Title: Fables Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers
Author: Bill Willingham
Publisher: Vertigo 2004
Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy
Pages: 240
Rating: 5 / 5 stars
Reading Challenges: Support Your Local Library; Fables Series
How I Got It: borrowed from library
Willingham's happy idea of bringing the Fables--that is, the characters of Europe's best-known fairy tales--to contemporary New York rolls merrily, dangerously along in two stories. The former, "The Last Castle," guest-drawn by P. Craig Russell and Craig Hamilton, flashes back to the Fables' last stand in their home world; echoing the Disney and John Wayne Alamo flicks and Peter Jackson's Two Towers, it winningly introduces the long title story, in which Boy Blue reencounters the love he loses in "The Last Castle"--the grown-up Red Riding Hood. But is this the same Red? Reason for doubt precedes her in goblin sightings near a door between this and the Fables' worlds--and goblins can only be harbingers of impending attack by the Adversary, who drove the Fables into exile. Meanwhile, what's with these toughies in black suits who look like Pinocchio? Willingham never sacrifices a joke for the sake of a thrill, or vice versa, and artist Mark Buckingham continues matching Willingham joke for thrill, and vice versa. Ray OlsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"The Last Castle" was a great account the last battle. We finally get to know more about Boy Blue who has always been a background character until this point. I loved the inclusion of Red Riding Hood and Robin of Loxley and the Crow Brothers. And the story gives you som background leading to the main story...
"The March of the Wooden Soldiers." We finally get to see a battle between The Adversaries forces and the residents of Fabletown. We all knew it was coming, it just took four volumes to get there. The leadup and battle were artfully staged. I especially loved the scenes with Pinocchio. A very nice touch. And we get to revisit some of the Fable Farm residents. Plus Prince Charming redeems himself in battle, setting himself up to run for Mayor of Fabletown.
Overall, a very good volume. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Fables:
