What do you think?
Rate this book
Cinderella
Cinderella Fables Are Forever TP
Fabletown's favorite secret agent and bon vivant Cinderella is back on the job in this title collecting the hit miniseries! Someone is killing sorcerers out on the Farm, and all signs point to Cindere
Comic
First published April 24, 2012
44 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Chris Roberson
557 books265 followersChris Roberson is the co-creator with artist Michael Allred of iZombie, the basis of the hit CW television series, and the writer of several New York Times best-selling Cinderella miniseries set in the world of Bill Willingham’s Fables. He is also the co-creator of Edison Rex with artist Dennis Culver, and the co-writer of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D, Witchfinder, Rise of the Black Flame, and other titles set in the world of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy. In addition to his numerous comics projects, Roberson has written more than a dozen novels and three dozen short stories. He lives with a teenager, two cats, and far too many books in Portland, Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
May 10, 2021
As with the first volume a great character's potential is yet again not really shown in its glory, in this slightly better second volume. Why slightly better... because there's a bad-ass... Dorothy Gale! As with the Jack of Fables sister title, this series lacks the real darkness and fairy tale tone of the main book. I can see why they thought it would be a good idea to make them different... but it didn't really pay off at all for me. 6.5 out of 12.
September 12, 2021
Another cool spy story with Cinderella set in this world.
I'm guessing I should be trying to read these a little more in order because this one mentions some big event that I probably shouldn't know about yet. However, unlike most of you, I will have forgotten about it by the time I get around to reading the rest of this series.
Score one for the aging process!
In this one, Cindy is pitted against the mercenary, Dorthy Gail, from the Land of Oz.
Ooooooh.
I thought the story was interesting, especially because it had twists and turns in it that didn't rely on the kitschy aspect of this being about fairytale characters.
I haven't read many of the Fables stories yet, but I've found that Cinderella's stuff can kind of be read by itself. Although they always make me wish I would hurry up and read the rest of the series.
Recommended.
I'm guessing I should be trying to read these a little more in order because this one mentions some big event that I probably shouldn't know about yet. However, unlike most of you, I will have forgotten about it by the time I get around to reading the rest of this series.
Score one for the aging process!
In this one, Cindy is pitted against the mercenary, Dorthy Gail, from the Land of Oz.
Ooooooh.
I thought the story was interesting, especially because it had twists and turns in it that didn't rely on the kitschy aspect of this being about fairytale characters.
I haven't read many of the Fables stories yet, but I've found that Cinderella's stuff can kind of be read by itself. Although they always make me wish I would hurry up and read the rest of the series.
Recommended.
April 22, 2012
First off, I have to say that Fables is one of my favorite series of graphic novels. It's great stuff, clever, innovative, and I've enjoyed following it for years.
So it's only natural that I'd pick up the Cinderella spin-off. (I enjoyed that first trade) And it's just as natural that the guy who runs the local comic-shop would put a copy of this second volume in my bag, just in case I was interested.
And I was interested. But as I read it, my interest evaporated. Simply said, I just didn't like it.
Maybe it's the fact that I've been reading a lot of Ed Brubaker's stuff lately. Ed Brubaker Like Sleeper, Incognito, and Criminal. Good comics in the crime/detective/espionage genre.
I think this suffered by comparison. Cinderella is supposed to be a spy, but where's the mystery? Where's the story? Where's the cleverness that made me love Fables in the first place?
Most of this, as the cover may indicate, seems to be an excuse to draw Cinderella in various skimpy outfits. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy looking at some scantily clad young faerie tail. But there needs to be something else there. A man has needs, specifically, some good dialogue and story.
Was it horrible? No. But in terms of my enjoyment, it was only moderately okay. It didn't offend or confuse me. It wasn't full of plot holes and logical inconsistencies. It just felt.... empty.
Or maybe my bloodsugar was just low that day. That's a possibility too....
August 22, 2022
Cinderella remembers her past with the Fables version of the Cold War when an old foe resurfaces. Cindy's nemesis is pretty cool. I wish we could have seen more of the Russian and Chinese Fables. This was a lot of fun.
November 16, 2015
I liked this quite a bit. It follows the superspy motif perfectly, with a solid foundation of fairy tales and folklore. It's a fun read and definitely for fans of spy thrillers. Cinderella's arch nemesis is someone very familiar, but never seen in this particular way. I can't say anything more without it being an absolute spoiler. I absolutely love the cover art by Chrissie Zullo. Her style is so distinctive. Just her artwork makes these worth checking out. A lovely adjunct to the Fables series, and this falls in shortly after Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red.
March 30, 2016
Cinderella is a master spy for Fabletown.
In this installment she's investigating Slavic Fables when her nemesis, Dorothy of Oz, makes an appearance. Actually, several.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
In this installment she's investigating Slavic Fables when her nemesis, Dorothy of Oz, makes an appearance. Actually, several.
OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.
August 28, 2017
Or maybe it is Cinderella: Fables are Forever!
Ok all the cheese aside.....
The single page pictures were my favorite part of the whole volume. The story was all about the tell don't show. Constant 'flashbacks' telling the back story on all the characters and why we were in the current predicament. The 'fight' scenes were reminiscent of old batman movies.
I kept expecting to see the *bang* *pow* bubbles when they hit each other.
One thing this had going for it was that there was no cliffhanger at the end. It was a story whole and complete on it's own.
It had promise but I don't think I will be begging my librarian for the remaining volumes.
October 27, 2019
I mistakenly read this out of order. However, I see that it doesn't make a difference. These "Tales of Cinderella" are stand alone adventures of Fabletown's badass spy. She reminds me of a female James Bond and Roberson's writing maintains that image. She is good and efficient at her job, not to mention deadly.
This volume showcases her conflict with her archnemesis the Silver Slipper. The Slipper is a dangerous spy and assassin, Cinderella's conflicts with her are told in a past and present story arc. We will not only find out the background, but we will also see Cinderella do her thing in the 1980's, as well as in "current" times.
The set is vast with her going from Russia to the desert. Cinderella never fails to entertain and she is a great character. Now I am going to go back and read Volume One as I should have in the first place. Great addition to the Fables line.
This volume showcases her conflict with her archnemesis the Silver Slipper. The Slipper is a dangerous spy and assassin, Cinderella's conflicts with her are told in a past and present story arc. We will not only find out the background, but we will also see Cinderella do her thing in the 1980's, as well as in "current" times.
The set is vast with her going from Russia to the desert. Cinderella never fails to entertain and she is a great character. Now I am going to go back and read Volume One as I should have in the first place. Great addition to the Fables line.
August 19, 2018
It's fun, but the first volume was a bit better. This one has Cinderella in too many revealing clothes and the plot isn't that detailed. Liked the Sherlock Holmes reference.
May 3, 2024
Now that Fables is in the 'Public Domain', I thought it was time I read the entire series (including all spinoffs and specials) from start to finish in sequential tpb reading order. Here we go!
Fables First-to-Finale reading #27
Cinderella vol 02: Fables are Forever
Cindy gets a second full-length adventure. This time, she's out to get Dorthy Gale. Flashback to the 80's as we see the first time they faced off. Present day Cinderella is on the case after a resident of Fabletowns 13th floor is found dead. She is determined to track down her foe and put an end to her this time.
The flashback and forths made the pacing a bit uneven. A few twists and surprises along the way, but not a lot in the way of plot. The ending was a bit of a surprise because there is a backup tale from Fables 51 tacked on to the back of the book that was completely unnecessary. Overall, this was just ok.
Fables First-to-Finale reading #27
Cinderella vol 02: Fables are Forever
Cindy gets a second full-length adventure. This time, she's out to get Dorthy Gale. Flashback to the 80's as we see the first time they faced off. Present day Cinderella is on the case after a resident of Fabletowns 13th floor is found dead. She is determined to track down her foe and put an end to her this time.
The flashback and forths made the pacing a bit uneven. A few twists and surprises along the way, but not a lot in the way of plot. The ending was a bit of a surprise because there is a backup tale from Fables 51 tacked on to the back of the book that was completely unnecessary. Overall, this was just ok.
June 27, 2012
I really liked the first Cinderella spinoff, but this one didn't have much driving it. I still like the Buffy-meets-Mata Hari version of Cinderella, but I wish they'd given her more story here. The backstory bits were repetitive, and there wasn't much payoff. The Fables excerpt at the end of the book reminded me of everything that the main title has that this arc lacked.
September 18, 2018
Very good! So I got this at Comic Con Africa, South Africa's first ever comic con! I have been eyeing this series for a while as I slowly make my way through the main series. So the story has Cinderella who is a Secret Agent for Bigby in Fabletown, and over the decades has carried out James Bond style missions for him. Then one day, an old friend of Cinderella's from a secret Russian Fabletown, comes to her for help! Turns out little Dorothy from Wizards of Oz, is a trained assassin; and has had a long history with Cindy and now she wants revenge.
To talk about what I liked, I really enjoyed the story and how it was told. We see what's happening in the present day, while also going back to the 80s, and seeing the different times Cinderella and Dorothy crossed paths with one another. It really helped give the book a spy film feel and the writing across the board is great! Cinderella is just a really cool character to follow and Dorothy made for a really good villain! The artwork has well is top notch, with some solid coloring and character designs; Vertigo really did put their top creative team on this one!
Overall I really enjoyed this one and have no real negative comments to make. I'm reading this fresh off the hills of Fables, Vol. 5: The Mean Seasons which introduced Cinderella in the main series; so it felt good to come directly into this one! Overall if you love the Fables series or if you love Cinderella and want a different interpretation, I fully recommend this one!
To talk about what I liked, I really enjoyed the story and how it was told. We see what's happening in the present day, while also going back to the 80s, and seeing the different times Cinderella and Dorothy crossed paths with one another. It really helped give the book a spy film feel and the writing across the board is great! Cinderella is just a really cool character to follow and Dorothy made for a really good villain! The artwork has well is top notch, with some solid coloring and character designs; Vertigo really did put their top creative team on this one!
Overall I really enjoyed this one and have no real negative comments to make. I'm reading this fresh off the hills of Fables, Vol. 5: The Mean Seasons which introduced Cinderella in the main series; so it felt good to come directly into this one! Overall if you love the Fables series or if you love Cinderella and want a different interpretation, I fully recommend this one!
July 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this volume, but not as much as the first one. There were times that it got really annoying with all the time jumping, but I think that all of the Oz references and characters made up for it in my eyes. The plot didn’t seem as developed in this one, but it was still a really fun read.
July 5, 2012
Originally reviewed here.
There is a difference between a patriot and a mercenary.
I do what I must to protect the people of Fabletown. I do those things so they don’t have to.
Cinderella’s back and ready for action in the second full-length volume of her own Fables spin-off. When one of the residents of the 13th floor shows up dead with a calling card, Cindy knows that silver slipper means only one thing: her old enemy and arch nemesis. She’s had run-ins before while investigating the Shadow Fabletown behind the iron curtain in the 80s, and now it appears a fight she thought was long over is just getting started. Assisted by an incredibly suspicious Ivan the Fool, Cindy takes off to track down her opponent and put an end to a long standing grudge.
I’m very sad to report that Robinson’s second installment was less bang and more bust than From Fabletown With Love. I’m always wary of spin-offs, particularly those not piloted by the original author, and here I was proven right. Fables are Forever lacked the vibe and depth of the overarching Fables series; reading this graphic novel felt pretty much the same as going to sleep on a full air mattress, and waking up on a flat one. I’m disappointed, sore, and a little bitter.
The plot of Fables are Forever felt to me as if it were really pushing too hard to create something interesting, when maybe something simpler would have sufficed. I never really understood our villain, or the motivations, and this always bothers me greatly. I like to get into my baddies’ heads and know what makes them tick, even if they’re just power crazed and nutso, I like to know it. I couldn’t really get a feel for this one. The same held true for this sudden introduction of the ‘Shadow Fabletown’ that was supposed to have existed during the Cold War. This was jarring to me as it’s something that seems very major and pertinent, and yet has never been so much as mentioned in the Fables series. In From Fabletown With Love we dealt with Fabletown East, and this was great! This was something that tied back to the original series, but which we didn’t have a ton of details on. Shadow Fabletown was a completely new invention in Fables are Forever, and I had a hard time swallowing it. I craved more foundation, more substance, and I’m afraid that without it the action couldn’t find its footing. On top of this, the giant plot twist was a bit much for me. Not the kind that shocks and awes and makes me tip my hat, but the kind that literally turns my stomach (and not in a good way).
Fables are Forever wasn’t all bad though. It was fun to delve into a story that hasn’t gotten a lot of play yet in Fables, and if I’m to understand, will be getting more in the next volume of the main series as well. The Wizard of Oz fans will thrill at the inclusions of characters and story points that are true to the books and not the well-known movie. I, not having read the books, didn’t really appreciate this one to its full extent, and I’m sure an Oz fan would enjoy it more.
There was one aspect to Fables are Forever that I adored though—Chrissie Zullo’s cover art. With two volumes of Cinderella under her belt, Chrissie Zullo has secured a spot in my heart as one of my favorite graphic artists. I love her work, and spent at least as much time gaping at her gorgeous covers as I did reading the actual text. She regularly posts updates of her art on her blog, and I highly suggest you check it out.
There is a difference between a patriot and a mercenary.
I do what I must to protect the people of Fabletown. I do those things so they don’t have to.
Cinderella’s back and ready for action in the second full-length volume of her own Fables spin-off. When one of the residents of the 13th floor shows up dead with a calling card, Cindy knows that silver slipper means only one thing: her old enemy and arch nemesis. She’s had run-ins before while investigating the Shadow Fabletown behind the iron curtain in the 80s, and now it appears a fight she thought was long over is just getting started. Assisted by an incredibly suspicious Ivan the Fool, Cindy takes off to track down her opponent and put an end to a long standing grudge.
I’m very sad to report that Robinson’s second installment was less bang and more bust than From Fabletown With Love. I’m always wary of spin-offs, particularly those not piloted by the original author, and here I was proven right. Fables are Forever lacked the vibe and depth of the overarching Fables series; reading this graphic novel felt pretty much the same as going to sleep on a full air mattress, and waking up on a flat one. I’m disappointed, sore, and a little bitter.
The plot of Fables are Forever felt to me as if it were really pushing too hard to create something interesting, when maybe something simpler would have sufficed. I never really understood our villain, or the motivations, and this always bothers me greatly. I like to get into my baddies’ heads and know what makes them tick, even if they’re just power crazed and nutso, I like to know it. I couldn’t really get a feel for this one. The same held true for this sudden introduction of the ‘Shadow Fabletown’ that was supposed to have existed during the Cold War. This was jarring to me as it’s something that seems very major and pertinent, and yet has never been so much as mentioned in the Fables series. In From Fabletown With Love we dealt with Fabletown East, and this was great! This was something that tied back to the original series, but which we didn’t have a ton of details on. Shadow Fabletown was a completely new invention in Fables are Forever, and I had a hard time swallowing it. I craved more foundation, more substance, and I’m afraid that without it the action couldn’t find its footing. On top of this, the giant plot twist was a bit much for me. Not the kind that shocks and awes and makes me tip my hat, but the kind that literally turns my stomach (and not in a good way).
Fables are Forever wasn’t all bad though. It was fun to delve into a story that hasn’t gotten a lot of play yet in Fables, and if I’m to understand, will be getting more in the next volume of the main series as well. The Wizard of Oz fans will thrill at the inclusions of characters and story points that are true to the books and not the well-known movie. I, not having read the books, didn’t really appreciate this one to its full extent, and I’m sure an Oz fan would enjoy it more.
There was one aspect to Fables are Forever that I adored though—Chrissie Zullo’s cover art. With two volumes of Cinderella under her belt, Chrissie Zullo has secured a spot in my heart as one of my favorite graphic artists. I love her work, and spent at least as much time gaping at her gorgeous covers as I did reading the actual text. She regularly posts updates of her art on her blog, and I highly suggest you check it out.
August 14, 2013
I may have read this already through a negative light, since I happened to read Pat Rothfuss's review before my copy came in. Still, I was really underwhelmed by this one, which saddens me because I really enjoyed the previous book, From Fabletown with Love. This repeatedly used too many of the same tropes within one graphic novel. For instance, Cinderella reiterates certain lines over and over again. These lines are not only cliche, however, but they become even more so when the same character utters them each time. Maybe the repetition was an artistic choice, but it came across as sloppy writing. I also didn't like the art as much in this one. Cinderella's face looked scrunchy and really unattractive in some of the panels. The rest of the time it seemed like she was naked or in a bikini. Finally, the way the plot jumped around in time was really irritating.
I'm honestly a little sad I bought this one, although I guess it completes the rest of my Fables collection.
I'm honestly a little sad I bought this one, although I guess it completes the rest of my Fables collection.
July 1, 2015
What a disappointing way to start back up my Fables reading.
This collection is mostly an excuse to draw chicks fighting in bathing suits and other revealing clothing. It was a bit of a disappointment because I feel that Fables is better than that. This is supposed to be a spy send-up instead it feels like an exploitation send-up. Which would be fine if that's what it wanted to be, but I don't get the sense that that's what it was attempting.
I also spent most of the book wondering what was going on with Dorothy. I was confused and truthfully this retconning just felt forced and unimaginative.
This collection is mostly an excuse to draw chicks fighting in bathing suits and other revealing clothing. It was a bit of a disappointment because I feel that Fables is better than that. This is supposed to be a spy send-up instead it feels like an exploitation send-up. Which would be fine if that's what it wanted to be, but I don't get the sense that that's what it was attempting.
I also spent most of the book wondering what was going on with Dorothy. I was confused and truthfully this retconning just felt forced and unimaginative.
December 18, 2015
Really disappointing! It's noticeable that Willingham isn't participating in this spin-off, as the story reads like any cheap spy novel with a predictable ending. And I didn't like who the villain turned out to be here either. This is starting to look like a pattern that they take a character that's usually lovable in the mainstream version and turn them into unredeemable baddies? Seems so to me, as this is the second such case.
May 2, 2018
You can't always judge a book by its cover.
What am I trying to say? This is not a book about Cinderella turning into a sexy gun-wielding Russian stripper.
I know, I know. I'm sorry.
Despite being completely misled, I really liked my first Cinderella volume. Although I'm not obligated to give reasons as to why, I'm going to enlighten you. For free.
Reasons Why This Didn't Suck
1. Cinderella may have to dumb it up or skank it up every now and then for the sake of being undercover, but she's still a complete badass.
2. While she is a badass, she also lets the reader know that she has doubts and is (internally) uncertain if she can beat her opponents. She's still completely mouthy and brave in the face of said opponents, however.
3. There were just enough old friends from Fables in this to make me swoon. There were not so many that it felt like just another Fables volume.
3a. Bigby is mentioned. Be still my beating heart. <3
4. There's a plot twist! DUN DUN DUN!
5. I actually liked the hopping between past and present. It was down in a way that didn't confuse me but instead educated me.
4 Stars (admittedly one is for pure nostalgia of the Fables series)
I'll read another one.
What am I trying to say? This is not a book about Cinderella turning into a sexy gun-wielding Russian stripper.
I know, I know. I'm sorry.
Despite being completely misled, I really liked my first Cinderella volume. Although I'm not obligated to give reasons as to why, I'm going to enlighten you. For free.
Reasons Why This Didn't Suck
1. Cinderella may have to dumb it up or skank it up every now and then for the sake of being undercover, but she's still a complete badass.
2. While she is a badass, she also lets the reader know that she has doubts and is (internally) uncertain if she can beat her opponents. She's still completely mouthy and brave in the face of said opponents, however.
3. There were just enough old friends from Fables in this to make me swoon. There were not so many that it felt like just another Fables volume.
3a. Bigby is mentioned. Be still my beating heart. <3
4. There's a plot twist! DUN DUN DUN!
5. I actually liked the hopping between past and present. It was down in a way that didn't confuse me but instead educated me.
4 Stars (admittedly one is for pure nostalgia of the Fables series)
I'll read another one.
February 8, 2018
Once again we find Cinderella playing secret agent, this time in a battle in with Dorothy Gale (yes, of Oz fame.) While Cinderella works for the greater good, Dorothy is strictly a mercenary concerned only with cash. Things twist and turn and overall this is an entertaining story, although at this point I'm not sure how relevant it is to the overall Fables series.
September 2, 2025
Even though I loved the story and all of the fights between Dorothy & Cindy... this one feels flat.
Too much talk, too little action.
At least they didn't retcon Dot in Jack, but even then... it's kinda iffy
Too much talk, too little action.
At least they didn't retcon Dot in Jack, but even then... it's kinda iffy
May 20, 2012
This book collects the second six issue Fables mini-series featuring super-spy Cinderella. It was again written by Chris Roberson with art by Shawn McManus. There is also a tale set in the preparation for the war with the Adversary, from Fables 51, that was drawn by McManus but written by Fables creator Bill Willingham.
Cinderellla returns in a story set during the evacuation of the Farm because of the onslaught by Mister Dark. One of the leading witches from floor 13 has been murdered and the only clue is a silver slipper charm. Cinderella finds herself tracking down an old foe who she thought was dead and being involved with Fables from the shadow Fabletown that she has spied on in the past. But who can she trust and who is laying traps for who?
Another good standalone tale from the world of Fables. The only problem with it is that it attempts to place itself within the continuity of the main book and uses the murder of a character to achieve this. The story itself, from the time that Cinderella gets down to investigating the case till the resolution, has little impact or relevance to the main book and so the set up seems contrived and unnecessary. But other than that small niggle the story is great with lots of twists and turns and unexpected revelations both from Cinderella's past and present.
Cinderellla returns in a story set during the evacuation of the Farm because of the onslaught by Mister Dark. One of the leading witches from floor 13 has been murdered and the only clue is a silver slipper charm. Cinderella finds herself tracking down an old foe who she thought was dead and being involved with Fables from the shadow Fabletown that she has spied on in the past. But who can she trust and who is laying traps for who?
Another good standalone tale from the world of Fables. The only problem with it is that it attempts to place itself within the continuity of the main book and uses the murder of a character to achieve this. The story itself, from the time that Cinderella gets down to investigating the case till the resolution, has little impact or relevance to the main book and so the set up seems contrived and unnecessary. But other than that small niggle the story is great with lots of twists and turns and unexpected revelations both from Cinderella's past and present.
December 11, 2016
Cinderella takes on her greatest foe....Dorothy? From the Wizard of Oz? Yeah well in Fable world she's a deadly assassin for hire, so suck it munchkins. The story alternates between the present, where Cindy is tracking down Dorothy, to the 1980's when they first fought.
The story was fine but Cinderella is an absolute bore, I was actually rooting to Dorothy who seemed a lot more interesting and badass.
![]()
The feel of this is very 007, and I'm definitely not a James Bond fan, I'm more of an Austin Powers fan, actually. Cindy is just as bland as Bond and jumps into bed just as easily. Plus she does a lot of talking about how great she is, but after two volumes I'm still not convinced.
The last issue is just a reprint of a story from the main Fables title (issue #51) which is actually the best representation of Cindy I've seen.
While this book was enjoyably average, I'm glad it is the end of the Cinderella title. Dorothy and Oz where really the only thing that made it worth reading.
The story was fine but Cinderella is an absolute bore, I was actually rooting to Dorothy who seemed a lot more interesting and badass.
The feel of this is very 007, and I'm definitely not a James Bond fan, I'm more of an Austin Powers fan, actually. Cindy is just as bland as Bond and jumps into bed just as easily. Plus she does a lot of talking about how great she is, but after two volumes I'm still not convinced.
The last issue is just a reprint of a story from the main Fables title (issue #51) which is actually the best representation of Cindy I've seen.
While this book was enjoyably average, I'm glad it is the end of the Cinderella title. Dorothy and Oz where really the only thing that made it worth reading.
![Profile Image for [Name Redacted].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1347082397i%2F287915._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 15, 2012
Pretty much the same mediocre material as the previous entry, only with the added insult of a "bonus" story (Fables #51) which had ALREADY APPEARED IN THE MAIN FABLES TPB SERIES YEARS AGO and therefore was little more than filler here. The insights into the "Shadow Fabletown" (I doubt we've seen the last of them! Though it's weird that we'd never heard of them before...) and the life of the antagonist (including why she isn't involved in the current Buffkin storyline and how the Literals were involved in her fate) were pretty interesting, but they felt like features which would have been better handled by Fables-creator Bill Willingham. In fact, putting the Willingham filler story at the end wasn't merely an insult to the readers -- it was a bad move for poor, mediocre Roberson whose writing appeared all the more lifeless and flat for the comparison. Ho-hum.
