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Jack of Fables
Jack of Fables, Vol. 5: Turning Pages
Get ready for Jack's adventures out West, as Smiling Jack Candle crosses paths with a grim sheriff from back East who carries no gun.
"[A]ny sophisticated comics fan will enjoy." - Publishers Weekly
Collecting: Jack of Fables 22-27
"[A]ny sophisticated comics fan will enjoy." - Publishers Weekly
Collecting: Jack of Fables 22-27
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2009
10 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Bill Willingham
993 books2,827 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 15, 2021
A definite improvement on the previous volume with a Jack of Tales backstory, after which we get back to the main story arc, as The Bookburner makes his big plays. Some pretty good stuff in here, the characterisations of the Page Sisters; the power of the Literals; the evolving of Humpty Dumpty's character; the inter-relationships between the Laterals; the Babe panels; and the Fourth Wall breaking narration! Sadly one of the few characters I dislike is Jack himself, but I presume the creators will broaden his character in time? 7.5 out of 12.
May 6, 2020
For whatever reason Willingham and Sturges sucked all the humor out of the Old West story between Jack and Bigby. The serious take made for a boring book. The second half focuses on the Page sisters, showing some of their history. This was just OK too. The book is always better with more Gary and Jack than less.
April 16, 2017
Jack of fables is a completely different storyline compared to the central fables series. This spinoff is constantly a misguided and very jumbled series. I would like the series course correct with some stronger storylines and characters, but this deep into the series, you just know they won't. This chapter improves on the very basic story of the last chapter and the western storyline with Bigby is right up there with some of my favorites. I'm digging back into this series and hopefully finish it to start the new fables series released last year, Everafter.
June 23, 2010
For a titular character, Jack is a mere second banana in this collection.
March 15, 2021
The Fifth Vol of Jack of Fables was rather interesting. The first part with Jack of Fables in the Wild West was really well done. One of the main reasons is due to how dark the story is. This tends to be a humor laden comic. But the story worked for me.
The second part wasn't as good. It tells the story of the librarian sisters and the coming of the Bookburner. The Bookburner and the Head Librarian have been in conflict and Bookburner brings his ghost army of Fables to destroy the small community.
I really liked the first part and thought the second part was ok. This volume has a strange mix of darkness (1st story) and humor (the rest). I do tend to find the single page humor to be a bit of filler but that's fine I suppose. This is a funny series.
The second part wasn't as good. It tells the story of the librarian sisters and the coming of the Bookburner. The Bookburner and the Head Librarian have been in conflict and Bookburner brings his ghost army of Fables to destroy the small community.
I really liked the first part and thought the second part was ok. This volume has a strange mix of darkness (1st story) and humor (the rest). I do tend to find the single page humor to be a bit of filler but that's fine I suppose. This is a funny series.
July 18, 2012
My least favorite volume in the series so far, mainly due to the dreadfully boring first half, which is a 3-issue story about why Jack and Bigby Wolf don't get along. Could have been interesting, but between the dryness of the plot and the distracting historical facts that are inserted every few frames, it just dragged.
The second half of the volume gets back to the war brewing between the Literals, and although this whole series has only gotten a halfhearted response from me compared to the main Fables series, the way Jack's current danger is solved is wonderfully amusing.
The second half of the volume gets back to the war brewing between the Literals, and although this whole series has only gotten a halfhearted response from me compared to the main Fables series, the way Jack's current danger is solved is wonderfully amusing.
November 14, 2013
I actually rather enjoyed the focus of each page sister in this arc. Less so Jack.
February 17, 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 #19
Jack of Fables vol 05: Turning Pages
The first half of this volume is set in 1883. Jack is running wild, and someone needs to rein him in. Bigby is on the case. Turns out to have little consequence or bearing on the present tale. The next arc focuses on the Page sisters. Secrets revealed! Fourth wall broken. Oh no, the Bookburner is coming and can do bad things! We'll see. This just wasn't as fun as the previous entries. Next.
Fables First-to-Finale reading #19
Jack of Fables vol 05: Turning Pages
The first half of this volume is set in 1883. Jack is running wild, and someone needs to rein him in. Bigby is on the case. Turns out to have little consequence or bearing on the present tale. The next arc focuses on the Page sisters. Secrets revealed! Fourth wall broken. Oh no, the Bookburner is coming and can do bad things! We'll see. This just wasn't as fun as the previous entries. Next.
June 27, 2013
A great story set in 1883 and a fair story closing in on the end of the Literals arc
November 10, 2020
An all round okay comic, but no more than that.
