Graphic Novel Review – Fables: Legends in Exile (Fables, Book 1) by Bill Willingham (5/5 stars)
Reading level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Urban Fantasy
Size: 128 pages
Publisher: Vertigo
Release Date: December 1, 2002
ISBN-13: 978-1563899423
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Fable series
Source: Swapped through paperbackswap.com
Rating: 5/5 stars
This is a graphic novel series I have been wanting to read forever. I really enjoyed this first book; it’s basically an investigative urban fantasy featuring fairy tale characters. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is very well done.
All the characters from fairy tales and fables have been thrown out of their homelands and are now residing in Fabletown in the human world. The Big Bad Wolf is a detective who is told by Jack that Snow White’s sister, Rose Red, has been murdered. Now it is up to Wolf (big bad wolf) and Snow White to track down who the real killer is before the big Remembrance Day gala.
The illustrations are in full color and absolutely stunning; they are done in a very classic comic book type style. The story is also very well put together. It is mainly an investigative detective story. I loved the twists and turns in the plot and was constantly surprised by which character from Fable I would encounter next.
The book definitely has a dark tone to it and is definitely meant for adults (there is some sexual content and swearing).
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I was excited to read it and it actually exceeded my expectations. Lots of fun, a great story, and beautiful illustrations. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series, Animal Farm.
This book goes towards the following reading challenges: