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Fables
Fables, Vol. 20: Camelot
Rose Red takes the mantle of Paladin of Hope to rally the Fables in the tragic aftermath of “Snow White.” A new dark age calls for a new Round Table, with modern knights willing to take on a sacred quest to reassemble the shattered pieces of Fabletown.
Collecting: Fables 130-140
Collecting: Fables 130-140
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
60 people are currently reading
2905 people want to read
About the author
Bill Willingham
993 books2,816 followersIn the late 1970s to early 1980s he drew fantasy ink pictures for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He first gained attention for his 1980s comic book series Elementals published by Comico, which he both wrote and drew. However, for reasons unknown, the series had trouble maintaining an original schedule, and Willingham's position in the industry remained spotty for many years. He contributed stories to Green Lantern and started his own independent, black-and-white comics series Coventry which lasted only 3 issues. He also produced the pornographic series Ironwood for Eros Comix.
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
January 26, 2022
The main story revolves around Rose Red, but Camelot opens with Rodney and June's little Junebug exploring the castle on move-in day and discovering some villainous rat-men in a basement. How will they play into these final volumes, I wonder?
Ok. Rose finally meets the grown-up Therese, and her story of redemption for herself and the toys inspires Rose to become Hope's Paladin of Second Chances.
With this in mind, she creates a new Camelot - and all the problems that come with it.
Rose's knights are characters who, for one reason or another, need a second chance to make up for something they've done.
Unfortunately, Rose takes on a second chance pet project that once again divides her and Snow.
And while you can't help but root for Rose, you know that this really was a step too far.
Snow draws a line in the sand and when Rose crosses it, she (quite understandably) banishes Rose from all contact with her children.
The Thirteenth Floor witches are still trying to find all of the pieces of Bigby to bring him back, when they realize that there is one mysterious piece of him that has seemingly vanished into the ether. Who has it?
Mordred consults Lake (as in the Lady of the) only to find out that Rose and Snow may both be more powerful than anyone realizes. But before she can explain their bloodline to the witches, she's confronted with her own Fate when little Ambrose answers the door - and then goes on a drinking bender.
Bigby meets up with Boy Blue in the afterlife and learns that the end is not the end.
And he has to decide whether or not to go back to his old life in Fabletown with the knowledge that he may come back as a destroyer instead of a savior.
There's also a sweet and much-needed reunion for him at the end of this issue.
Winter narrates for a bit as she seamlessly helps her mother prepare for battle with her Aunt Rose and keeps up with her duties as North Wind. Although she may have made a big mistake by not keeping a closer eye on everyone in Fabletown.
Gepetto is still lurking around trying to regain his old power. Using one of Pinocchio's old wooden soldiers he may have found a way around Ambrose's protections in the Sacred Grove.
The last 2 issues see Briar Rose, Puss in Boots, and the other boys in the band heading out on an adventure that will end Fabletown.
Just not in the way you're thinking...
Whew! A lot happened in this volume and you can really feel the momentum of the story picking up as everything is hurtling toward the finish line.
I'm so nervous!
Recommended.
Ok. Rose finally meets the grown-up Therese, and her story of redemption for herself and the toys inspires Rose to become Hope's Paladin of Second Chances.
With this in mind, she creates a new Camelot - and all the problems that come with it.
Rose's knights are characters who, for one reason or another, need a second chance to make up for something they've done.
Unfortunately, Rose takes on a second chance pet project that once again divides her and Snow.
And while you can't help but root for Rose, you know that this really was a step too far.
Snow draws a line in the sand and when Rose crosses it, she (quite understandably) banishes Rose from all contact with her children.
The Thirteenth Floor witches are still trying to find all of the pieces of Bigby to bring him back, when they realize that there is one mysterious piece of him that has seemingly vanished into the ether. Who has it?
Mordred consults Lake (as in the Lady of the) only to find out that Rose and Snow may both be more powerful than anyone realizes. But before she can explain their bloodline to the witches, she's confronted with her own Fate when little Ambrose answers the door - and then goes on a drinking bender.
Bigby meets up with Boy Blue in the afterlife and learns that the end is not the end.
And he has to decide whether or not to go back to his old life in Fabletown with the knowledge that he may come back as a destroyer instead of a savior.
There's also a sweet and much-needed reunion for him at the end of this issue.
Winter narrates for a bit as she seamlessly helps her mother prepare for battle with her Aunt Rose and keeps up with her duties as North Wind. Although she may have made a big mistake by not keeping a closer eye on everyone in Fabletown.
Gepetto is still lurking around trying to regain his old power. Using one of Pinocchio's old wooden soldiers he may have found a way around Ambrose's protections in the Sacred Grove.
The last 2 issues see Briar Rose, Puss in Boots, and the other boys in the band heading out on an adventure that will end Fabletown.
Just not in the way you're thinking...
Whew! A lot happened in this volume and you can really feel the momentum of the story picking up as everything is hurtling toward the finish line.
I'm so nervous!
Recommended.
May 4, 2021
Where can this book go after the last two, very good, but heart wrenching volumes? How about the beginning of the end of Fabletown!!! (Not as literal or spoilery as it sounds, by the way :)). The terrible omens and sightings of her possible destiny have lead Rose Red to create a new Camelot, not realising that the Fates, very much like the same stories repeating!
As this is happening, all the powers at hand, are looking into ways of saving Bigby. More cool Fables lore being created and a little bonus of a delightfully foreshadowing Geppetto one-shot. 8 out of 12.
As this is happening, all the powers at hand, are looking into ways of saving Bigby. More cool Fables lore being created and a little bonus of a delightfully foreshadowing Geppetto one-shot. 8 out of 12.
July 26, 2022
Just when you think Rose Red finally has her act together, she does the one thing to cause a rift between her and Snow White. It's just inevitable that these two will always be at odds. I do like how even as Rose tries and start Camelot, the characters realize they are going to be trapped in the roles of the originals. I know a lot of people don't like the one off stories, but I always enjoy them. It's nice to see what's going on with the other Fables, plus it's a good way to give Mark Buckingham a break so he can keep illustrating the main story.
June 18, 2015
Rose Red believes that bringing Camelot back will help the Fables with all of their problems. That's the main story with a few average to above average other tales woven into the book.
Artwork is its usual quality.
MY GRADE: B
Artwork is its usual quality.
MY GRADE: B
November 9, 2024
Wow, quando ti chiedi cosa ancora possa accadere... ecco i piani dell'infermiera per Wolf (e proprio dopo le scene toccanti con Blue e Dare nei mondi "oltre"...).
Ecco la Speranza di Rosa, la nuova Camelot, lo scontro con Bianca e le Parche destinate a ripetere la storia con nuovi personaggi in vecchi ruoli.
Ecco che qualcuno realizza che si, ora si può tornare a casa. Alle case. Chi, col tempo, sceglierà di restare a Favolandia invece di andare a reclamare quanto era suo?
Willingham è una fonte inesauribile di idee...
Ecco la Speranza di Rosa, la nuova Camelot, lo scontro con Bianca e le Parche destinate a ripetere la storia con nuovi personaggi in vecchi ruoli.
Ecco che qualcuno realizza che si, ora si può tornare a casa. Alle case. Chi, col tempo, sceglierà di restare a Favolandia invece di andare a reclamare quanto era suo?
Willingham è una fonte inesauribile di idee...
March 23, 2014
In case you haven't heard, FABLES is ending with issue #150.
I know...it will be hard to imagine my life without new FABLES coming out, but somehow I will have to try and carry on:-/
However, I will not be able to wait as we make our way through the final 20 issues of FABLES for those issues to get released in trade paperback. So for the final run of FABLES, I will be reading it in single issue comics each month.
After a devastating spell in FABLES, I found the last volume/arc "Snow White" to be a return to form in a way that didn't trouble my soul. "Camelot" is even more so a return to form as it feels very much like Bill Willingham is gearing up to tie many of the loose threads together in FABLES and tell a story that builds upon the years we've spent with these characters.
As the title of this arc suggests, "Camelot" revolves around Rose Red as the Paladin of Hope essentially trying to recreate the Knights of the Round Table. I think that is all I will really say. This was an amazing volume that made me excited and re-assured me that Bill Willingham is going to end FABLES successfully!
One issue of note is the Camelot Interlude featuring some familiar faces in a new environment. In recent interviews, Willingham said that this issue in particular presents the most clues for the final arc of FABLES which is appropriately called "Happily Ever After".
I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to the end of FABLES with a heavy heart:-/
I know...it will be hard to imagine my life without new FABLES coming out, but somehow I will have to try and carry on:-/
However, I will not be able to wait as we make our way through the final 20 issues of FABLES for those issues to get released in trade paperback. So for the final run of FABLES, I will be reading it in single issue comics each month.
After a devastating spell in FABLES, I found the last volume/arc "Snow White" to be a return to form in a way that didn't trouble my soul. "Camelot" is even more so a return to form as it feels very much like Bill Willingham is gearing up to tie many of the loose threads together in FABLES and tell a story that builds upon the years we've spent with these characters.