I found the parts with Babe tedious and very much unfunny. Which is an issue, because they're served up as great comedy.
The cowboy thing was cool, but undeniably rather dry. I just don't think that completely breaking it off in favour of the blue ox was to anyone's advantage.
And then I'm just not liking this whole weird literals plotline thing. I don't like the concept or how it plays out.
Maybe it'll get better if it's ever actually explained what's up with them...
I found the parts with Babe tedious and very much unfunny. Which is an issue, because they're served up as great comedy.
The cowboy thing was cool, but undeniably rather dry. I just don't think that completely breaking it off in favour of the blue ox was to anyone's advantage.
And then I'm just not liking this whole weird literals plotline thing. I don't like the concept or how it plays out.
Maybe it'll get better if it's ever actually explained what's up with them...
May 19, 2009
Two story lines in this collection. The first one is self-contained, the second a continuation of the ongoing saga. I didn't really care for the first one either way. I usually don't mind one-offs and tangents in comics, especially when they answer a burning question. This didn't really feel like a satisfying answer to "Why the bad blood between Jack and Bigby?" It lacked the usual humor of the series, and the timing of the Babe the Blue Ox pages was odd (and even those pages weren't as funny as usual).
The second storyline fared better by me. Action, and furthering of the plot. Some clever plot twists. Much better comic use of Babe the Blue Ox, whom I think should have her own comic, or at least a blog. The saga of "Crash Ganesvoort, Special Ops Mime" was worth the price of the entire book.
The second storyline fared better by me. Action, and furthering of the plot. Some clever plot twists. Much better comic use of Babe the Blue Ox, whom I think should have her own comic, or at least a blog. The saga of "Crash Ganesvoort, Special Ops Mime" was worth the price of the entire book.
December 19, 2023
This book starts off with a long story about Jack the old western and has Bigby chasing him through America.
This back story provides insights to Jack's history and provides deeper characterization. The conman that we know of in the earlier volumes was earlier a bloodthirsty pillager.
The story showcases Jack's underlying animosity for Bigby.
This story with stark violence uplifts the novel.
The long running duel between the literals form the other parts of the book.
The stories of the Paige sisters provide insights into their characters and explains their reactions.
Loved the book.
August 2, 2021
Skimmed a lot of the first 3 issues since I'm not a huge fan of filler and I also think Bigby is about the most boring and annoying character in Fables and he's a large part of the reason why I dropped the main series. The second half of the volume came back to the present and was much better though. I like that we finally got a more in-depth look at all the Page sisters.
June 8, 2013
I didn't really get this one. The beginning was a story about Jack being an outlaw in the Old West and it turned him from a somewhat lovable rogue into a real villain. What was the point of stories that make him so completely unlikable? Just showing why Bigby hates him so much? Duh, Bigby hates anyone with that much bad attitude and total disrespect for everyone around him. And the rest of the book was more on track with the Bookburner vs. literals vs. fables story, but it was confusing too, I really didn't get the idea behind the narrator he used or her brothers. I'm sure there was some reference I was supposed to get and I'm just missing it but it just confused me. I didn't miss Jack as a narrator, that was fine, and there were some good twists to the story. I just didn't enjoy not understanding the point he was trying to make. Maybe it'll come clear in the next book.
December 3, 2011
This is the fifth installment of the JACK OF FABLES character by author Bill Willingham, who is probably best known for his previous FABLES series. The story starts out with Jack's history in the late 19th century focusing on his time leading robber bandits and then showing Bigby coming into town to take Jack out of the Mundy's perception range. From there it's back to a big setup between Fables and Literals (you have to read the series to get that in detail but Fables are as they sound and somewhat immortal and Literals are, well, the vote is still out on them but they're somewhat immortal too). The Jasper Kid was the best sub character. CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus to B; STORY/PLOTTING: B minus; EMOTIONAL IMPACT: B minus; ARTWORK: B plus to A minus; WHEN READ: today; OVERALL GRADE: B.
July 30, 2012
Well, this one is certainly a weak spot in the series. This book has two 3-part arcs. The first is a Wild West arc, featuring Jack as the head of a band of robbers. It's very forgettable, having none of the charm and humor of the rest of the series. The other arc is better, with some very funny bits: <\spoiler> particularly, the appearance of Dex, Robin joining Jack's band, and particularly evil Humpty Dumpty.
January 12, 2016
3.5 stars
March 21, 2020
I thought I wouldn't like the Jack series but I kinda do. These characters are growing on me.
August 22, 2020
Jack in the Wild West. Because of course he is. It's an interesting look at the life of a fable further back in time, Jack in particular. And it's nice to see the contrast between Bigby and Jack. Jack may be a fool, but at least he's a passionate one.