February 13, 2014
A Spin-off of what was once a great series, but started at a time when the main series started to stink. Yeah this takes place after the fall of the Empire, and after the fall of Mr. Dark. We are supposed to believe that lunch Prince Charming bashing Cindy, as she is known in Fabletown was always a super spy???? I started reading this and when they had a backstory that didn't match the character as we have known her for the run of Fables is suddenly like Bond.....I found it to be to much. The writers of this series had in fact jumped the shark with this one. Also for some reason this is said to be volume 2, but the inside notes say that it is collecting of issues 1-6??? This is a big stinking turd that I was afraid that it might be. If you are interested in Fables or if you have read Fables DO NOT waste your time on this volume.
November 18, 2024
En este escenario, Cenicienta: Las Fábulas son para siempre se presenta como un spin-off que, bajo la pluma de Chris Roberson, reimagina a Cenicienta no como una damisela en apuros, sino como una sofisticada espía al estilo de James Bond. Este giro narrativo es tanto un homenaje a los géneros de espionaje como una exploración de las posibilidades del universo de Fábulas.
Sinopsis y propuesta narrativa
Cenicienta, bajo la apariencia de una socialité elegante y sofisticada, lleva una doble vida como la espía más letal de Villa Fábula. El relato se centra en su misión para enfrentarse a Silver Slipper, una némesis que representa su opuesto en habilidades y moralidad. Desde las calles heladas de Rusia hasta desiertos abrasadores, Cenicienta navega un mundo lleno de intriga, magia y violencia, mientras pone en riesgo su identidad para resolver un asesinato y desmantelar una amenaza que conecta con el enigmático Shadow Fabletown.
La narrativa se mueve ágilmente entre géneros: la novela de espionaje, el misterio policíaco y la fantasía oscura. Roberson construye una historia que mantiene el equilibrio entre el humor irónico, la acción trepidante y los elementos mágicos característicos del universo de Fábulas.
Análisis de los personajes
Cenicienta, como protagonista, encarna una versión empoderada y multifacética del personaje de cuento de hadas clásico. Lejos de la representación pasiva de la heroína rescatada, esta Cenicienta es ingeniosa, audaz y carismática. Su vida como espía permite a Roberson explorar un lado oscuro y pragmático del personaje, destacando su capacidad para manejar situaciones extremas con inteligencia y recursos, pero sin perder su humanidad. La tensión entre su vida pública como socialité y su trabajo secreto añade capas de complejidad al personaje, y su lucha interna por mantener su identidad oculta a menudo resulta en momentos de vulnerabilidad que humanizan aún más su figura.
Silver Slipper, por su parte, actúa como un reflejo oscuro de Cenicienta. Su presencia aporta una dimensión moral interesante al enfrentamiento, ya que representa las consecuencias de abrazar el poder sin límites. Si bien no tiene el mismo nivel de desarrollo que Cenicienta, funciona eficazmente como un catalizador para la acción y como un recordatorio de los riesgos inherentes a la vida que Cindy ha elegido.
Estilo narrativo y construcción del mundo
Roberson imita el tono general de Fábulas con una prosa ágil y cargada de diálogos ingeniosos, que a menudo recurren al humor negro para aligerar las tensiones. Las descripciones de los entornos—desde la hostilidad helada de Rusia hasta los paisajes abrasadores del desierto—contribuyen a una sensación de escala global que es característica de las mejores historias de espionaje. Además, el autor integra elementos mágicos de manera natural, reforzando la cohesión del relato dentro del universo de Fábulas.
El uso de escenarios globales permite a Roberson jugar con los tropos del género de espionaje. Las persecuciones a alta velocidad, las infiltraciones en fortalezas aparentemente impenetrables y los enfrentamientos letales son ingredientes que se mezclan con toques fantásticos, como hechizos, artefactos mágicos y referencias a otros cuentos clásicos. Este enfoque híbrido logra mantener al lector intrigado, aunque en algunos momentos los elementos fantásticos pueden parecer secundarios frente a la acción y el suspenso.
Temáticas principales
En su esencia, Cenicienta: Las Fábulas son para siempre aborda temas como la dualidad de la identidad, el poder del pasado para definir el presente y el costo personal de llevar una vida secreta. La relación de Cenicienta con Silver Slipper no solo sirve como un enfrentamiento físico, sino también como una exploración de los caminos divergentes que pueden tomar quienes poseen habilidades extraordinarias. Mientras Cenicienta utiliza sus talentos para proteger a Villa Fábula, Silver Slipper representa el uso de esos mismos talentos para satisfacer ambiciones personales a cualquier costo.
Otro tema recurrente es la corrupción del poder. En la Décima Corte del Infierno y en Shadow Fabletown, Roberson explora cómo la acumulación de poder y riquezas puede socavar incluso los ideales más nobles, un paralelismo evidente con los dilemas éticos que enfrentan las sociedades contemporáneas.
