this was a mixed back, once again. And with not nearly enough Bigby!
September 24, 2017
So basically: Frau Totenkinder is a boss. Assistant deputy mayor Beauty is the epitome of girl power. And the wooden are all very messed up.
Overall, this volume of Fables fell a little flat with me. Hope they step it up in the next one!
Overall, this volume of Fables fell a little flat with me. Hope they step it up in the next one!
July 30, 2022
Numero meno potente dei precedenti.
Arrivano le fiabe arabe convocate da Mowgli, ma essendo il Principe Azzurro quel che è, sfiora da subito l'incidente diplomatico e solo Re Cole salva la situazione.
Abbiamo una crisi da guerra fredda con uno djinni ma la cosa si sgonfia rapidamente.
Alla fine la cosa più importante per il futuro sembra essere che Cappuccetto si sta innamorando dell'Acchiappamosche.
Carina la storia finale sui due burattini innamorati.
Arrivano le fiabe arabe convocate da Mowgli, ma essendo il Principe Azzurro quel che è, sfiora da subito l'incidente diplomatico e solo Re Cole salva la situazione.
Abbiamo una crisi da guerra fredda con uno djinni ma la cosa si sgonfia rapidamente.
Alla fine la cosa più importante per il futuro sembra essere che Cappuccetto si sta innamorando dell'Acchiappamosche.
Carina la storia finale sui due burattini innamorati.
May 27, 2018
Fables is finally clicking with me. This volume was filled with a lot of great moments.
The stuff in fabletown is all about political affairs and the main thing is about a nation of people, Arabian, and how they will conflict with ideas that are placed in Fabletown. On the flipside we get a little bit more information on the farm, what's happening with snow white, red, and boy blue and of course the little kids. Last but not least we have a two issue story of one of Geppetto creations, or two of them, falling in love and wanting to become human. It sounds silly but by the end...wow.
Good: Loved the very end. It was powerful, scary, and well done. The fabletown political stuff was solid, interesting, and pretty entertaining. I also loved anything to do with Snow White's children as they are all interesting and fun.
Bad: Not enough boy blue!
Overall this was another great entry. While not AS good as the last it's still pretty damn high up there. I want more!
The stuff in fabletown is all about political affairs and the main thing is about a nation of people, Arabian, and how they will conflict with ideas that are placed in Fabletown. On the flipside we get a little bit more information on the farm, what's happening with snow white, red, and boy blue and of course the little kids. Last but not least we have a two issue story of one of Geppetto creations, or two of them, falling in love and wanting to become human. It sounds silly but by the end...wow.
Good: Loved the very end. It was powerful, scary, and well done. The fabletown political stuff was solid, interesting, and pretty entertaining. I also loved anything to do with Snow White's children as they are all interesting and fun.
Bad: Not enough boy blue!
Overall this was another great entry. While not AS good as the last it's still pretty damn high up there. I want more!
Read
January 11, 2022Жила-була і переклала.
В цьому томі:
* з'являються арабські казки (і з ними всі етнічні стереотипи: не певна, що я відчуваю з цього приводу)
* Фрау Тотенкіндер продовжує бути badass - не можна недооцінювати бабцю з в'язанням!
* срані популісти розуміють, що отримати владу - це півбіди, а потім треба робити роботу, й це біль (і мене їхні страждання дуже тішать)
* Улюблений перекладацький хід у цьому томі - шпигуни проходять інтенсивний курс англійської мови:
Х: Бабрались в брудній баюрі два бобри брунатно-бурі.
У: Я не розумію. Ми що, шпигуватимемо за бобрами?
В цьому томі:
* з'являються арабські казки (і з ними всі етнічні стереотипи: не певна, що я відчуваю з цього приводу)
* Фрау Тотенкіндер продовжує бути badass - не можна недооцінювати бабцю з в'язанням!
* срані популісти розуміють, що отримати владу - це півбіди, а потім треба робити роботу, й це біль (і мене їхні страждання дуже тішать)
* Улюблений перекладацький хід у цьому томі - шпигуни проходять інтенсивний курс англійської мови:
Х: Бабрались в брудній баюрі два бобри брунатно-бурі.
У: Я не розумію. Ми що, шпигуватимемо за бобрами?