As the title of this arc suggests, "Camelot" revolves around Rose Red as the Paladin of Hope essentially trying to recreate the Knights of the Round Table. I think that is all I will really say. This was an amazing volume that made me excited and re-assured me that Bill Willingham is going to end FABLES successfully!
One issue of note is the Camelot Interlude featuring some familiar faces in a new environment. In recent interviews, Willingham said that this issue in particular presents the most clues for the final arc of FABLES which is appropriately called "Happily Ever After".
I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to the end of FABLES with a heavy heart:-/
June 28, 2025
Finally something is brewing, and looks like the long wait is gonna be worth its while, a final cofrontation among the fables, with Snow, Rose and Bigby at the center of it, it would have been a big negative for me if Bigby was really out for good, it would have been a torture to go the remaining three volumes without him, but thankfully, it seems he will be in the center of events to come.
Welcoming back the restless Gepetto, who can't get it over his head to leave his empire ambitions buried for good, what role will he play in the final arc?
After a couple of volumes that were bordering on turning me off the rest of the series, this volume brings it back to track, big time...
MiM
Welcoming back the restless Gepetto, who can't get it over his head to leave his empire ambitions buried for good, what role will he play in the final arc?
After a couple of volumes that were bordering on turning me off the rest of the series, this volume brings it back to track, big time...
MiM
November 25, 2018
Soooooo good!
September 8, 2014
*DUN DUN DUN*
IT'S COMING TO AN END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure what I'll do now since Fables has been my long standing "go-to" comic. WHAT WILL I DO?! WHAT WILL I READ?!
I guess I could catch up on the Grimm collection...
BUT IT'S NOT THE SAME!
I'm nervously biting my nails and axiously awaiting this final showdown between all the power players that have carved out lives in Fabletown and beyond. I mostly want Bigby and Snow White to have a happy ending including ROSE RED AND EVERYBODDIE ELSE I LOVE.
I did start tearing up when I was seeing "The last tale by..."
OMG. THIS IS EPIC! I have read up to issue #143 (which is three beyond this collection)...and I'm going to have a hard time breathing and letting this series go. I AM grateful that it IS going... and will be emotional throughout this whole journey! It's almost time to say farewell!
Thanks for the ARC Edelweiss!
IT'S COMING TO AN END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure what I'll do now since Fables has been my long standing "go-to" comic. WHAT WILL I DO?! WHAT WILL I READ?!
I guess I could catch up on the Grimm collection...
BUT IT'S NOT THE SAME!
I'm nervously biting my nails and axiously awaiting this final showdown between all the power players that have carved out lives in Fabletown and beyond. I mostly want Bigby and Snow White to have a happy ending including ROSE RED AND EVERYBODDIE ELSE I LOVE.
I did start tearing up when I was seeing "The last tale by..."
OMG. THIS IS EPIC! I have read up to issue #143 (which is three beyond this collection)...and I'm going to have a hard time breathing and letting this series go. I AM grateful that it IS going... and will be emotional throughout this whole journey! It's almost time to say farewell!
Thanks for the ARC Edelweiss!
August 14, 2019
Mais umas cambalhotas sobre o tubarão. Isto já se lê como se vêem aquelas séries que se degradaram mas nas quais se ganhou afecto pelas personagens.
E não findar a run seria omitir um dever.
E não findar a run seria omitir um dever.
June 11, 2019
3.75 stars
As usual, there were smaller storylines going on at the same time, but the main storyline in this volume is Rose Red trying to recreate the Knights of the Round Table. She has a table built in a field, then spreads the word that she is looking for knights to populate her round table. Many Fables gather to see who she will choose.
I really enjoyed this main storyline, as well as the next biggest storyline in this one, involving Snow White and her children. I so love the illustrations in this, and like the others in the series, the borders are a nice “extra” that also helps you figure out which characters/storyline is happening on that page. It ended on a slow note for me, which is mostly what brought down my rating by that ¼ star. Overall, though, I quite liked this volume.
As usual, there were smaller storylines going on at the same time, but the main storyline in this volume is Rose Red trying to recreate the Knights of the Round Table. She has a table built in a field, then spreads the word that she is looking for knights to populate her round table. Many Fables gather to see who she will choose.
I really enjoyed this main storyline, as well as the next biggest storyline in this one, involving Snow White and her children. I so love the illustrations in this, and like the others in the series, the borders are a nice “extra” that also helps you figure out which characters/storyline is happening on that page. It ended on a slow note for me, which is mostly what brought down my rating by that ¼ star. Overall, though, I quite liked this volume.
February 18, 2016
You would think that, with just two books left in the series (Volume 20 is the second last book in the Fables saga), Willingham will get his act together to tell a cohesive story.