Comparaciones y contexto
La novela se puede comparar favorablemente con otras obras de espionaje fantástico, como la serie de Rivers of London de Ben Aaronovitch, donde elementos mágicos se mezclan con géneros tradicionales. Sin embargo, mientras que Aaronovitch adopta un tono más detectivesco, Roberson se inclina hacia la acción y el espionaje, evocando paralelismos con las películas de James Bond o las novelas de John le Carré, pero con un giro mágico que las hace únicas.
En el contexto del universo de Fábulas, esta historia añade una perspectiva fresca al centrarse en un personaje secundario que, bajo la luz de Roberson, demuestra tener tanto peso narrativo como los protagonistas habituales. Esto lo convierte en una lectura imprescindible para los fans de la serie principal, aunque puede resultar menos impactante para quienes no estén familiarizados con el mundo de Villa Fábula.
Conclusión
Cenicienta: Las Fábulas son para siempre es una novela entretenida y bien estructurada que amplía el universo de Fábulas al tiempo que explora géneros y temáticas complementarias. Si bien no alcanza las cotas emocionales o narrativas de las mejores historias de la serie principal, se sostiene como una obra independiente gracias a su protagonista carismática, su narrativa dinámica y su fusión creativa de géneros.
Calificación: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Un spin-off sólido que reimagina a un ícono clásico con ingenio y estilo, perfecto para quienes disfrutan de la acción, la intriga y un toque de magia en sus historias.
Sinopsis y propuesta narrativa
Cenicienta, bajo la apariencia de una socialité elegante y sofisticada, lleva una doble vida como la espía más letal de Villa Fábula. El relato se centra en su misión para enfrentarse a Silver Slipper, una némesis que representa su opuesto en habilidades y moralidad. Desde las calles heladas de Rusia hasta desiertos abrasadores, Cenicienta navega un mundo lleno de intriga, magia y violencia, mientras pone en riesgo su identidad para resolver un asesinato y desmantelar una amenaza que conecta con el enigmático Shadow Fabletown.
La narrativa se mueve ágilmente entre géneros: la novela de espionaje, el misterio policíaco y la fantasía oscura. Roberson construye una historia que mantiene el equilibrio entre el humor irónico, la acción trepidante y los elementos mágicos característicos del universo de Fábulas.
Análisis de los personajes
Cenicienta, como protagonista, encarna una versión empoderada y multifacética del personaje de cuento de hadas clásico. Lejos de la representación pasiva de la heroína rescatada, esta Cenicienta es ingeniosa, audaz y carismática. Su vida como espía permite a Roberson explorar un lado oscuro y pragmático del personaje, destacando su capacidad para manejar situaciones extremas con inteligencia y recursos, pero sin perder su humanidad. La tensión entre su vida pública como socialité y su trabajo secreto añade capas de complejidad al personaje, y su lucha interna por mantener su identidad oculta a menudo resulta en momentos de vulnerabilidad que humanizan aún más su figura.
Silver Slipper, por su parte, actúa como un reflejo oscuro de Cenicienta. Su presencia aporta una dimensión moral interesante al enfrentamiento, ya que representa las consecuencias de abrazar el poder sin límites. Si bien no tiene el mismo nivel de desarrollo que Cenicienta, funciona eficazmente como un catalizador para la acción y como un recordatorio de los riesgos inherentes a la vida que Cindy ha elegido.
Estilo narrativo y construcción del mundo
Roberson imita el tono general de Fábulas con una prosa ágil y cargada de diálogos ingeniosos, que a menudo recurren al humor negro para aligerar las tensiones. Las descripciones de los entornos—desde la hostilidad helada de Rusia hasta los paisajes abrasadores del desierto—contribuyen a una sensación de escala global que es característica de las mejores historias de espionaje. Además, el autor integra elementos mágicos de manera natural, reforzando la cohesión del relato dentro del universo de Fábulas.
El uso de escenarios globales permite a Roberson jugar con los tropos del género de espionaje. Las persecuciones a alta velocidad, las infiltraciones en fortalezas aparentemente impenetrables y los enfrentamientos letales son ingredientes que se mezclan con toques fantásticos, como hechizos, artefactos mágicos y referencias a otros cuentos clásicos. Este enfoque híbrido logra mantener al lector intrigado, aunque en algunos momentos los elementos fantásticos pueden parecer secundarios frente a la acción y el suspenso.
Temáticas principales
En su esencia, Cenicienta: Las Fábulas son para siempre aborda temas como la dualidad de la identidad, el poder del pasado para definir el presente y el costo personal de llevar una vida secreta. La relación de Cenicienta con Silver Slipper no solo sirve como un enfrentamiento físico, sino también como una exploración de los caminos divergentes que pueden tomar quienes poseen habilidades extraordinarias. Mientras Cenicienta utiliza sus talentos para proteger a Villa Fábula, Silver Slipper representa el uso de esos mismos talentos para satisfacer ambiciones personales a cualquier costo.
Otro tema recurrente es la corrupción del poder. En la Décima Corte del Infierno y en Shadow Fabletown, Roberson explora cómo la acumulación de poder y riquezas puede socavar incluso los ideales más nobles, un paralelismo evidente con los dilemas éticos que enfrentan las sociedades contemporáneas.
