Another very good Fables edition, with three stories. Jack and Jill going Hollywood was the first story and just average, with things coming to an abrupt ending when the law shows up. The other two stories were quite good: Boy Blue seeking to rescue Red Riding Hood, with a vengeance, eventually finding the identity of the dreaded Adversary (big surprise) and a much better Arabian Nights story than the one with Snow White. Ex-Mayor King Cole gets extra credit from me for saving the day as ambassador when Prince Charming forgets his responsibilities as a host when the Baghdad envoy arrives. I liked Mowgli and Badira joining the story, and the old crone recruiting an elemental force to battle a djinn. Still through, I dislike the different illustrators versions of recurring characters. ( )

Molto bello anche questo quinto volume di Fables, le favole che vengono dal mondo delle favole. La prima storia è davvero bellissima. Jack è fuggito da Favolandia con un mucchio di soldi. Rubati nella fattoria; ed arrivato ad Hollywood produce tre kolossal che gli danno ulteriori infinite ricchezze; è ricco, è bello ed è spietato. Ma Luca Wolf viene a conoscenza grazie ad una telefonata della presenza di Jack ad Hollywood, lo costringe a cedere tutte le quote e condanna Jack ad un esilio perpetuo. Nella seconda storia, sempre lunga, ambientata nelle terre natie, entra in campo Geppetto, il grande burattinaio; storia densa e complessa. Nella terza storia, fiabe d’Arabia, entra in campo Sinbad e si scontrano le diverse culture delle fiabe occidentali con il fantastico mondo delle mille e una notte. Che dire, il percorso narrativo tracciato da Bill Willingham è davvero incredibile. ( )

The premise: ganked form BN.com: Bill Willingham's hit series FABLES continues here, for the first time in hardcover. In the aftermath of the Adversary's attack on Fabletown, FABLES: THE DELUXE EDITION BOOK 5 follows Boy Blue on a mission of revenge as he uncovers the Adversary's true identity! Plus, the 2-part story of Jack's adventures in Hollywood and the one-shot story of Mowgli's return to Fabletown.

Fables Deluxe Edition Book 5 includes issues 34-45 of the original series.

My Rating: Good Read

A big addition to the collection, given that we learn the identity of the Adversary and that the volume seems to be leading into bigger developments to come. I quite enjoyed this volume, loved meeting Mowgli, but I'm really missing Bigby and hope he returns to the narrative soon. But I'm still thoroughly enjoying the series, and was happy to let other comics sit neglected on the dresser while I took my time with this volume.

As always, readers interested in the series should not start here, but rather the beginning. Your reading experience will be so much the richer for it!

Spoilers, yay or nay?: Nay. I'll actually behave and keep my mouth shut, even though I KNOW WHO THE ADVERSARY IS NOW!!!!!

The full review, no spoilers, may be found in my blog, which I've linked to below. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.

REVIEW: Bill Willingham's FABLES: THE DELUXE EDITION: BOOK FIVE

Happy Reading! ( )

This review contains slight spoilers for earlier volumes in the series

This collection covers episodes 34-45 and contains two major arcs and a transitional two-part story. The latter of which kicks off this book and has Jack's departure (along with Jill) from Fabletown and recounts what he did with some of the treasure he stole when he left. He plonks himself down in Hollywood and sets up a production company in order to make himself the most loved Fable that ever was or will be. As it is one of the forbidden professions though it's bound to have repercussions when his plan comes to light.

Homelands covers Boy Blue's return in search of the real Red Riding Hood and he's not going to let anyone get in his way. Armed with the Vorpal Sword and the Witching Cloak he's off to find someone who knows where she'll be. Even if that someone is The Adversary himself. There's also a brief interlude in this tale where Mowgli returns to Fabletown and catches up with the new Mayor and Sheriff.

And finally there's Arabian Nights (and Days) where Sinbad arrives at Fabletown as an envoy for the Arabian refugees as they seek a place to live as an escape from The Adversary as he starts the invasion of their world.

The book concludes with original character designs by Mark Buckingham and biographies for all involved with this work.

This has been my favourite book of the series so far. The overall story arc has seen some major progression as well as concluding some and starting other sub-plots that I look forward to see developing in future issues. One quick reminder: Although these books contain some very recognisable characters that we know and love from our childhoods, they are involved in some very adult storylines throughout this series. ( )