Then we get some more scenes back in the future where it looks like war is coming to the Jack of the Fables universe as well as the Fables series. Of course they're both more or less at once. I still do wonder if/when the Literals are going to start crossing over to the main series. Perhaps in Fables, Vol. 13: The Great Fables Crossover?
Also, this scene was particularly amusing to me:
I grew up a stones' throw from Jasper/Huntingburg, Indiana. You don't often hear about them in fiction though. They're small midwestern towns.
Spoilers and more pretty/awesome/pretty awesome pictures:
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It's funny because he's a talking horse.
That horse isn't so bright, is he?
[image error]
The Lessons of War. From one to another who have both lived through a small pile of them. Reminds me a bit of Wolverine (of X-Men fame).
Super strong and kind of hilarious.
Now we're back in the present and... it turns out they did put Humpty Dumpty together again... As a Deviled Egg. I love it.
Yolks on you, he's full of puns. Truely evil then.
Also, calling the Pathetic Fallacy a Pathetic Fuckwad is both a major language warning and kind of hilarious.
Another Literal! I don't really understand them, but it works. Incoming DEUS EX MACHINA!
Then we get some more scenes back in the future where it looks like war is coming to the Jack of the Fables universe as well as the Fables series. Of course they're both more or less at once. I still do wonder if/when the Literals are going to start crossing over to the main series. Perhaps in Fables, Vol. 13: The Great Fables Crossover?
Also, this scene was particularly amusing to me:
I grew up a stones' throw from Jasper/Huntingburg, Indiana. You don't often hear about them in fiction though. They're small midwestern towns.
Spoilers and more pretty/awesome/pretty awesome pictures:
[image error]
It's funny because he's a talking horse.
That horse isn't so bright, is he?
[image error]
The Lessons of War. From one to another who have both lived through a small pile of them. Reminds me a bit of Wolverine (of X-Men fame).
Super strong and kind of hilarious.
Now we're back in the present and... it turns out they did put Humpty Dumpty together again... As a Deviled Egg. I love it.
Yolks on you, he's full of puns. Truely evil then.
Also, calling the Pathetic Fallacy a Pathetic Fuckwad is both a major language warning and kind of hilarious.
Another Literal! I don't really understand them, but it works. Incoming DEUS EX MACHINA!
January 25, 2026
I jumped back into the world of Fables with both feet again, after a long break from the world. As I have drawn close to the end of the main storyline and have delved into the side stories, I have grown to like Jack and his spinoff series even more than the original.
Jack of Fables follows the biggest asshole of the Fable community, Jack. This guy is possibly the worst character a person could ever find themselves rooting for. He is a chauvinistic, arrogant, misogynistic, sleazebag, and a cad. He is a guy that could have it all if it weren't for his greed and his complete lack of morals. Basically, he's an idiot with charm and the charisma to con people out of almost anything.
In this volume of Jack of Fables, we get two stories. One is of Bigby chasing him down in the Wild West, as Jack runs around robbing and murdering his way across the American frontier. The second story jumps us back to the present where the Literates are duking it out with each other and Jack is caught in the middle as he tries to sleep his way around the Page sisters, again.
Confusing. Yes. I get it. We are jumping into the middle of a story after all.
You would think that this would be a hate read. The kind of read that you enjoy the protagonist getting his shit pushed in. Or something that just doesn't work, because the protagonist is so unlikeable, you DNF the whole thing in disgust. It's kind of how I felt reading Soichi, as I mentioned earlier in the month. Something that you read, then immediately need to take a shower because it was just a bit too icky.
This book, and series, is able to subvert those feelings though. No, you aren't cheering for Jack by any stretch of the imagination. And at the end of each story, when Jack is forced to flee once again because of his less honorable actions, you will be smirking and glad to see someone so deserving get their just dessert.
The artwork is very good. Not that I would expect anything different in a Fables production at this point. But it is worth putting out there. The detail and foreshadowing is really well done.
The story also is tight. These short story to novella length arches are complete, with no loose ends (other than to set up the next issue, of course), and don't leave any fluff to extend the read.
This is a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book. Everything about this volume is spot on. Unlike the main storyline graphic novels, these spinoffs do not feel like they have any filler issues. Each and every volume continues the story without adding in anything that is pointless or a distraction. The wild west chapters are tied back into the main story in how a character reacts to their surroundings. Is Jack a bad person? Yes. Do I enjoy reading his story and seeing what mischief he is going to cause next? Absolutely. I can't wait to pick up the next issue. If only they weren't so damned hard to find. Or so damned expensive when I do find them.