Comparaciones y contexto
La novela se puede comparar favorablemente con otras obras de espionaje fantástico, como la serie de Rivers of London de Ben Aaronovitch, donde elementos mágicos se mezclan con géneros tradicionales. Sin embargo, mientras que Aaronovitch adopta un tono más detectivesco, Roberson se inclina hacia la acción y el espionaje, evocando paralelismos con las películas de James Bond o las novelas de John le Carré, pero con un giro mágico que las hace únicas.
En el contexto del universo de Fábulas, esta historia añade una perspectiva fresca al centrarse en un personaje secundario que, bajo la luz de Roberson, demuestra tener tanto peso narrativo como los protagonistas habituales. Esto lo convierte en una lectura imprescindible para los fans de la serie principal, aunque puede resultar menos impactante para quienes no estén familiarizados con el mundo de Villa Fábula.
Conclusión
Cenicienta: Las Fábulas son para siempre es una novela entretenida y bien estructurada que amplía el universo de Fábulas al tiempo que explora géneros y temáticas complementarias. Si bien no alcanza las cotas emocionales o narrativas de las mejores historias de la serie principal, se sostiene como una obra independiente gracias a su protagonista carismática, su narrativa dinámica y su fusión creativa de géneros.
Calificación: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Un spin-off sólido que reimagina a un ícono clásico con ingenio y estilo, perfecto para quienes disfrutan de la acción, la intriga y un toque de magia en sus historias.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2012
This one is both a bit better and a bit worse than the first volume.
I quite like how much he plays with structure in this, as it jumps all around in time and space. But in terms of the "reveal" and "surprise" of this one... I'll admit, it was a mite lame. At least to me.
That being said, it's still a very entertaining and fun read. It definitely makes Cinderella one of the more enjoyable characters in the series, and makes me wonder all the more why Willingham didn't/hasn't utilized her even more in his own work. But, I guess if he had, we wouldn't have gotten these. So... there you have it.
As is the usual case, if you liked the first volume, you'll probably like this one. Again, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but it's one worth the ride.
I quite like how much he plays with structure in this, as it jumps all around in time and space. But in terms of the "reveal" and "surprise" of this one... I'll admit, it was a mite lame. At least to me.
That being said, it's still a very entertaining and fun read. It definitely makes Cinderella one of the more enjoyable characters in the series, and makes me wonder all the more why Willingham didn't/hasn't utilized her even more in his own work. But, I guess if he had, we wouldn't have gotten these. So... there you have it.
As is the usual case, if you liked the first volume, you'll probably like this one. Again, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but it's one worth the ride.
March 13, 2023
Bill churned out so many of these tales and managed spin-offs like this one to his wildly popular Fables series.
Thus one is a spy tale featuring Cinderella in a hard hitting role in stark contrast to her demure image in the original fairy tale.
The story focuses on Cinderella and after the reveal of her identity as Fabletown's hidden weapon here we get to see her in full flow. With a mysterious killer plaguing fables and getting the better of Cinderella, the book proves a lot of fun.
The killer leaves a silver slipper keyring near the victim which is a tip to Cinderella, she of the glass slippers as well as her calling card as "Silver Slipper".
Worth the time to read this.
Thus one is a spy tale featuring Cinderella in a hard hitting role in stark contrast to her demure image in the original fairy tale.
The story focuses on Cinderella and after the reveal of her identity as Fabletown's hidden weapon here we get to see her in full flow. With a mysterious killer plaguing fables and getting the better of Cinderella, the book proves a lot of fun.
The killer leaves a silver slipper keyring near the victim which is a tip to Cinderella, she of the glass slippers as well as her calling card as "Silver Slipper".
Worth the time to read this.
May 23, 2016
ho hum. I keep trying to care about the Fables universe... it should be perfectly in my wheelhouse (fairytales! graphic novel! what occurs after 'happily ever after') but I just can't seem to care.
In this case Dorothy of Oz is the big bad nemesis, Cinderella is the blond waspy misunderstood bad-ass and everyone is so over characterized the depth could be torn with a sneeze. "We're different because I'm a patriot killing for my people and you're a mercenary killing for profit!" Yeah, just can't care enough for this cheap Nikita knock-off.
In this case Dorothy of Oz is the big bad nemesis, Cinderella is the blond waspy misunderstood bad-ass and everyone is so over characterized the depth could be torn with a sneeze. "We're different because I'm a patriot killing for my people and you're a mercenary killing for profit!" Yeah, just can't care enough for this cheap Nikita knock-off.
March 8, 2014
Cindy is always a fun character to read. As with her last mini series this one is all action and all about her smarts. I love the background time jumps about her and silver slippers (no spoilers right!). The art is once again brilliant highlighted by the amazing covers. I want more Cindy please oh please let there be more mini series'
June 26, 2015
Really enjoyed this. When you break it down, the actual story is quite slight ( essentially details a somewhat adversarial relationship over several decades between Cinderella and someone else) but is done in such an entertaining way you don't mind. It's fun, has a great vibe to it, and a great synergy between script and art. Very clever use of fables and personalities too. Definite thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews