Fables, Vol. 19: Snow White

Summary: In the first half of this volume, we catch up with Bufkin, Lily, and company as they lead a revolution against the tyrant emperor who has seized control of Oz. In the second half, Bigby has taken off from the newly recolonized Fabletown in search of his two missing cubs, Therese and Dare. But back at home, Snow White, his wife, is confronted with someone she'd been doing her best to forget: her first husband. He's got powerful magic at his command, and a scheme to claim Snow White as his own and kill Bigby, but Snow White is not the kind of woman to let herself be taken so easily.

Review: I wasn't crazy about Volume 18 of Fables, but this one mostly managed to turn things around. I found Bufkin and Lily's story less interesting, show more and have ever since it was first introduced as a separate story thread. It had admittedly had some good moments (Hangy the Rope made me laugh more than once), but I'm also glad it's wrapped up and that the focus will be shifting back to more of the main characters. Snow White's story was… really uncomfortable, actually. I don't do well when characters I like are put in a position where they're powerless to stop terrible things from happening to them, particularly when there's elements of sexual violence involved (see also: the "Pegasus" episode of Battlestar Galactica), and while Snow isn't exactly powerless, her situation still left me with that same kind of uncomfortable claustrophobia. It's a good story, well told, and I think it represents another substantial turning point in the series. It just wasn't the emotionally easiest thing for me to read. 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation: The second half of this one, at least, felt like a return to some of the best parts of the early issues of Fables in terms of character development and storytelling, so Fables fans should be all over it. show less

ARC provided by NetGalley

In this collection, which collects issues ##124-129 plus its normal little extras like the covers for the series, focuses on Snow White. At the beginning of the collection we get the backup stories to previous issues, which show us what happens to Bufkin and his friends in the vast land of Oz. Back in the mortal world Castle Dark is now back in the hands of the Fables, but mysteries and secrets come to life, which threaten everything that they know. First Bigsby heads off to find the two missing cubs that have been lost to who knows where. Second, a long forgotten secret threatens Snow White and her marriage. A secret that will have dire consequences for all of the Fables, no matter what happens. And when show more things come to a head...heroes maybe lost. And new ones maybe needed to rise up from the ashes.

Fables, in my opinion, is the most unique continuing series on the market right now. Bill Willingham has taken familiar characters, like Snow White and the Big Bad Wolf, and given them new life and new purpose. This series constantly leave me speechless, in a good way, at the twists and turns that you never see coming. And this collection is no exception. While I haven't been the biggest fan lately of following Bufkin and his crew in Oz (its gotten a bit too...whimsical for my tastes) I enjoyed seeing how they wrapped up his adventure. But the star of this volume, as always, is Snow White. Bill has created a character in Snow that makes me wish she was real, for her strength, her fortitude, her love of those around her, and the strength that imbues her neighbors with. It's one of the best things about this series.

The artwork for this series is as usual, fantastic. The characters live and breathe on the page and there is such depth to the world around them that I always have to go back through and relook at the issue just to see what I might have missed. And I always love seeing what clues and details are hidden in the borders of the pages. In this volume my favorite pieces of art are of course with Snow White and Rose Red. I love seeing the two sisters interact with each other and show that they're made of stuff sterner than anyone else in this series is. And the artwork lets you see all of that at a glance. And when Bigsby comes back...you know what he brings as soon as he appear on the page. Strength and power and love for those around him. It's a joy to see art in this series.

I highly, highly recommend this collection. Bill Willingham has created a fantastic universe and continues to surprise me with the direction he's able to take the series. I have no doubt that my many questions will be answered in future volumes and I look forward to seeing where he goes with the story. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see what happens next. show less

Snow and Bigby just don't get any breaks do they? Not only does Bigby have to leave Fabletown to search for their two missing children (we know how that story winds up), but Snow's first husband also shows up. He's some crazy prince who she made an oath to marry long ago, and he is back with a whole lot of traditional thoughts and plans in his head - Snow a subservient wife, Bigby gone, and her children killed so that their new children will be it. In their conflict Bigby comes to an unfortunate end (hopefully to be brought back through witchcraft and his ancestrl wind powers), and Snow White has to kill the psycho herself. You go girl!

Another excellent and creative installment in this series! I never cease to be impressed by the creative turns and twists that the Fables series takes. I've always been a sucker for unique and creative twists on old tales, and this volume is no exception. I really liked the story with the monkey and the Barleycorn girl and their adventures in Oz, as well as the story of Snow's previous suitor coming to take her hand.

I don't want to say too much than what I have already said, because this volume is just too good to spoil. After how this story ended, I am more than eager to see the next volume! The excellent writing and creativity in this series just reinforces why I am such a fan.

By this point, we know the fates of four of the children, show more as revealed by the prophecy. Three remain - the second (pauper) the fifth (the hero) and the seventh (heaven-blessed) My personal theory is that Ghost will be the second - he does not eat and does not need other basic amenities to live (and therefore would not need money to pay for said amenities) Connor will be the hero bold, because of his personality and attitude, it seems to fit him best, and Blossom will be the heaven-blessed one. Before Ambrose's destiny was revealed, I thought he might be the seventh. This is just my educated guess, though, and I look forward to the unfolding of the rest of the prophecy. show less

This 19th volume of Fables brings us up to date with the story of Bufkin and Lily who are in Oz and helping to fight in the revolution against an evil emperor. Once Oz has been freed, Buflin and Lily dedicate their lives to helping oppressed people everywhere.

The story then shifts to Snow White and Bigby’s attempt to find their missing cubs. Bigby and Stinky set off in a magical car to trace the two missing cubs, but Snow White remaining behind falls into a far greater danger from Prince Brandish who claims Snow as his wife. This situation ends up with the death of a main character which I am sure will be addressed over the next few issues.

The complex characters and twisted storylines of this series keep it both original and unique. show more As always Bill Willingham takes his readers in a surprising direction and I look forward to seeing what will happen next. show less

What is it with Fables and Downton Abbey? Neither seems to be able to stop hammering away at my favorite characters. Even so, this volume still didn't match the extreme darkness of the last, and for that I am thankful. Still reeling from Bigby's death, though. This can't truly be the end, can it? The way Ambrose phrased his narration, they were without him for years afterward, so even if the witches have the power to bring him back, it doesn't seem like it will be any time soon. I kept hoping for Boy Blue to come back too, but I guess that makes me as delusional as Brock Blueheart. Although hope for characters not staying dead isn't without precedent. Bigby's a well-known character in the mundy world, and besides his own considerable show more powers and strength, he has that going for him since the really well-known characters are harder to keep dead. I loved Snow White in this issue even more than I usually do.

I enjoyed the Oz chapters at the beginning too, except for how short the chapters were. I wonder if these were companion issues or something when they originally came out. Having a chapter begin and end in just a few pages was disconcerting to read one after the other. It felt hurried, like the author had grabbed me by the arm and was forcing me to run with him. Funny stuff, though, especially the part with the reward poster.

Still one of my favorite series, and I was starting to have doubts after volume 18. show less

In this one we return to the land of adult stories. This graphic novel takes place at the same time as #18: Cubs in Toyland, but we are getting the other sides of the story before Therese's grand return at the end of Cubs in Toyland.

This volume shows the journey of Bisgby & friend searching the realms the tiger landed in getting Dare to the land where Therese had been stolen. It's, also, taking place in city where Snow has suddenly been kidnapped by an earlier suitor who is now holding her captive, claiming to be her first and only "one, true love"/husband.

These two tales are both slower than Cubs in Toyland, but just as important. (I'm counting out Buffin's Tale, because it really did not appeal to me on any level). I definitely show more loved that we saw the merit in Snow's metal and Bigsby's temper/stubbornness. We got great cameo's by The Mayor, Briar Rose (& her Crazy Demon Car), as Rose Red.

I'm still not sure what i'm making of the whole wedding negotiation yet. But it was nice to see Lake again.


I can't even talk about the massive, harrowing conclusion because "...spoilers, darling" but I'm clinging to every hope and belief that's not even marginally over so long as the text has told me there's a sliver of a chance in hell. After all. This is fairytales, fables, and magic. We read because it is impossibly possible. show less