Fables

The idea is a fun one: Familiar fairy tale characters living in our world. Using the known knowledge of fairy tales upon which to draw up a new story line is brilliant. By re-creating pre-existing characters, the reader feels instantly familiar with the comic. It gives the reader clues as to the character's personality and motives, but isn't so obvious to be predictable. Every time we see a new character, it gets us guessing as to which fairy tale character they might be. I believe this is what brings the most joy into reading Fable.

But apart from learning about the characters, the story is captivating and new-aged. From chapter one, we are thrown into the Fables' tough situation. It is set long after their original fairy tales end, and everyone seems to be hard on cash and struggling to get by in the city (It's hilarious, really. I love the side story about the Pig). I couldn't help but think of a more recent take on this same idea--have you watched Once Upon a Time on HBO? Very successful and popular for the exact same reasons. People like seeing 21st century versions of their familiar fairy tale characters. By referencing and stirring all known fables together into one interesting story, Fable is the kind of comic you can't seem to put down. Wanting to know what happens next, as well as discovering more fairy tale characters, makes it a real page-turner.