Writer: Bill Willingham
Artists: Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Fables is an exceptional surprise of a comic; original, and full of pleasures and good tendencies. Bill Willingham has created a sanctuary for readers who find alternatives to be their mainstream focus. While the book will not appeal to anyone with a short attention span, the intelligence and grandeur will attract those looking for exactly what Willingham and company has to offer.
In this issue, the "mounted police" are spying on Lord Bluebeard, who is out at a local fencing school in duel with Prince Charming. Bluebeard is secretly hiding Goldilocks, whose presence can not be made known to the likes of Snow White and Bigby. Goldilocks and Bluebeard (upon returning home) find the police and are successful in slaying the mouse, but Sergeant Wilfred escapes with the information of Goldilocks' location. Bluebeard charges the "Three Bears" character with the task of killing Snow White and Bigby, after he finds a substance to control their minds. That is where the issue ends, but before that, Sleeping Beauty and some hilarious back and forth conversation between Snow White and Bigby is featured.
The plot may seem a bit complicated if the reader is new to the book, unfamiliar with the characters, or just glancing over it a first time. But on subsequent reads, the plot is simple and straightforward, leaving an interesting wait until next month's issue.
Mark Buckingham's art is perfect for this sort of tale---simple and realistic. His pleasant perspective of the story, with Daniel Vazzo's colors makes the drawing reason to pick up Fables alone. It's in many ways reminiscent of Jack Kirby's pictures.
A delightful month for Fables! Offbeat, and packed with precision, it will have you coming back for #15. Just ask Goldilocks.
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