But NO.
Camelot, the 20th volume in Fables' ongoing saga, is yet another piss-poor entry in the series, a disturbing trend that has been going on for the past eight volumes or so (except for Cubs in Toyland. That one is a masterpiece). This book continues to be listless and clueless about where the hell it wants to go, and Willingham is simply throwing arbitrary ideas on the wall to see what sticks. Let's introduce Snow White's ex-lover! Not working? OK, how about this plot with Rose Red setting up a new Camelot? Not working either? OK, let's kill Bigby Wolf. That's gotta be a nice plot twist right? NO. BORING. Fuck, OK, how about we bring him back in this book? For good measures, we will throw in an old favourite: Boy Blue! How about that? FUCK, IT'S STILL BORING.
Fables has been boring for the longest time. Willingham has long run out of stories to tell, and yet he is still wading through old waters to find something worthwhile to write about. Yet, all he's come up with are handfuls of mud, and he's painting the walls with it and calling it art. The plots in Camelot continue to be a rolling ball of mess, and the version of Willingham that started out the series in the first place would be ashamed of the way things are going right now.
I have to point my barrel at Buckingham as well, an artist whose work I have admired for a very long time. Here, he has gotten absolutely lazy with his characters. His animals, location designs and human forms continue to be sharp and elegant, but his characters have NO FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. Rose Red can be giving a rousing speech, shouting at someone in the audience and feeling surprised with the SAME EXACT FACE. It is as if Buckingham got tired of drawing and decided instead to cut and paste all the faces. LAZY. LAZY. LAZY.
This volume failed to surprise me in any way, and Willingham continues to churn out stories that go nowhere. He is trying too hard to regain some of the former glory of the series, but he continues to trip and fail in every way. Fables has not been great since volume 12 (again, with the exception of Cubs of Toyland).
Fuck Fables, and fuck Willingham for running some of the best characters ever committed to comics to the ground.
But NO.
Camelot, the 20th volume in Fables' ongoing saga, is yet another piss-poor entry in the series, a disturbing trend that has been going on for the past eight volumes or so (except for Cubs in Toyland. That one is a masterpiece). This book continues to be listless and clueless about where the hell it wants to go, and Willingham is simply throwing arbitrary ideas on the wall to see what sticks. Let's introduce Snow White's ex-lover! Not working? OK, how about this plot with Rose Red setting up a new Camelot? Not working either? OK, let's kill Bigby Wolf. That's gotta be a nice plot twist right? NO. BORING. Fuck, OK, how about we bring him back in this book? For good measures, we will throw in an old favourite: Boy Blue! How about that? FUCK, IT'S STILL BORING.
Fables has been boring for the longest time. Willingham has long run out of stories to tell, and yet he is still wading through old waters to find something worthwhile to write about. Yet, all he's come up with are handfuls of mud, and he's painting the walls with it and calling it art. The plots in Camelot continue to be a rolling ball of mess, and the version of Willingham that started out the series in the first place would be ashamed of the way things are going right now.
I have to point my barrel at Buckingham as well, an artist whose work I have admired for a very long time. Here, he has gotten absolutely lazy with his characters. His animals, location designs and human forms continue to be sharp and elegant, but his characters have NO FACIAL EXPRESSIONS. Rose Red can be giving a rousing speech, shouting at someone in the audience and feeling surprised with the SAME EXACT FACE. It is as if Buckingham got tired of drawing and decided instead to cut and paste all the faces. LAZY. LAZY. LAZY.
This volume failed to surprise me in any way, and Willingham continues to churn out stories that go nowhere. He is trying too hard to regain some of the former glory of the series, but he continues to trip and fail in every way. Fables has not been great since volume 12 (again, with the exception of Cubs of Toyland).
Fuck Fables, and fuck Willingham for running some of the best characters ever committed to comics to the ground.
March 20, 2015
To say that the comic book series penned by Bill Willingham and illustrated by Mark Buckingham has reached its twentieth collected volume is quite the astonishing feat, but when one considers that it has won fourteen Eisner awards, and is working its way through its second major storyline that continues to build and become more exiting with each volume, it’s not really a surprise at all.
After things continue to take a turn for the worse in the previous collected volume, Snow White, Camelot seeks to create a new hero to try to turn things around with Snow White’s sister, Rose Red. She takes on the role that she feels destined for, the Paladin of Hope, and what better way to do this than with a new Camelot and some brave Knights of the Round Table. One might also call them the Knights of Second Chances, as Rose Red is willing to wipe the slate clean if they prove themselves.
They travel from all the lands, creatures great and small, humans mighty and miniature, but only the bravest and true will succeed and be selected. Red even offers an old enemy a second chance, which sets her at odds against her sister. Snow White refuses to see her sister from now on, keeping what’s left of her family away from her also, feeling betrayal will inevitably come.
Meanwhile the witches and wizards of Fabletown are trying their darnedest to reassemble the glass shards of Bigby Wolf so he can be whole and alive once more. Side stories in Camelot include that of Bigby and Boy Blue in a sort of afterlife, as well as what Gepetto and Junebug are currently up to, and finally the Boy Blue Band go on an adventure into the Homelands.
For a special twentieth volume, Camelot is a nice long read, with a great main story that is ratcheting up the suspense with what is going to happen next, along with some great side stories. It shows that Willingham has so many stories to tell that the reader never knows what’s going to happen or who’s going to appear on the next page. Fables Volume 20 is a worthy addition to the collection that will be a delight to fans everywhere.
Originally written on November 18, 2014 ©Alex C. Telander.
For more reviews, check out the BookBanter site.
After things continue to take a turn for the worse in the previous collected volume, Snow White, Camelot seeks to create a new hero to try to turn things around with Snow White’s sister, Rose Red. She takes on the role that she feels destined for, the Paladin of Hope, and what better way to do this than with a new Camelot and some brave Knights of the Round Table. One might also call them the Knights of Second Chances, as Rose Red is willing to wipe the slate clean if they prove themselves.
They travel from all the lands, creatures great and small, humans mighty and miniature, but only the bravest and true will succeed and be selected. Red even offers an old enemy a second chance, which sets her at odds against her sister. Snow White refuses to see her sister from now on, keeping what’s left of her family away from her also, feeling betrayal will inevitably come.
Meanwhile the witches and wizards of Fabletown are trying their darnedest to reassemble the glass shards of Bigby Wolf so he can be whole and alive once more. Side stories in Camelot include that of Bigby and Boy Blue in a sort of afterlife, as well as what Gepetto and Junebug are currently up to, and finally the Boy Blue Band go on an adventure into the Homelands.
For a special twentieth volume, Camelot is a nice long read, with a great main story that is ratcheting up the suspense with what is going to happen next, along with some great side stories. It shows that Willingham has so many stories to tell that the reader never knows what’s going to happen or who’s going to appear on the next page. Fables Volume 20 is a worthy addition to the collection that will be a delight to fans everywhere.
Originally written on November 18, 2014 ©Alex C. Telander.
For more reviews, check out the BookBanter site.
September 3, 2015
Is there some kinda of fiction rule that if a character has been around long enuff they must become an asshole? Because suddenly thats the good doctor in scenes with former-Mrs Spratt, and Rose Red more than usual
blah blah, running low on ideas but wanting a big bang for their ending anyway this world decided to stop with their own stories and instead play make pretend with Camelot & fill in already existing roles: here's a giant circle of a table, here's some knights, here's "Arthur" figure & his "Guenevere", have "Arthur's archnemesis" over there...
Mild moment of hilarious irony as a messenger bird asks Briar if she's the correct person, as all humans kinda look same to him... as the illustrations of like... 4 other women on this page do look hella same, and have trouble telling 'em apart. The ol' "haircolors" trick doesn't help anymore!
Adding a star for the cute side-story of Geppetto's wooden soldier's tiny adventure in Haven. That was adorable!
blah blah, running low on ideas but wanting a big bang for their ending anyway this world decided to stop with their own stories and instead play make pretend with Camelot & fill in already existing roles: here's a giant circle of a table, here's some knights, here's "Arthur" figure & his "Guenevere", have "Arthur's archnemesis" over there...
Mild moment of hilarious irony as a messenger bird asks Briar if she's the correct person, as all humans kinda look same to him... as the illustrations of like... 4 other women on this page do look hella same, and have trouble telling 'em apart. The ol' "haircolors" trick doesn't help anymore!
Adding a star for the cute side-story of Geppetto's wooden soldier's tiny adventure in Haven. That was adorable!
September 5, 2016
Absolutely fantastic.
This was a really good installation, you guys! My goodness! The plot was advances steadily and the emotional turmoil of the last few books was maintained (and even escalated here and there). There was a particular issue in this tradeback that featured that was an AMAZING payoff for the patient reader and I cannot get over how touching it was. I'm excited to see where the next two volumes take us. I can't believe there are only two more!
This was a really good installation, you guys! My goodness! The plot was advances steadily and the emotional turmoil of the last few books was maintained (and even escalated here and there). There was a particular issue in this tradeback that featured that was an AMAZING payoff for the patient reader and I cannot get over how touching it was. I'm excited to see where the next two volumes take us. I can't believe there are only two more!
October 8, 2019
It's fairly obvious that I like the Fables series. I've been reading it for 20 volumes now. Save a few exceptions most of the volumes have entertained and a handful are exceptional. Considering how far along the story we are and the events that have played out Bill Willingham still manages to keep it going.
Camelot is what it sounds like. Rose Red is going to recreate Camelot, Round Table and All, as she attempts to be a "2nd Chance" Queen. Unfortunately (IMHO), her actions cause a rift with Snow White and the events of the actual Camelot fable begin to take root. So there is quite a bit going on. On top of this, we have the entire Bigby situation. My only question- can't the witches of the 13th floor detect the magical connection between the ring and Bixby? One would think so for such puissant witches.
Oh, some of the side-side characters get their stories wrapped up. Meh. Don't care (though the Sinbad one was cool). The art? It as ever is just ok. It works well with this series though there is not much to recommend it. The cover art? magnificent!
Still as a Fables fan, I truly enjoyed this volume. Lots of interesting things going on (have to be vague) and I am intrigued by the "Camelot" undercurrent becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Side note: I dig the new North Wind. She is a badass character and had I ever spawned, I'd have been honored to call her my daughter. High praise. Trust me.
If you like Fables, you'll like this one. If you've not read Fables, shame on you. But a word of advice-don't start at volume 20.
Camelot is what it sounds like. Rose Red is going to recreate Camelot, Round Table and All, as she attempts to be a "2nd Chance" Queen. Unfortunately (IMHO), her actions cause a rift with Snow White and the events of the actual Camelot fable begin to take root. So there is quite a bit going on. On top of this, we have the entire Bigby situation. My only question- can't the witches of the 13th floor detect the magical connection between the ring and Bixby? One would think so for such puissant witches.
Oh, some of the side-side characters get their stories wrapped up. Meh. Don't care (though the Sinbad one was cool). The art? It as ever is just ok. It works well with this series though there is not much to recommend it. The cover art? magnificent!
Still as a Fables fan, I truly enjoyed this volume. Lots of interesting things going on (have to be vague) and I am intrigued by the "Camelot" undercurrent becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Side note: I dig the new North Wind. She is a badass character and had I ever spawned, I'd have been honored to call her my daughter. High praise. Trust me.
If you like Fables, you'll like this one. If you've not read Fables, shame on you. But a word of advice-don't start at volume 20.
February 23, 2018
This volume shows Rose Red attempting to reform the Knights of the Round Table with a totally new cast of knights, but foreshadowing is already making things look sinister. Also, somethings going on with Bigby Wolf that also doesn't look good. There's also a story spotlighting Gepetto as well as a tale showing the Fabletown "band" as they battle an evil witch to free a world.
Overall a lot going on and a good volume, but they only have one more volume to wrap things up (well two if you count Fables 150 as its own graphic novel.) Great art. Sad to see this series end, but very curious to see HOW it ends.
Overall a lot going on and a good volume, but they only have one more volume to wrap things up (well two if you count Fables 150 as its own graphic novel.) Great art. Sad to see this series end, but very curious to see HOW it ends.
October 25, 2023
3.5 Stars actually
It was good, but not great or stellar!!!!
The central story about Camelot felt inconclusive and rushed in some aspects.
The interlude stories were good, beign the one with Bigby and Boy Blue my favorite one of the whole book.
I still love this series and it's one of my favorites.
Only hope that it will end in a good note.
It was good, but not great or stellar!!!!
The central story about Camelot felt inconclusive and rushed in some aspects.
The interlude stories were good, beign the one with Bigby and Boy Blue my favorite one of the whole book.
I still love this series and it's one of my favorites.
Only hope that it will end in a good note.
December 27, 2014
Finally caught up on this series, almost a year after starting it. I'd forgotten how much I love these graphic novels, and I am definitely not ready for the series to end. Vol. 20 was just perfect.
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June 1, 2017
In which we: witness the beginning of the end; learn that some cycles are inevitable; and think maybe Willingham wants to go out with a bang rather than the loud nasal whine of the last volume.
November 18, 2017
I was going to give this two stars. Two stars for my beloved Fables. What has the world come to?
Honestly I stopped giving a crap about Rose when I lost all admiration for her around Boy Blue time. She never quite redeemed herself in my eyes, and I wouldn't follow her to the corner bar much less to the ends of the earth (er...worlds?).
I then reflected upon my emotional attachments. Snow and her strength and Mama Bear (excuse me - wolf) instincts. Bigby (my heart may actually be breaking to see him this way). The cubs. Fabletown and the Farm. I've invested too much in this series to throw it two stars like it's some cruddy self-published erotica.
3 Stars
Honestly I stopped giving a crap about Rose when I lost all admiration for her around Boy Blue time. She never quite redeemed herself in my eyes, and I wouldn't follow her to the corner bar much less to the ends of the earth (er...worlds?).
I then reflected upon my emotional attachments. Snow and her strength and Mama Bear (excuse me - wolf) instincts. Bigby (my heart may actually be breaking to see him this way). The cubs. Fabletown and the Farm. I've invested too much in this series to throw it two stars like it's some cruddy self-published erotica.
3 Stars
August 10, 2019
I've been reading this series for more than a decade, it feels like, and I'm ready at this point to find the last volumes and get to the end.
May 25, 2023
3.5 stars so I rounded up.
I liked the Arthur references a lot, especially since I'm reading Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles currently, but the pacing was really off here, and it skipped around a lot. If not for the Arthur connection, this volume would score one massive meh.
I liked the Arthur references a lot, especially since I'm reading Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles currently, but the pacing was really off here, and it skipped around a lot. If not for the Arthur connection, this volume would score one massive meh.
July 17, 2019
Wow, for a really long title I'm surprized this didn't have more of an solid one thread arc, but I guess as the series is coming to a close there are a lot of loose ends to tie up. Almost there!!!
August 16, 2021
The intricacy of this series blows my mind just all the time. We love to see a misogynistic prince get beat up and ultimately defeated. The one thing about this series is that my fave character died and I don't know who to like anymore
April 28, 2024
31/2 I really liked some of the story but the ending seemed rushed.
August 28, 2025
Rose Red became the new King Arthur, Snow's first betrothed is unkillable and out for what is rightfully his, and Bigby, turned into glass and shattered, is back, but what seems like at the mercy of Mrs (ex) Spratt. Feels like war times are a-comin' again.
March 17, 2021
Hopefully this review won't fucking disappear?
A steady decline of interest and depth. The mad attempt to save the ending of the last volume is groan-worthy. It was incredibly awkward watching Rose ignore her sister's tragedy and focus on her own weird quest. Focusing on Geppetto is getting really old; guys, it's volume 20. He's not a scary threat anymore. And the last plotline was such a bore, Jesus, there is NOTHING at stake for characters we've barely known for a few pages.
Can't wait for this trainwreck to be over.
A steady decline of interest and depth. The mad attempt to save the ending of the last volume is groan-worthy. It was incredibly awkward watching Rose ignore her sister's tragedy and focus on her own weird quest. Focusing on Geppetto is getting really old; guys, it's volume 20. He's not a scary threat anymore. And the last plotline was such a bore, Jesus, there is NOTHING at stake for characters we've barely known for a few pages.
Can't wait for this trainwreck to be over.
September 7, 2014
I got a copy of this book to review through Edelweiss. There is a lot going on in this series at this point. This graphic novel covered four main storylines as the fables settle into their new home. This trade paperback (TPB) collects issues #130 to #140. This series is supposed to end with issue #150, with will be included in TPB volume 21: Happily Ever After.
Issue 130 is about the Daughter of Rodney and June as she explores Castle Black. Issues 131 to 133 and 135 to 137 are about Rose Red claiming her place as a Paladin of Second Chances and starting her own round table. Issue 134 has a very touching scene between Bigsy and Boy Blue. Issue 138 is a brief interlude on what Gepetto’s been up to. Finally issues 139 - 140 are about the members of Boy Blue’s Band.
Of the above my favorites were the storyline with Rose Red and her round table. Rose Red always has such good intentions, but manages to just mess everything up. As part of her new Paladin of 2nd Chances title she releases Prince Brandish to reform him. As you can imagine this does not go over well with Snow.
Snow is torn between dealing with Rose Red and trying to put Bigsy back together again. She is desperately trying to find the one last piece of Bigsy.
I also really enjoyed the issue with Boy Blue and Bigsy, they walk through the afterlife and have a very heartfelt discussion. It was very well done and give excellent insight into both their characters.
I didn’t really understand what the June Bug story arc featuring the little girl exploring Castle Black had much to do with anything. I also was a bit confused about what the two issues following the remnants of Boy Blue had to do with anything.
I still enjoyed this book. I really loved the Rose Red storyline. However, I was happy to hear that the next TPB will be the last. I do feel like the series has been losing some steam over the last couple TPB.
Overall a good addition to the Fables universe. I recommend the whole Fables series to those who enjoy urban fantasy graphic novels. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series since there are so many characters and things going on later in the series. I am very curious to see how things wrap up in Happily Ever After.
Issue 130 is about the Daughter of Rodney and June as she explores Castle Black. Issues 131 to 133 and 135 to 137 are about Rose Red claiming her place as a Paladin of Second Chances and starting her own round table. Issue 134 has a very touching scene between Bigsy and Boy Blue. Issue 138 is a brief interlude on what Gepetto’s been up to. Finally issues 139 - 140 are about the members of Boy Blue’s Band.
Of the above my favorites were the storyline with Rose Red and her round table. Rose Red always has such good intentions, but manages to just mess everything up. As part of her new Paladin of 2nd Chances title she releases Prince Brandish to reform him. As you can imagine this does not go over well with Snow.
Snow is torn between dealing with Rose Red and trying to put Bigsy back together again. She is desperately trying to find the one last piece of Bigsy.
I also really enjoyed the issue with Boy Blue and Bigsy, they walk through the afterlife and have a very heartfelt discussion. It was very well done and give excellent insight into both their characters.
I didn’t really understand what the June Bug story arc featuring the little girl exploring Castle Black had much to do with anything. I also was a bit confused about what the two issues following the remnants of Boy Blue had to do with anything.
I still enjoyed this book. I really loved the Rose Red storyline. However, I was happy to hear that the next TPB will be the last. I do feel like the series has been losing some steam over the last couple TPB.
Overall a good addition to the Fables universe. I recommend the whole Fables series to those who enjoy urban fantasy graphic novels. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series since there are so many characters and things going on later in the series. I am very curious to see how things wrap up in Happily Ever After.
July 29, 2015
The pieces are all moving into place for some awesome finish.
Oh what's that feeling? That sense of dread, that all this calm is going to be crushed and destroyed by something really really bad? We are getting close to the end and all the multiple pieces are moving into place:
World: Enough has been said about Buckingham's art, it's expressive and a style all his own, I love it. The world has been build for over 100 issues now, but the amazing thing about Willingham is that there are always still new places to visit and new stories to tell. The are so many new little bits of world building this time around that I can't even begin to list them out. It's really good and as with all Willingham stories will pay off in the end. A sense of foreboding seeps through this entire arc.
Story: There are multiple threads in this arc, as is the norm of the Fables series. I like the Camelot storyline, it's predictable enough and strange enough to see that it will be something huge, as is the story with Spratt (don't call her that anymore), Wolf manor, Haven...so many more. They are all paced well and interweave together wonderfully. Although things do happen this arc, but you get the sense that this is building towards the big finish, the next arc needed the pieces to be moved so and here we are. One highlight for me is the Blue issue, it brought a tear to my eye. I love this story.
Characters: Deeo characters with each having their own motivation and stories. A lot of characters received big doses of development this arc and has moved around to shift for the grand finale. I don't want to ruin anything as characters are one of the main things that the series is known for. Just be aware that you will me smiling, screaming, and feeling a sense of dread at the end of this arc.
I can't believe we are headed towards the end. I know things can't go on forever and it's good to end on a good note, so I hope all these moving pieces will give Fables the end it deserves.
Onward to the next book!
Oh what's that feeling? That sense of dread, that all this calm is going to be crushed and destroyed by something really really bad? We are getting close to the end and all the multiple pieces are moving into place:
World: Enough has been said about Buckingham's art, it's expressive and a style all his own, I love it. The world has been build for over 100 issues now, but the amazing thing about Willingham is that there are always still new places to visit and new stories to tell. The are so many new little bits of world building this time around that I can't even begin to list them out. It's really good and as with all Willingham stories will pay off in the end. A sense of foreboding seeps through this entire arc.
Story: There are multiple threads in this arc, as is the norm of the Fables series. I like the Camelot storyline, it's predictable enough and strange enough to see that it will be something huge, as is the story with Spratt (don't call her that anymore), Wolf manor, Haven...so many more. They are all paced well and interweave together wonderfully. Although things do happen this arc, but you get the sense that this is building towards the big finish, the next arc needed the pieces to be moved so and here we are. One highlight for me is the Blue issue, it brought a tear to my eye. I love this story.
Characters: Deeo characters with each having their own motivation and stories. A lot of characters received big doses of development this arc and has moved around to shift for the grand finale. I don't want to ruin anything as characters are one of the main things that the series is known for. Just be aware that you will me smiling, screaming, and feeling a sense of dread at the end of this arc.
I can't believe we are headed towards the end. I know things can't go on forever and it's good to end on a good note, so I hope all these moving pieces will give Fables the end it deserves.
Onward to the next book!
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