Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Fables: The Last Castle

By Matt Phillips
November 2, 2003 - 10:36

Fables tells the story of various fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters with the idea that they truly exist. Bill Willingham has taken the tales of our youth and presented a truly unique spin on them. In this stand-alone book, we are taken back to the story of the Last Castle and what drove the Fables out of their Fairy Lands. Characters such as Little Boy Blue, Blackbeard, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood show up for this epic tale.

Bill Willingham weaves the ideas and characters with skill and care. Each person in the cast is given a depth that is respectful to the original tales they sprang from. The story is graphic at times, both in storyline and artistic depiction, earning its Mature Reader suggestion. I still didn't fully grasp the idea behind the abandonment of the Fairy Lands. But the overall story by Willingham made me enjoy the ride nonetheless.

The art was beautiful in its line work and storytelling. Craig Hamilton penciled the book with layouts and inks by P. Craig Russell. Lovern Kinzierski provided the gorgeous colors and separations. The attention to detail and characterization really made the story come alive. I have always been impressed by the art of Hamilton and Russell, and this book is no exception. They both have a flair for elegance and distinctive styles that are elegant and beautiful.

I recommend this book to fans of the series and those that have been wanting to give it a try for the first time.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12