Jack of Fables follows the biggest asshole of the Fable community, Jack. This guy is possibly the worst character a person could ever find themselves rooting for. He is a chauvinistic, arrogant, misogynistic, sleazebag, and a cad. He is a guy that could have it all if it weren't for his greed and his complete lack of morals. Basically, he's an idiot with charm and the charisma to con people out of almost anything.
In this volume of Jack of Fables, we get two stories. One is of Bigby chasing him down in the Wild West, as Jack runs around robbing and murdering his way across the American frontier. The second story jumps us back to the present where the Literates are duking it out with each other and Jack is caught in the middle as he tries to sleep his way around the Page sisters, again.
Confusing. Yes. I get it. We are jumping into the middle of a story after all.
You would think that this would be a hate read. The kind of read that you enjoy the protagonist getting his shit pushed in. Or something that just doesn't work, because the protagonist is so unlikeable, you DNF the whole thing in disgust. It's kind of how I felt reading Soichi, as I mentioned earlier in the month. Something that you read, then immediately need to take a shower because it was just a bit too icky.
This book, and series, is able to subvert those feelings though. No, you aren't cheering for Jack by any stretch of the imagination. And at the end of each story, when Jack is forced to flee once again because of his less honorable actions, you will be smirking and glad to see someone so deserving get their just dessert.
The artwork is very good. Not that I would expect anything different in a Fables production at this point. But it is worth putting out there. The detail and foreshadowing is really well done.
The story also is tight. These short story to novella length arches are complete, with no loose ends (other than to set up the next issue, of course), and don't leave any fluff to extend the read.
This is a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book. Everything about this volume is spot on. Unlike the main storyline graphic novels, these spinoffs do not feel like they have any filler issues. Each and every volume continues the story without adding in anything that is pointless or a distraction. The wild west chapters are tied back into the main story in how a character reacts to their surroundings. Is Jack a bad person? Yes. Do I enjoy reading his story and seeing what mischief he is going to cause next? Absolutely. I can't wait to pick up the next issue. If only they weren't so damned hard to find. Or so damned expensive when I do find them.
August 19, 2022
"Because she feels everything, and she's not afraid to feel everything."
Jack of Fables is usually a very dumb series-and I don't mind that it is. It's funny and it's stupid and I absolutely believe that literature has every right to be those things. As much as I love a good tragedy, sometimes I need to laugh.
But, this series and this issue in particular, have some incredible moments of lucidity and some poignant writing that I really was not expecting from this series. Perhaps it was because the first story of this volume was rather...dark that it allowed itself to explore more themes but even the Page Sisters stories had a lot of interesting themes in them that really forced me to think.
I'm not going to lie, the wild west story was very slow at first. It wasn't in the usual Jack format and it was a slog to get through the first thirty pages, but once Bigby came along, it really picked up. As usual, the art in this volume was excellent. The fight scenes were dynamic and some of the best art in the volume. I thought the pacing of the first story could have been far better and that's mainly the reason why it avoids a five star rating.
I love the Page sisters so I knew I was going to love Turning Pages. The narrator, Eliza, was probably my favorite part and Jack's interjections were hilarious. It packed all the humor that the first story lacked but had some rather profound moments. I love the characters in this series most of all. I love how unabashedly wild and insane they are, as well as morally ambiguous. There were so many incredible quotes that I wrote down and the subtle roasts are really what make this series.
This series, at its core, is almost absurdist. And I love every second of it. I'm so excited to read the rest of it and this makes such a fun addition to my month of reading comic books.
Jack of Fables is usually a very dumb series-and I don't mind that it is. It's funny and it's stupid and I absolutely believe that literature has every right to be those things. As much as I love a good tragedy, sometimes I need to laugh.
But, this series and this issue in particular, have some incredible moments of lucidity and some poignant writing that I really was not expecting from this series. Perhaps it was because the first story of this volume was rather...dark that it allowed itself to explore more themes but even the Page Sisters stories had a lot of interesting themes in them that really forced me to think.
I'm not going to lie, the wild west story was very slow at first. It wasn't in the usual Jack format and it was a slog to get through the first thirty pages, but once Bigby came along, it really picked up. As usual, the art in this volume was excellent. The fight scenes were dynamic and some of the best art in the volume. I thought the pacing of the first story could have been far better and that's mainly the reason why it avoids a five star rating.