January 30, 2024
Now that Fables is in the 'Public Domain', I thought it was time I read the entire series (including all spinoffs and specials) from start to finish in sequential tpb reading order. Here we go!
Fables First-to-Finale reading #9
Fables vol 07: Arabian Nights
Sinbad and the Arabian Fables show up as the Adversary continues full conquest mode. It's all fun and games until someone lets the genie out of the bottle. Beauty puts Mayor Charming in his place in a saucy little scene. The relationship Beauty and Beast have is expressed wonderfully here.
Afterward, there is a sweet tale of Wooden Soldier love. But of course, there are always consequences for acting on forbidden love. This ending reminds me of the television series The Americans! Love it!
Fables First-to-Finale reading #9
Fables vol 07: Arabian Nights
Sinbad and the Arabian Fables show up as the Adversary continues full conquest mode. It's all fun and games until someone lets the genie out of the bottle. Beauty puts Mayor Charming in his place in a saucy little scene. The relationship Beauty and Beast have is expressed wonderfully here.
Afterward, there is a sweet tale of Wooden Soldier love. But of course, there are always consequences for acting on forbidden love. This ending reminds me of the television series The Americans! Love it!
November 7, 2018
I really like how this series explores every perspective, both good and bad. It was interesting to see the Adversary start to conquer the Arabian Fable lands once all the European lands were conquered. It was cool to see all the Arabian characters and beasts that were introduced. What I really liked was near the end where the two wooden people fell in love and journeyed home to become real so they could start a family together. However a twist of fate makes them do the unthinkable.
January 24, 2012
They say that too many cooks spoil the broth. I would say that, sometimes, it's too many ingredients that spoil it.
Arabian Nights fell a little flat for me. I was excited when Willingham started including characters from the Arabian Nights world. But the storyline involving them wasn't all that captivating. Also, one of the characters kept calling Sinbad, supposedly the head of this royal retinue, "sirrah." I gathered that he meant it as a term of honor, but I couldn't get over the fact that, in English, it has a negative connotation. If what they're saying in Arabic is going to be translated into English, then shouldn't that term be translated, too?
The one thing I will say is that Frau Totenkinder is pretty ossom. She's the wicked witch of "Hansel and Gretl" fame. Her name is German for "dead children," and she's ossomly creepy, and Willingham uses her well.
There was a vaguely interesting secondary plotline involving a wooden soldier from the Adversary's armies. Rodney, a wooden soldier, falls in love with June, a wooden "medic" -- she repairs damaged wooden soldiers' limbs. Together, they travel to find Geppetto and ask him to turn them into flesh so that they can marry and raise children. It's a sweet, little love story, and a reminder that the soldiers in the enemy's army are people, too, with cares and lives disturbingly similar to ours.
It's a nice aside, but I still hope that the next volume gets back to top form again.
Arabian Nights fell a little flat for me. I was excited when Willingham started including characters from the Arabian Nights world. But the storyline involving them wasn't all that captivating. Also, one of the characters kept calling Sinbad, supposedly the head of this royal retinue, "sirrah." I gathered that he meant it as a term of honor, but I couldn't get over the fact that, in English, it has a negative connotation. If what they're saying in Arabic is going to be translated into English, then shouldn't that term be translated, too?
The one thing I will say is that Frau Totenkinder is pretty ossom. She's the wicked witch of "Hansel and Gretl" fame. Her name is German for "dead children," and she's ossomly creepy, and Willingham uses her well.
There was a vaguely interesting secondary plotline involving a wooden soldier from the Adversary's armies. Rodney, a wooden soldier, falls in love with June, a wooden "medic" -- she repairs damaged wooden soldiers' limbs. Together, they travel to find Geppetto and ask him to turn them into flesh so that they can marry and raise children. It's a sweet, little love story, and a reminder that the soldiers in the enemy's army are people, too, with cares and lives disturbingly similar to ours.
It's a nice aside, but I still hope that the next volume gets back to top form again.
May 7, 2023
The Adversary has started his campaign against the Arabian fables. Sindbad arrives in Fabletown. And Mowgli is tracking Bigby Wolf. Sinbad brings a Djinn, which means big trouble…
The tale of how the fables deal with the Djinn is entertaining and leads to a very gruesome ending for someone. Unexpected romance vibes at the end. The search for Bigby Wolf was in the sidelines and did not lead to much. Overall good. 🧞♀️🧞♂️🧞🧞♀️
And then we get The Ballad of Rodney and June, I assume as an additional short story and a glimpse at the Arabian campaign, seen from the POV of a wooden soldier of the Adversary‘s forces. Plus we get some forbidden love and another road trip through the Homelands. And a second life. Oh wow, this part was really, really good. Excellent story telling. This is where this volume really shines. 🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵
PS: full review pics from the comic in my wordpress blog…
Collecting: Fables 42-47
The tale of how the fables deal with the Djinn is entertaining and leads to a very gruesome ending for someone. Unexpected romance vibes at the end. The search for Bigby Wolf was in the sidelines and did not lead to much. Overall good. 🧞♀️🧞♂️🧞🧞♀️
And then we get The Ballad of Rodney and June, I assume as an additional short story and a glimpse at the Arabian campaign, seen from the POV of a wooden soldier of the Adversary‘s forces. Plus we get some forbidden love and another road trip through the Homelands. And a second life. Oh wow, this part was really, really good. Excellent story telling. This is where this volume really shines. 🪵🪵🪵🪵🪵
PS: full review pics from the comic in my wordpress blog…
Collecting: Fables 42-47
August 12, 2016
Another excellent volume in the Fables series. The Arabian Fables have sent Sindbad as a visiting emissary to speak with the Western Fables about setting up a Fabletown East. Unfortunately there are some differences between the Arabian and Western Fables. The Arabians still keep slaves, which goes against the anti-slavery laws of Fabletown.
Sindbad tries to emulate the Western Fables (Prince Charming and the former Mayor) and this causes his Vizier, Usuf, to think that Sinbad is becoming an infidel. Usuf summons a Djinn and gives it three commands. First to kill all the people who support Sinbad; second kill all the Fabletown leaders and third to grant Usuf a wealthy and powerful life. This might seem bad save that Frau Totenkinder knows what's going on. She changes Usuf's words to the Djinn and wreaks havoc with his plans and ends in his painful demise. But the former Mayor is made into the Ambassador to Arabian Fables.
The second part of the story has to do with one of Gepetto's wooden soldiers. He falls in love with a wooden girl and requests that both be turned into flesh. Gepetto agrees but in return the two must carry out a mission for him. They are infiltrated into the Mundy world and now act as spies and occasional assassins for the Adversary. But spending time among Mundy's, and expecting a baby, they begin to question their future.
As with the rest of these volumes, it is beautifully illustrated. A smooth, fast paced story. There are too many different subplots and stories to list in my review. That's why this is such a great series. The events play out over volumes and that gives it a grand scale. Still while this grand tale is being told Fables has a remarkable ability to make even the subplots and side stories (that may take up an issue or two) become some memorable moments. It is also becoming clear that even the little stories may have a large effect down the road. That is good writing. The addition of the Arabian fables is a cool idea. But as varied as this motley collection is by far, my most favorite character is Frau Totenkinder. She always seems this nice, old and frail grandmotherly type sitting in her rocking chair and knitting. This hides one of the most powerful, devious and skilled magic users in this world. Period. Her utter destruction of Baba Yaga was proof enough, but her brilliant ploy to destroy Usuf's plan was truly superb. Hats off to Frau Totenkinder a great character and one of my favorites in any series. Fables is a gem that I recommend to any one who is interested in good art, great writing and a large cast of characters.
Sindbad tries to emulate the Western Fables (Prince Charming and the former Mayor) and this causes his Vizier, Usuf, to think that Sinbad is becoming an infidel. Usuf summons a Djinn and gives it three commands. First to kill all the people who support Sinbad; second kill all the Fabletown leaders and third to grant Usuf a wealthy and powerful life. This might seem bad save that Frau Totenkinder knows what's going on. She changes Usuf's words to the Djinn and wreaks havoc with his plans and ends in his painful demise. But the former Mayor is made into the Ambassador to Arabian Fables.
The second part of the story has to do with one of Gepetto's wooden soldiers. He falls in love with a wooden girl and requests that both be turned into flesh. Gepetto agrees but in return the two must carry out a mission for him. They are infiltrated into the Mundy world and now act as spies and occasional assassins for the Adversary. But spending time among Mundy's, and expecting a baby, they begin to question their future.
As with the rest of these volumes, it is beautifully illustrated. A smooth, fast paced story. There are too many different subplots and stories to list in my review. That's why this is such a great series. The events play out over volumes and that gives it a grand scale. Still while this grand tale is being told Fables has a remarkable ability to make even the subplots and side stories (that may take up an issue or two) become some memorable moments. It is also becoming clear that even the little stories may have a large effect down the road. That is good writing. The addition of the Arabian fables is a cool idea. But as varied as this motley collection is by far, my most favorite character is Frau Totenkinder. She always seems this nice, old and frail grandmotherly type sitting in her rocking chair and knitting. This hides one of the most powerful, devious and skilled magic users in this world. Period. Her utter destruction of Baba Yaga was proof enough, but her brilliant ploy to destroy Usuf's plan was truly superb. Hats off to Frau Totenkinder a great character and one of my favorites in any series. Fables is a gem that I recommend to any one who is interested in good art, great writing and a large cast of characters.
September 29, 2017
I was so excited for this one. I've been adding a lot of Arabian inspired things to my read and watch lists, so seeing that this was the title of the next Fables volume, I raised my expectations WAY up.
And... meh. It was quite boring.
I never watched Sinbad as a kid so I didn't really have much of a connection to that. I really thought they'd include Aladdin, but they just passingly mentioned his name once. Then there was a genie which I thought would be such a cool storyline for the volume, but that lasted for an issue.
The last two issues of this volume also followed two new characters in a sidestory that I didn't care about, and found painful to read due to the cursive font choice.
This one was definitely a miss for me.
And... meh. It was quite boring.
I never watched Sinbad as a kid so I didn't really have much of a connection to that. I really thought they'd include Aladdin, but they just passingly mentioned his name once. Then there was a genie which I thought would be such a cool storyline for the volume, but that lasted for an issue.
The last two issues of this volume also followed two new characters in a sidestory that I didn't care about, and found painful to read due to the cursive font choice.
This one was definitely a miss for me.
January 25, 2018
More great stuff from the (Vertigo) Fables team.
Maybe some time I can read the end of these... What a well-crafted run of comics.
Recommended.
Maybe some time I can read the end of these... What a well-crafted run of comics.
Recommended.
September 15, 2022
yakışıklı prens bir eşek olmalıydı
September 19, 2008
One of the weaker Fables trades so far. The Arabian Nights arc is good. As some reviewers have mentioned it did feel like it was praying on fears of the "scary" Arabs. I feel like it started that way, but didn't end that way. I thought it was a good example of showing that one person could ruin others impressions of an entire group. If you look back on the story it actually showed how a group of people can be different and still be good. Plus, you have to remember this is a book of FABLES. There are many exaggerations placed in these stories to teach lessons. If you look at the original fables they were MUCH more violent then the watered down version most of us know today. Some of the American Fables actions (throughout all the stories) may have been questionable, but I think the writers are trying to show (over a very long story arc) how the Fables society with the best intentions is not always fair to the individual ; possibly moving the society to a place it never intended to go. Look around the world today….good allegory. I love these stories. They are a great interpretation and modernizing of stories and characters most of us know. I love the idea of making adult commentary using children's fairy tale characters. Of course you don’t have to approach these stories that way at all. You can just sit back and enjoy a well written and well paced story.
Now you may ask, Why 3 stars? The last 2 stories in the trade are from the point of view of 2 of the Wooden Soldiers. The 1st of which is told by the male, in the form of a letter. It is ill paced and honestly very hard to get through. This in itself dropped the rating down, it was that annoying. The 2nd is told from the other wooden soldier who is female. While still not paced very well, it is much easier to get through. In the end, I was glad the story was told because I can see how it can be used as a very interesting plot device for future stories. I just didn't enjoy the way it was written. Also, the art in these stores was different and did not feel up to the quality and atmosphere of the preceding stories.
Now you may ask, Why 3 stars? The last 2 stories in the trade are from the point of view of 2 of the Wooden Soldiers. The 1st of which is told by the male, in the form of a letter. It is ill paced and honestly very hard to get through. This in itself dropped the rating down, it was that annoying. The 2nd is told from the other wooden soldier who is female. While still not paced very well, it is much easier to get through. In the end, I was glad the story was told because I can see how it can be used as a very interesting plot device for future stories. I just didn't enjoy the way it was written. Also, the art in these stores was different and did not feel up to the quality and atmosphere of the preceding stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
After Blue's adventure in book 6, we go back to progressive events in FableTown with the arrival of Sinbad and group from the arabian fables, while his aim from the visit remained a mystery, his visit takes the wrong turn from the start with barriers in language and traditions, while King Cole and Prince Charming try to educate him in the ways of western fables, his trusted aide Yusuf turns out to be not so worthy of trust after all, as he attempts a coup against Sinbad using a Djinn in a bottle to get rid of all those who see as enemies in his path for ultimate control. But the fables use their cunning and limited magical powers (compared to those of the Djinn) to win the day.
While Snow and her litter give a token appearance, and Mowgli is still chasing after Bigby, we are yet to see what North Wind will contribute to the story, surely this will unravel at some point in the coming volumes.
The book ends with a tale of two wooden spies that have been transplanted in New York near FableTown, disguised as mere mundies, awaiting their final set of instructions...
This volume was a bit heavy on text, which takes away from the artistic visualisation of events, unlike previous volumes
MiM
While Snow and her litter give a token appearance, and Mowgli is still chasing after Bigby, we are yet to see what North Wind will contribute to the story, surely this will unravel at some point in the coming volumes.
The book ends with a tale of two wooden spies that have been transplanted in New York near FableTown, disguised as mere mundies, awaiting their final set of instructions...
This volume was a bit heavy on text, which takes away from the artistic visualisation of events, unlike previous volumes
MiM
January 18, 2016
Why I read this: I read this because, duh, it’s a fairy tale retelling. I love that stuff. I read fairly crappy stuff just to get at it. Fables, so far, has not been crappy at all. Of course, I’ll continue it.
Why I thought: The art was amazing as always and it was cool seeing an introduction of a slew of new characters, but it just didn’t feel like Fables. The problem? I miss Bigby and Snow. Snow and her pups had a couple of cameos but no Bigby. I know there has to be a reason for not even a glimpse but it doesn’t mean it still doesn’t hurt.
In this volume, we’re introduced to the Arabian Fables, Sinbad and his crew. It’s good to see new Fables and ultimately a new Fabletown. I think we’ll get a lot more out of the comic that way.
The art was amazing as always. I loved the panels but I also love the included covers. So pretty *_*
The problem with the book is that it felt like we were just dealing with repercussions from the past book and adding new characters for future books. In other words, it just felt like a book of transition with very little meat.
Why I thought: The art was amazing as always and it was cool seeing an introduction of a slew of new characters, but it just didn’t feel like Fables. The problem? I miss Bigby and Snow. Snow and her pups had a couple of cameos but no Bigby. I know there has to be a reason for not even a glimpse but it doesn’t mean it still doesn’t hurt.
In this volume, we’re introduced to the Arabian Fables, Sinbad and his crew. It’s good to see new Fables and ultimately a new Fabletown. I think we’ll get a lot more out of the comic that way.
The art was amazing as always. I loved the panels but I also love the included covers. So pretty *_*
The problem with the book is that it felt like we were just dealing with repercussions from the past book and adding new characters for future books. In other words, it just felt like a book of transition with very little meat.
March 20, 2015
God, for something with such a good premise, the execution was just...shitty. You end up with, of course, the Arabian Fables being narrow-minded, ultra-conservative, slavery-toting scumbags. You end up with literal terrorism plots. You end up with OH GOD THEY ARE SO SILLY THEY CANNOT SPEAK ENGLISH.
GOD IT WAS SO TERRIBLY DONE.
FOR ONCE I WANT A PLOT WHERE THE WHITE PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO FUCK SHIT UP BY JUMPING THE GUN. JUST FOR ONCE. JUST FOR ONCE CAN WE HAVE A MIDDLE EASTERN-CENTRIC STORY LINE THAT DOESN'T FEATURE DJINN. THAT DOESN'T MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE TERRORISTS. JUST ONCE. PLEASE. I BEG YOU.
The only thing that saved this from not being a 1 or 2 star review was the ending bonus story with Rodney and June. Because damn, well done. Well written. Reminded me why I was reading this series in the first place.
GOD IT WAS SO TERRIBLY DONE.
FOR ONCE I WANT A PLOT WHERE THE WHITE PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO FUCK SHIT UP BY JUMPING THE GUN. JUST FOR ONCE. JUST FOR ONCE CAN WE HAVE A MIDDLE EASTERN-CENTRIC STORY LINE THAT DOESN'T FEATURE DJINN. THAT DOESN'T MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE TERRORISTS. JUST ONCE. PLEASE. I BEG YOU.
The only thing that saved this from not being a 1 or 2 star review was the ending bonus story with Rodney and June. Because damn, well done. Well written. Reminded me why I was reading this series in the first place.
October 27, 2018
Doposud nejslabší album. Problém není ani tak v tom, že by bylo vyloženě špatné, jako spíše že je zhola zbytečné. Příchod arabských pohádek a legend sliboval mnohé, nakonec z toho však (zatím) není ale lautr nic. Svět Mýtů se tám neobohacuje ani nerozšiřuje. Dějově se také nic moc ne(u)děje. Mnohá předchozí alba sice také byla v ranku "stahování mračen před bouří", ale tady se čeká aspoň na nějaký ten mráček. Kdysi vedlejší postavy uvolněné místo po Bigbym s Sněhuly nezaplňují a štafetu nepřebírají. Finální povídková "pohádka" zkratkovitá; buď měla být roztažena na celé album a nikoli dva sešity či naopak měla veškerá omáčka být osekána a zůstat jednosešitové "jádro pudla". Každopádně jejích finálních pár stran "The Americans meets Fables" dává značný potenciál do budoucna. Tak snad příště.
May 16, 2016
Another 3.5* volume becuase this one has two storylines which I enjoyed. The first focuses on the Arabs who are coming to Fabletown for refuge from the Adversary and who bring a Djinni with them (seen as an act of war by Fabletown) and the second is the story of two Wooden Soldiers who wish to become human so they can marry and love one another truly.
I really enjoyed some elements of this volume and I particularly liked the wooden soldier stories as they were easy to empathise with. Another solid storyline, 3.5*s
I really enjoyed some elements of this volume and I particularly liked the wooden soldier stories as they were easy to empathise with. Another solid storyline, 3.5*s
December 3, 2017
This arabian arc Wasn’t as Good as I had hoped.
January 12, 2014
Willingham's exploration of fables wouldn't have been complete without a look at the Arabian Nights. The folklore of the Middle East fits into this series very well, especially as the Adversary is expanding his takeover of the Fable lands into the Middle Eastern worlds now.
I think that it would be impossible to integrate all of the encompassing Arabian Nights lore into one volume, and I don't think Willingham ever intended to try. Instead, he uses this story as an introductory volume, and it has some elements that really stand out in the 1001 Nights lore. One well done example was the Jinn that the Arabian delegation brings alone with them. I think that perhaps that shows you the powerful motifs of the Arabian Nights in one large sort of concentrated burst at the audience. And of course, the Fables of Fabletown have to account for the power of such a force of nature, and counter-attack or at least attempt to neutralize it, much as one would consider taking on a nation with a stockpile of nuclear weapon that you want to maintain peaceful negotiations with. Never fear, Fabletown has some potent tools in their own toolkit.
Another effective aspect of this volume was the addressing of cultural differences that the Middle Eastern worlds had from what I would consider the European Fableworlds. Prince Charming is a big buffoon, and is completely unequipped to handy any diplomatic relations, thus his predecessor King Cole is called in to do this important job. I did find myself agreeing with Charming on one aspect of the Middle Eastern Fablelands culture though. Sinbad is a diplomatic leader of the Middle Eastern contingent, with a very wicked advisor who might open a few cans of worms that need to be dealt with.
Not related so much to the Arabian Nights storyline but to the overall Fables arc was a story about two wooden creations of Geppetto who fall in love for each other and wish to be human, but will have to pay a hard price. This story reveals Willingham's wonderful storytelling skills and the bittersweet tone and content of this volume in a nutshell. He shows that the opposite side has players that can also evoke the sympathy of the readers, even though their acts and methods might be reprehensible or just neutral morally in the scheme of things.
I'm sure there are some heavy underlying themes in this graphic novel, and I have only scratched the surface. I feel that I would love to reread all of these and revisit the whole series at my leisure, which is why I definitely want to get copies of these for my collection one day.
I think that it would be impossible to integrate all of the encompassing Arabian Nights lore into one volume, and I don't think Willingham ever intended to try. Instead, he uses this story as an introductory volume, and it has some elements that really stand out in the 1001 Nights lore. One well done example was the Jinn that the Arabian delegation brings alone with them. I think that perhaps that shows you the powerful motifs of the Arabian Nights in one large sort of concentrated burst at the audience. And of course, the Fables of Fabletown have to account for the power of such a force of nature, and counter-attack or at least attempt to neutralize it, much as one would consider taking on a nation with a stockpile of nuclear weapon that you want to maintain peaceful negotiations with. Never fear, Fabletown has some potent tools in their own toolkit.
Another effective aspect of this volume was the addressing of cultural differences that the Middle Eastern worlds had from what I would consider the European Fableworlds. Prince Charming is a big buffoon, and is completely unequipped to handy any diplomatic relations, thus his predecessor King Cole is called in to do this important job. I did find myself agreeing with Charming on one aspect of the Middle Eastern Fablelands culture though. Sinbad is a diplomatic leader of the Middle Eastern contingent, with a very wicked advisor who might open a few cans of worms that need to be dealt with.
Not related so much to the Arabian Nights storyline but to the overall Fables arc was a story about two wooden creations of Geppetto who fall in love for each other and wish to be human, but will have to pay a hard price. This story reveals Willingham's wonderful storytelling skills and the bittersweet tone and content of this volume in a nutshell. He shows that the opposite side has players that can also evoke the sympathy of the readers, even though their acts and methods might be reprehensible or just neutral morally in the scheme of things.
I'm sure there are some heavy underlying themes in this graphic novel, and I have only scratched the surface. I feel that I would love to reread all of these and revisit the whole series at my leisure, which is why I definitely want to get copies of these for my collection one day.
November 20, 2018
Solid volume. Expanding the fable world and introduced many new faces.
January 3, 2009
This installment was pretty funny and highly entertaining. Prince Charming received a lot of justified verbal abuse about his lack of power and self-control, we see King Cole (I miss the old guy), Snow's cubs are getting bigger and causing mischief, and Boy Blue is now at the Farm.
This volume showed the relationship of Beauty and 'her' Beast in a very nice light. They are the married couple that have been together so long that they 'safely' bicker and they have their fights but they still love each other. There's a very interesting catalyst to that realization involving Prince Charming and Beauty.
All in all, this book is gearing up toward the inevitable battle. Boy Blue has returned from the Homelands with both Little Red Riding Hood (presumably the real one this time) and a slew of information that can help bring down the Adversary and the Emperor.
Can't wait for the next installment.
This volume showed the relationship of Beauty and 'her' Beast in a very nice light. They are the married couple that have been together so long that they 'safely' bicker and they have their fights but they still love each other. There's a very interesting catalyst to that realization involving Prince Charming and Beauty.
All in all, this book is gearing up toward the inevitable battle. Boy Blue has returned from the Homelands with both Little Red Riding Hood (presumably the real one this time) and a slew of information that can help bring down the Adversary and the Emperor.
Can't wait for the next installment.
October 25, 2011
At first I wasn't following how this was going to play out, but it came together quite quickly.
Looking forward to seeing more of Red Riding Hood and Boy Blue.
I'm hoping for a reunion of Snow and Bigby real soon. (fingers crossed)
On to Vol. 8...
Looking forward to seeing more of Red Riding Hood and Boy Blue.
I'm hoping for a reunion of Snow and Bigby real soon. (fingers crossed)
On to Vol. 8...
April 11, 2017
Loved this one, great new characters. Review to come.
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