Stephanie Kay
May 13, 2005, 06:10 pm
<a href ="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0505/Fables-Cv37.jpg"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0505/Fables-Cv37T.jpg" hspace=10 align=left alt="Fables #37"></a>Reviewer: Stephanie Kay, Children_Of_Paradise@hotmail.co.uk
Story Title: The Saint George Syndrome (Chapter Two of Homelands)
I’m wondering if we can chat a bit first. I want to make sure I’m on the right road.
Writer: Bill Willingham
Pencils: Mark Buckingham
Inks: Steve Leialoha
Colors: Daniel Vozzo
Lettering: Todd Klein
Cover Art: James Jean
Assistant Editor: Mariah Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond
Publisher: Vertigo, DC Comics
Suggested For Mature Readers
There has been an expressed concern regarding Vertigo favorite Fables recently; that a certain centrality within the comic has been lost slightly. This is not a worry specifically attributed to the lack of Bigby (although in all honesty, I’m sure that does affect the opinion of some) - but that certain plot-lines have begun to linger and in the process, the intrigue is beginning to dwindle. So perhaps to the relief of such people this latest arc is to focus on many of those previous aspects Willingham had been adamant to address; beloved supporting characters taking the central roles (Jack already leading the way in the previous arc), a newer concept of the term ‘fable’ - now in the realms of not only folklore but religion, mythology, classic literature - and lastly (although perhaps on the mind of many a Fables fan) - who the Adversary is. This then, is primarily focused on Boy Blue’s return to the Homelands to rescue Red Riding Hood, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
Boy Blue or The Black Knight - (there was some interesting trickery amidst the Vertigo solicitation for the last issue, claiming that the Homelands protagonist was a new character - I’m actually hoping it was merely a misprint, rather than such a blatant red herring) - has been somewhat revitalised. No longer the reserved and shy office runner we had been use to seeing previously, Blue is something of wandering prodigy. Through his journeys from Skold to Rus (as he heads to the Imperial City), Blue keenly shows his (now) superior combative abilities in sword wielding and magical manipulation, principally disguise. Of course the conclusion made (not only by me but the lovely new villain at the end) is that Blue himself is not necessarily the key to his success; rather that his witching cloak and vorpal word has so far provided him with an adroit ‘bag of tricks’. There is a distinction though in Blue’s attitude; Willingham has installed a new assured confidence, almost arrogance - which whilst making him more suitable to undertake such a mission of travelling across the dangerous Homelands - it does make him slightly less endearing than he was previously.
It also helps produce an alternative style of story-telling to feature in Fables. We are almost detached from Blue, relying on Mudsnipe and company to inform us of his progression. Buckingham even chooses to ‘frame’ various of Blue’s encounters imitating the style of medieval printing / patterning, creating a broader sense that we are ‘reading’ Blue’s adventures rather than being there first hand. This contrasts hugely to the psyche-driven Animal Farm and Mean Seasons - despite this being Blue’s journey, it does not feel (at least not for me) that this issue, (nor the last) is intended to give enlightening insight into Boy Blue’s judgements and/or reasoning. We have the occasional line of explanation for his actions - ‘to restore true love and reap a healthy measure of vengeance’ - but on the whole, it’s almost completely plot-bound concerning him. Some readers will dislike the lack of ‘closeness’, but in alternative considerations a huge amount of ‘ground’ is being made here - the especial highlights are found in the opponents he encounters. Willingham is cleverly changing focus to the psychology of the Homeland residents instead - the results being we know more concerning the motives and convictions of the ‘enemies’ than our hero. (Particularly shown with Throk / Ogren and Captain Chernomor last issue and Bright Day, The White Rider Of The Dawn and Mudsnipe in #37) The final page also reveals the Adversary’s ‘Commander Of The Guard’ - a choice which I found to be immensely pleasing and fitting - that element in particular has me already craving for #38.
Buckingham is on impressive form, as is Leialoha, creating some superb action sequences, mythological creatures and elaborate architecture. The designs of the new villains are especially noteworthy; Leialoha colors the three brothers in vibrantly contrasting tones, very much emulating the fanciful names they each have. I’m personally keen on the pre-Renaissance style the artists take for a substantial amount of the panelling. It’s delightful to also see the variety and scope of the settings - caves, forestry, palaces, interior studies - an abundant attempt to show many sections of the Homelands. If Willingham intends this to become a mini-epic of sorts, then he’s definitely amply supported art-wise. Coverist James Jean has developed an avid following, and although I personally find #37 to be less dramatic than the comparatively repulsive #36, he still provides a cover which beautifully conveys the fundamental moment of the story and the overall direction Willingham is taking. If you wish to see a clear ‘snippet’ of each issue, Jean’s covers consistently provide that.
Whether Willingham had always intended Fables to become the complex network of themes, characters and plots it has now become is unknown, but certainly, he has never given any indication otherwise. Judging this issue and last, his numerous usage of historical and literary contexts does not seem to be abating in the slightest. If anything, Willingham, Buckingham and Leialoha are referencing more than they were in the early issues (For an insight into the amount of such sources included in this issue, please see Ann’s wonderful summary here (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=33694)) There is not another comic on the shelves quite like Fables and Willingham is currently one of the most effective writers at balancing a spread of characters across a huge variable setting. This arc could read well as a stand-alone story (and no doubt in trade format), but in regards to the overall plot of Fables; it may develop into one of the most specifically important arcs so far.
ART:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
‘Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save!’ (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=121&cat=FABLES)
Story Title: The Saint George Syndrome (Chapter Two of Homelands)
I’m wondering if we can chat a bit first. I want to make sure I’m on the right road.
Writer: Bill Willingham
Pencils: Mark Buckingham
Inks: Steve Leialoha
Colors: Daniel Vozzo
Lettering: Todd Klein
Cover Art: James Jean
Assistant Editor: Mariah Huehner
Editor: Shelly Bond
Publisher: Vertigo, DC Comics
Suggested For Mature Readers
There has been an expressed concern regarding Vertigo favorite Fables recently; that a certain centrality within the comic has been lost slightly. This is not a worry specifically attributed to the lack of Bigby (although in all honesty, I’m sure that does affect the opinion of some) - but that certain plot-lines have begun to linger and in the process, the intrigue is beginning to dwindle. So perhaps to the relief of such people this latest arc is to focus on many of those previous aspects Willingham had been adamant to address; beloved supporting characters taking the central roles (Jack already leading the way in the previous arc), a newer concept of the term ‘fable’ - now in the realms of not only folklore but religion, mythology, classic literature - and lastly (although perhaps on the mind of many a Fables fan) - who the Adversary is. This then, is primarily focused on Boy Blue’s return to the Homelands to rescue Red Riding Hood, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
Boy Blue or The Black Knight - (there was some interesting trickery amidst the Vertigo solicitation for the last issue, claiming that the Homelands protagonist was a new character - I’m actually hoping it was merely a misprint, rather than such a blatant red herring) - has been somewhat revitalised. No longer the reserved and shy office runner we had been use to seeing previously, Blue is something of wandering prodigy. Through his journeys from Skold to Rus (as he heads to the Imperial City), Blue keenly shows his (now) superior combative abilities in sword wielding and magical manipulation, principally disguise. Of course the conclusion made (not only by me but the lovely new villain at the end) is that Blue himself is not necessarily the key to his success; rather that his witching cloak and vorpal word has so far provided him with an adroit ‘bag of tricks’. There is a distinction though in Blue’s attitude; Willingham has installed a new assured confidence, almost arrogance - which whilst making him more suitable to undertake such a mission of travelling across the dangerous Homelands - it does make him slightly less endearing than he was previously.
It also helps produce an alternative style of story-telling to feature in Fables. We are almost detached from Blue, relying on Mudsnipe and company to inform us of his progression. Buckingham even chooses to ‘frame’ various of Blue’s encounters imitating the style of medieval printing / patterning, creating a broader sense that we are ‘reading’ Blue’s adventures rather than being there first hand. This contrasts hugely to the psyche-driven Animal Farm and Mean Seasons - despite this being Blue’s journey, it does not feel (at least not for me) that this issue, (nor the last) is intended to give enlightening insight into Boy Blue’s judgements and/or reasoning. We have the occasional line of explanation for his actions - ‘to restore true love and reap a healthy measure of vengeance’ - but on the whole, it’s almost completely plot-bound concerning him. Some readers will dislike the lack of ‘closeness’, but in alternative considerations a huge amount of ‘ground’ is being made here - the especial highlights are found in the opponents he encounters. Willingham is cleverly changing focus to the psychology of the Homeland residents instead - the results being we know more concerning the motives and convictions of the ‘enemies’ than our hero. (Particularly shown with Throk / Ogren and Captain Chernomor last issue and Bright Day, The White Rider Of The Dawn and Mudsnipe in #37) The final page also reveals the Adversary’s ‘Commander Of The Guard’ - a choice which I found to be immensely pleasing and fitting - that element in particular has me already craving for #38.
Buckingham is on impressive form, as is Leialoha, creating some superb action sequences, mythological creatures and elaborate architecture. The designs of the new villains are especially noteworthy; Leialoha colors the three brothers in vibrantly contrasting tones, very much emulating the fanciful names they each have. I’m personally keen on the pre-Renaissance style the artists take for a substantial amount of the panelling. It’s delightful to also see the variety and scope of the settings - caves, forestry, palaces, interior studies - an abundant attempt to show many sections of the Homelands. If Willingham intends this to become a mini-epic of sorts, then he’s definitely amply supported art-wise. Coverist James Jean has developed an avid following, and although I personally find #37 to be less dramatic than the comparatively repulsive #36, he still provides a cover which beautifully conveys the fundamental moment of the story and the overall direction Willingham is taking. If you wish to see a clear ‘snippet’ of each issue, Jean’s covers consistently provide that.
Whether Willingham had always intended Fables to become the complex network of themes, characters and plots it has now become is unknown, but certainly, he has never given any indication otherwise. Judging this issue and last, his numerous usage of historical and literary contexts does not seem to be abating in the slightest. If anything, Willingham, Buckingham and Leialoha are referencing more than they were in the early issues (For an insight into the amount of such sources included in this issue, please see Ann’s wonderful summary here (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=33694)) There is not another comic on the shelves quite like Fables and Willingham is currently one of the most effective writers at balancing a spread of characters across a huge variable setting. This arc could read well as a stand-alone story (and no doubt in trade format), but in regards to the overall plot of Fables; it may develop into one of the most specifically important arcs so far.
ART:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/vhalf.jpg
‘Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save!’ (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=121&cat=FABLES)