I love the Page sisters so I knew I was going to love Turning Pages. The narrator, Eliza, was probably my favorite part and Jack's interjections were hilarious. It packed all the humor that the first story lacked but had some rather profound moments. I love the characters in this series most of all. I love how unabashedly wild and insane they are, as well as morally ambiguous. There were so many incredible quotes that I wrote down and the subtle roasts are really what make this series.
This series, at its core, is almost absurdist. And I love every second of it. I'm so excited to read the rest of it and this makes such a fun addition to my month of reading comic books.
January 12, 2018
2.5 Stars
I knew it eventually had to happen. This was the first volume in all of the Fables series I really didn't care for. The first half was a story set in the old west starring Jack and Bigby. I usually like Westerns as I've even written a couple myself, but this took Jack from a lovable rogue to a total villain. He went around killing innocent people and showed nothing but disdain for everyone and everything other than himself. He's never been a great hero but he was more of an annoying jerk rather than truly evil. This story really made you like Jack less, and he's hard to like as it is. The second half was about the Fables Vs. Literals war that seems to be over my head for whatever reason. I just feel like I'm missing something. Hopefully the next volume improves as this was a letdown.
I knew it eventually had to happen. This was the first volume in all of the Fables series I really didn't care for. The first half was a story set in the old west starring Jack and Bigby. I usually like Westerns as I've even written a couple myself, but this took Jack from a lovable rogue to a total villain. He went around killing innocent people and showed nothing but disdain for everyone and everything other than himself. He's never been a great hero but he was more of an annoying jerk rather than truly evil. This story really made you like Jack less, and he's hard to like as it is. The second half was about the Fables Vs. Literals war that seems to be over my head for whatever reason. I just feel like I'm missing something. Hopefully the next volume improves as this was a letdown.
September 14, 2019
I look forward to where the series is going but this was my least favorite collection so far. The book starts with a three-parter that steps away from the ongoing story and tells an interesting look into Jack's past in the wild wild west. While the story is good, its lacking in the normal sense of humor. Its also completely ill-timed. The book then concludes with the main story continuation as things come to a head with the Page Sisters, Mr. Revise, Jack, and Mr. Bookburner. This serves as a prequel to the big war coming next. The book overall just lacked focus and the humor was missing for half of it.
March 5, 2022
Turning Pages is by far the best Jack of Fables story. First off I'll say this, Bigby carried the first half of this story! 6 issues in turning pages, with the first 3 being about Bigby hunting down Jack for bringing too much attention to himself by killing a lot of mundies. These issues take place in 1883. The next 3 issues take place in present time. Book burner is on the move to the organization that kidnaps fables and Jack is on his way to helping the camp. War is coming, Book burner vs Mr. Revise. Overall 8.5/10
January 15, 2021
The first half of this volume was about Jack the outlaw. A continuation of the previous Americana theme. The second half was about the three Page sisters and the war between Mr Revise and the Bookburner. While both storyline were fun in their own ways, I don't get why the first half was not packaged with the Americana volume? I am unsure if the Literal's storyline was strong enough for me to check out the their comic.
August 26, 2025
More Jack shit. BUT, this time we got a bunch of Lore on the Literals.
IT's interesting how we got way more interesting characters in this, than the Fable books.
I'm intrigued by the literals and want to understand more, specially their hierarchy... or family tree.
And I'm totally unimpressed, but not surprised, that this volume end in a huge cliffhanger.
Sometimes I REALLY question old Bill on his ability to think ahed plotwise.
IT's interesting how we got way more interesting characters in this, than the Fable books.
I'm intrigued by the literals and want to understand more, specially their hierarchy... or family tree.
And I'm totally unimpressed, but not surprised, that this volume end in a huge cliffhanger.
Sometimes I REALLY question old Bill on his ability to think ahed plotwise.
July 20, 2018
Siento que el tema del salvaje oeste se podría haber hecho mucho más interesante, la rivalidad Bigby- Jack daba para bastante. Pero compensa con las historias de las 3 hermanas Page. ¿Podrá llevarlas Jack a la cama a las 3 juntas? ¡Claro! No puedo esperar para verlo.
July 24, 2020
Best volume since the first volume. The first half is a solid story; the second half is a return to the same ol’ same ol’ but with a bit of building conflict that feels like it may have lasting implications.
June 14, 2021
Considering I started at Vol 5 I don't feel like I've missed a great deal, the writing is good, the art is okay, not heavily stylised or too colourful. The story is simple enough and ends halfway through to accommodate another story.
December 3, 2023
The last of the five collections I picked up in a lot and I'm done with Jack and his silly lad-mag bollocks. There is just so much padding here aimed at disguising how thin everything really is. Bye now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews