Fables Vol. 3: Storybook Love

In volume 3 of the hit Fables series, Willingham branches out from what came before. While the first two collection comprised one full story arc, this volume gives us two stand alone stories, one two-issue arc and one four-issue arc. The first solo, 'Bag O'Bones', flashes back to the American Civil war and Jack the Trickster's role in it. While none of the other Fables show up, this story is pretty funny, and does a great job showing just how wide the scope of this series is. I can't wait to see what other flashes from the past come up in this series. Next we have the two-part arc the aptly named 'two-part caper'. In this arc, Bigby and the some other fables join forces to stop a reporter from breaking the news of the community to the general public. I would honestly call this the best arc, and transitions perfectly into the next story. The title arc, 'Storybook love' comes next. Some serious political gamesmanship starts up in this arc that leaves me very excited for the next volume, but unfortunately, I didn't think this was the greatest. It might just be personal preferences, but I keep expecting more from Snow White as a character, and this story does not deliver. The end was just needlessly melodramtic. Finally, the one off 'Barleycorn Brides' is a light-hearted backstory on the Lilliputians, and how they came to set up there community in the Farm. Not much to say about this story, it's just a pleasant filler arc.

This is the third book in the Fables series. Unlike the first two books this one is comprised of four separate tales. This installment does an excellent job of filling in some background while still moving the main story along. The first installment tells about Jack the Giant killer and his love of a cursed southern belle. The second talks about Bigby Wolf dealing with a reporter who thinks he's discovered the secret of Fabletown. The third is the longest and progresses the story the furthest; this one is about Goldilocks trying to kill Snow White and Bigby. The fourth is about Jack and the Beanstalk. All of the stories are engaging and interesting. The third (Storybook Love) about Snow White and Bigby ends on a total cliffhanger that had me dying to know what would happen next. The illustration is in keeping with previous book; although the fourth story didn't have as detailed artwork as the three that came before it. This book was another engaging, humorous, and interesting set of Fabletown tales. I am absolutely hooked on this series and excited to read the 4th book, March of the Wooden Soldiers. The world continues to gain complexity and I am always surprised by the fables that pop up in the storylines. It is fun to try and figure out who is from which fable/fairy tale. Overall an excellent installment to this series. I am eager to find out what happens next. It was great to get background on some of the characters as well as have the story progress. This is definitely an adult graphic novel; there is nudity and violence. Fans of fairy tales, humorous urban fantasy, or just fantasy graphic novels in general should make sure to check out this series.

I don't know why it took me this long to get on board the FABLES bandwagon. For years now, left and right, everyone's been pimping this series to me. Now, count me converted. I finally read a FABLES trade paperback, and, it turns out, everyone's right. This is some of the best reading currently being produced in comic book-dom, and I got straight-away hooked. FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE happens to be the third volume, and is so good I just had to say stuff about it. Some background: Once upon a time, some terrible, terrible thing called the Adversary went on an all-out bloody invasion of the fairy tale kingdoms, causing now suddenly deposed magical creatures, these "fables," to flee to far distances in search of sanctuary. The refugees escaped into our world and were able to make a home of sorts. And, so, today, in a nondescript nook of New York City sits Fabletown. Ah, but if the regular Joes only knew... And, by the way, those fairy tale creatures who couldn't pass for humans instead while their days away in a concealed place called the Farm, in upstate New York. As you may imagine, being forced to live in seclusion tends to foster unrest. See

I liked the first two volumes of "Fables," but felt some of the characterization was a bit uneven as Willingham developed his characters and the world of Fabletown. In this volume, there is one sequence that advances the main story arc and further develops the characters of Snow White, Bigby Wolf, and Prince Charming, and three other stories which stand on their own. I felt the characters were all much more real in this volume, and the setting more solid. The main story (which advances the series' overall plot) features the return of Goldilocks, whose appearance always seems to guarantee a bloodbath, and develops the relationship between Snow White and Bigby Wolf. Bigby becomes a much more interesting character in this story, starting to become more than just a "Wolverine" knockoff. Prince Charming also takes a minor but significant role in this story, and surprisingly, also becomes much more interesting, as we see that he can be more than just a manipulative cad. One of the secondary stories is about a muckraking journalist who discovers the Fables' secret and threatens to expose them. It introduces Briar Rose, aka "Sleeping Beauty," and also stars Bigby Wolf, Prince Charming, and Bluebeard. The other two secondary stories are more traditional fairy tales that have nothing to do with the main story arc, but flesh out the characters and world of the Fables. One is set during the Civil War and stars Jack of the Tales as his usual scoundrel self. The other tells of how the Lilliputians came to our world and joined the other Fables on The Farm.

Following on from FABLES: LEGENDS IN EXILE and FABLES: ANIMAL FARM, here's the third volume compiled from the series. In it Boy Blue falls for Red Riding Hood while fighting the Adversary's minions; a stupid journalist thinks he can unmask the residents of Fabletown for the vampires he thinks they are; an evil plot has surprising consequences for Bigby Wolf and Snow White; and we find out about Barleycorn Brides. And that's just for starters. The consequences of some of the things that happen here will, as they always do in these tales, through what follows later. It also deals with the further interaction between the crazed revolutionary Goldilocks and Snow Whit, who, as we may remember from ANIMAL FARM, has a bone to pick with Goldie. The pace continues unabated, with the story-lines mostly interleaved and hanging together; though Boy Blue's adventures are 'historical' (but need to be told, so we understand what happens in the next volume: FABLES: MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS), and the Barelycorn Brides snippet appears to bear only a slight connection to anything going on in the main-line story thread. There's some serious violence and blood, plus some sex; people die; journalists get their due desserts, as does a fable, long overdue for the dispensing of justice; Bigby and Snow do some serious bonding in the wilderness. Nice pace, engaging tales and, though happy endings are far off or maybe will never come, there is a good deal of overt and suppressed romance. Full marks, as always. Till Noever, owlglass.com, Author: KEAEN, SELADIENNA, CONTINUITY SLIP

I worried a bit over the rating to give this volume in Bill Willingham's FABLES series. If judged by other volumes in the series, it would probably merit a 4 star rating. But judged by the vast majority of comics and graphic novels, it easily deserves 5 stars. So, 5 stars it is. As other reviewers have noted, this collects four separate stories of unequal length. The longest by far gives the title to the book, "Storybook Love." This is a fun story entirely on its own merits, but it also sets up major changes in the books to come. I can certainly recommend this book in the series, but I especially recommend the series as a whole. And it isn't just fun. I have read Grimms' Fairy Tales and much of Calvino's ITALIAN FOLKTALES, but I frequently find myself scurrying off to find out who this or that character in the story is. Definitely one of the finest comics series around.

This series is great at drawing you in. (Though I could do without some of the excessive smut). The art in this volume ranges from great to really ugly. There are a few scenes I was just wondering how the artists approved...I know western comics often have odd anatomy and faces in certain panels...but some are a little too bad in this one. Overall though, this is a pretty fun volume. I was happy to see a Munchkin carrying an "Uncanny Oz Men" comic, and I can't wait to see more Oz characters show up in the story. Snow White and Bigby have some fun scenes in this one as well as some awkward ones and a couple of despicable characters bite the dust. I really liked Briar Rose in this volume, her curse is interesting and I'm glad they explored it some here.

Give me more!!! The story, of course, is wonderful. In ready for the next volume. My only gripe is that, in mobile/tablet, this volume has a terrible interface. The zoom in bit is awful and leaves out a lot of the artwork. Still five stars, but i prefer the view where each panel gets its own page. Oh well. Love the story either way.

This is the third book in the graphic novel collections of Bill Willingham's Fables. As such, it features great artwork and a riveting story. The denizens of Fabletown, refugees fairy tale characters living in New York City, are threatened with exposure by a journalist who has been researching them for some time. With Snow White still on the mend, the protection of Fabletown falls to Bigby, Bluebeard, and Prince Charming. This brings into conflict two of the most ambitious men in Fabletown: Prince Charming and Bluebeard. The rest of the story focuses on their political machinations, which will have a big impact on Snow and Bigby's "relationship". If you enjoyed the first two Fable stories you will not be disappointed with Storybook Love.

Some parts of the story dragged on a bit, but I liked this volume overall. and wait to read the next volume!

In volume 3 of the hit Fables series, Willingham branches out from what came before. While the first two collection comprised one full story arc, this volume gives us two stand alone stories, one two-issue arc and one four-issue arc. The first solo, 'Bag O'Bones', flashes back to the American Civil war and Jack the Trickster's role in it. While none of the other Fables show up, this story is pretty funny, and does a great job showing just how wide the scope of this series is. I can't wait to see what other flashes from the past come up in this series. Next we have the two-part arc the aptly named 'two-part caper'. In this arc, Bigby and the some other fables join forces to stop a reporter from breaking the news of the community to the general public. I would honestly call this the best arc, and transitions perfectly into the next story. The title arc, 'Storybook love' comes next. Some serious political gamesmanship starts up in this arc that leaves me very excited for the next volume, but unfortunately, I didn't think this was the greatest. It might just be personal preferences, but I keep expecting more from Snow White as a character, and this story does not deliver. The end was just needlessly melodramtic. Finally, the one off 'Barleycorn Brides' is a light-hearted backstory on the Lilliputians, and how they came to set up there community in the Farm. Not much to say about this story, it's just a pleasant filler arc.

This is the third book in the Fables series. Unlike the first two books this one is comprised of four separate tales. This installment does an excellent job of filling in some background while still moving the main story along. The first installment tells about Jack the Giant killer and his love of a cursed southern belle. The second talks about Bigby Wolf dealing with a reporter who thinks he's discovered the secret of Fabletown. The third is the longest and progresses the story the furthest; this one is about Goldilocks trying to kill Snow White and Bigby. The fourth is about Jack and the Beanstalk. All of the stories are engaging and interesting. The third (Storybook Love) about Snow White and Bigby ends on a total cliffhanger that had me dying to know what would happen next. The illustration is in keeping with previous book; although the fourth story didn't have as detailed artwork as the three that came before it. This book was another engaging, humorous, and interesting set of Fabletown tales. I am absolutely hooked on this series and excited to read the 4th book, March of the Wooden Soldiers. The world continues to gain complexity and I am always surprised by the fables that pop up in the storylines. It is fun to try and figure out who is from which fable/fairy tale. Overall an excellent installment to this series. I am eager to find out what happens next. It was great to get background on some of the characters as well as have the story progress. This is definitely an adult graphic novel; there is nudity and violence. Fans of fairy tales, humorous urban fantasy, or just fantasy graphic novels in general should make sure to check out this series.

I don't know why it took me this long to get on board the FABLES bandwagon. For years now, left and right, everyone's been pimping this series to me. Now, count me converted. I finally read a FABLES trade paperback, and, it turns out, everyone's right. This is some of the best reading currently being produced in comic book-dom, and I got straight-away hooked. FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE happens to be the third volume, and is so good I just had to say stuff about it. Some background: Once upon a time, some terrible, terrible thing called the Adversary went on an all-out bloody invasion of the fairy tale kingdoms, causing now suddenly deposed magical creatures, these "fables," to flee to far distances in search of sanctuary. The refugees escaped into our world and were able to make a home of sorts. And, so, today, in a nondescript nook of New York City sits Fabletown. Ah, but if the regular Joes only knew... And, by the way, those fairy tale creatures who couldn't pass for humans instead while their days away in a concealed place called the Farm, in upstate New York. As you may imagine, being forced to live in seclusion tends to foster unrest. See

I liked the first two volumes of "Fables," but felt some of the characterization was a bit uneven as Willingham developed his characters and the world of Fabletown. In this volume, there is one sequence that advances the main story arc and further develops the characters of Snow White, Bigby Wolf, and Prince Charming, and three other stories which stand on their own. I felt the characters were all much more real in this volume, and the setting more solid. The main story (which advances the series' overall plot) features the return of Goldilocks, whose appearance always seems to guarantee a bloodbath, and develops the relationship between Snow White and Bigby Wolf. Bigby becomes a much more interesting character in this story, starting to become more than just a "Wolverine" knockoff. Prince Charming also takes a minor but significant role in this story, and surprisingly, also becomes much more interesting, as we see that he can be more than just a manipulative cad. One of the secondary stories is about a muckraking journalist who discovers the Fables' secret and threatens to expose them. It introduces Briar Rose, aka "Sleeping Beauty," and also stars Bigby Wolf, Prince Charming, and Bluebeard. The other two secondary stories are more traditional fairy tales that have nothing to do with the main story arc, but flesh out the characters and world of the Fables. One is set during the Civil War and stars Jack of the Tales as his usual scoundrel self. The other tells of how the Lilliputians came to our world and joined the other Fables on The Farm.

Following on from FABLES: LEGENDS IN EXILE and FABLES: ANIMAL FARM, here's the third volume compiled from the series. In it Boy Blue falls for Red Riding Hood while fighting the Adversary's minions; a stupid journalist thinks he can unmask the residents of Fabletown for the vampires he thinks they are; an evil plot has surprising consequences for Bigby Wolf and Snow White; and we find out about Barleycorn Brides. And that's just for starters. The consequences of some of the things that happen here will, as they always do in these tales, through what follows later. It also deals with the further interaction between the crazed revolutionary Goldilocks and Snow Whit, who, as we may remember from ANIMAL FARM, has a bone to pick with Goldie. The pace continues unabated, with the story-lines mostly interleaved and hanging together; though Boy Blue's adventures are 'historical' (but need to be told, so we understand what happens in the next volume: FABLES: MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS), and the Barelycorn Brides snippet appears to bear only a slight connection to anything going on in the main-line story thread. There's some serious violence and blood, plus some sex; people die; journalists get their due desserts, as does a fable, long overdue for the dispensing of justice; Bigby and Snow do some serious bonding in the wilderness. Nice pace, engaging tales and, though happy endings are far off or maybe will never come, there is a good deal of overt and suppressed romance. Full marks, as always. Till Noever, owlglass.com, Author: KEAEN, SELADIENNA, CONTINUITY SLIP

I worried a bit over the rating to give this volume in Bill Willingham's FABLES series. If judged by other volumes in the series, it would probably merit a 4 star rating. But judged by the vast majority of comics and graphic novels, it easily deserves 5 stars. So, 5 stars it is. As other reviewers have noted, this collects four separate stories of unequal length. The longest by far gives the title to the book, "Storybook Love." This is a fun story entirely on its own merits, but it also sets up major changes in the books to come. I can certainly recommend this book in the series, but I especially recommend the series as a whole. And it isn't just fun. I have read Grimms' Fairy Tales and much of Calvino's ITALIAN FOLKTALES, but I frequently find myself scurrying off to find out who this or that character in the story is. Definitely one of the finest comics series around.

This series is great at drawing you in. (Though I could do without some of the excessive smut). The art in this volume ranges from great to really ugly. There are a few scenes I was just wondering how the artists approved...I know western comics often have odd anatomy and faces in certain panels...but some are a little too bad in this one. Overall though, this is a pretty fun volume. I was happy to see a Munchkin carrying an "Uncanny Oz Men" comic, and I can't wait to see more Oz characters show up in the story. Snow White and Bigby have some fun scenes in this one as well as some awkward ones and a couple of despicable characters bite the dust. I really liked Briar Rose in this volume, her curse is interesting and I'm glad they explored it some here.

Give me more!!! The story, of course, is wonderful. In ready for the next volume. My only gripe is that, in mobile/tablet, this volume has a terrible interface. The zoom in bit is awful and leaves out a lot of the artwork. Still five stars, but i prefer the view where each panel gets its own page. Oh well. Love the story either way.

This is the third book in the graphic novel collections of Bill Willingham's Fables. As such, it features great artwork and a riveting story. The denizens of Fabletown, refugees fairy tale characters living in New York City, are threatened with exposure by a journalist who has been researching them for some time. With Snow White still on the mend, the protection of Fabletown falls to Bigby, Bluebeard, and Prince Charming. This brings into conflict two of the most ambitious men in Fabletown: Prince Charming and Bluebeard. The rest of the story focuses on their political machinations, which will have a big impact on Snow and Bigby's "relationship". If you enjoyed the first two Fable stories you will not be disappointed with Storybook Love.

Some parts of the story dragged on a bit, but I liked this volume overall. and wait to read the next volume!

Great story about the fables characters all posing as humans!

This volume has an interesting storyline, more character development, and is a fun read. I became a fan because of the Xbox version and if anyone else has played the game then they would enjoy this storyline as well. It adds to the relationships between characters and shows a side that isn't very present in the game. I really liked this volume and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read or fans of the Xbox game.

Bought 3 volumes and so far got 2 and they're perfect and so quick, wow! And really great price, TY!

The introduced to new characters was nice but they poorly wrapped up the previous volume in this one. The story was a bit more satisfying to read though and very hard to put down near the end of it.

I'm really enjoying this series and especially this volume. The art is as good as ever and I liked the inclusion of guest artists. The growth of the relationship between Bigby and Snow White is the highlight for me. Highly recommend this series.

The price was completely reasonable. Loved these comic volumes. I recommend to buy this as used a used copy. You get quite a bit of issues in this volume but in a used good quality priced item.

The best part about this is the adventure of the little spy. Worst part one of my favorite characters dies.

AFter playing the wolf among us on the PS4, my wife wanted these book so i got her the first three, the first two were great the third still good but not as much. they are an interesting twist on things and well worth your time to read

Perfect condition, and a wonderful read.

Loveed this book! Nicely paced, Good character development I could go on

This series is so much fun to read, I find myself unable to out it down!

been reading the fables comics and I have to say, not for kids but excellent for the adult mind. interesting,funny, and all around great.

This series continues to impress, the re-imagining of classic fairy tale characters has been surprising and enjoyable. More and more Bill Willingham continues to exceed my expectations.

Good

Book and story is great, however the cover was bent when I received it. Not sure if it was before or after shipping. It should be packed more carefully to account for shipping.

A must read.

I love this book its just what Id expect from Fables comic, recommend it to anyone young at heart with and edge for mystery.

Wish I'd found this series years ago!

These have all been fantastic!!!!

The third volume in the Fables series by Bill Willingham. Intricate layered storylines and beautiful illustrations. I reccomend this book and this series highly.

I just got into the Fable series and I like what I see. It's like Quentin Tarintino meets Disney. It's your favorite fairy tale characters in these gritty situation. It's awsome!

great greAT GREat

Down with Goldilocks. Continues nicely, Bigby and Snow White may finally be moving forward. It would have been nice if it was by their choice and knowledge.

Best tale I've read so far from Willingham. More substance and suspense.

This series is so great. Terrific writing and art style.

This series is amazing great quality

there were a lot of crazy surprises in this collection. I really love this series and can't wait to finish it.

This series only got better and better. Love the Adversary story arc and issues that focus on Snow and Bigby.

Always a great read!

Love everything about this series and this volume is no different. Plus I'm starting to like the little mini stories at the end.

Love these!!

Loved it.

A+!

Great!

I enjoyed that one as the previous ones. But the graphical change of the last story is plain and ugly.

I'm not one to write much, but I really enjoyed reading this. Lots of back stories creating more depth to this series.

This was a great volume with a bunch of short stories all tied in together. Very fast read. Can't wait to start the next volume!

I hate I need to say something just to give it a few stars. If you like Grimm or once upon a time this started it all!

Such a unique twist on some of our favorite fairy tale characters as well as an introduction to some less known.

LOVE

Has Bluebeard naked and being washed by a naked troll. 12/10

Happy with the purchase

LOVE IT!

Gorgeus edition!

I love this series, it's quickly become my favorite comic book! I wasn't in love with book 1, but every other book has been amazing.

bought this for gift receiver LOVED it and I didn't have to browse the brick and mortar store to find what he asked for. would recommend to others.

I love Fables!

There are many reviews here describing the amazing stories in this third compilation. Suffice to say that although the tales are incredibly varied and completely different in their focus and storytelling, they all provide consistency to the ongoing story fleshing out characters and traditions. All stories have indeed Love (occasionally lust) as an important motivator or driver, but quite different than the usual fairytales. There are self-interested sexual desires, a plan that requires someone who loves Briar Rose, a “potentially Romantic” potion that puts two mighty fables in jeopardy and leads to important political maneuvering (but in a much larger and fatal scale that the plan developer thought) and also the origin of a Lilliputian tradition to try to steal an artifact (actually, something in the artifact), initiated due to the fact that only a small group of male Lilliputians managed to escape the darkness and they had no wives. So love, in a fables sort of way, is in the air…and provided amazing stories and fascinating comic book art, although nothing could be further from the usual fairytale storybook love affairs.

Bill Willingham's Fables series is an absolute blast. Instead of simply revisiting the unique and interesting world he has created from "storybook legends" from all around the world, he's turned it into an organic enterprise. Things happen in the books. People change and characters die. Even eternal characters that have been around hundreds of years. Willingham isn't a one-note storyteller either. He doesn't just write adventure. He writes the stuff of fairy tale: adventure, whimsy, loss, mystery, etc. And he does it at a pace that leaves readers breathless. In the third volume of Bill Willingham's excellent series Fables, the writer presents readers with four stories instead of one. The last two graphic novel collects have each covered on arc, a murder mystery and a threat of war. Storybook Love presents three stories that spin entirely around love - lustful and temporary and troubled - and one that fits into the category with a little shoving. The first offering is about Jack, the one who climbed the Beanstalk and seems forever determined to get himself into trouble. Set during the troubled years of the Civil War and shortly thereafter, "Bag O' Bones" is a wonderfully American tale of Death being bested - and of the morbid yet hilarious consequences of the grim specter being taken off the playing field. Especially at a time of war. This was never an actual fairy tale, but it should have been. Willingham just has that wonderful touch of making the things he does seem real. "A Two-Part Caper" is a caper story that involves Sleeping Beauty. It seems that every time she pricks her finger in the mortal world, everybody around her goes to sleep and thorn bushes start growing everywhere. That has become a problem because the Fables have to keep a low profile and away from the prying eyes of the mortals. However, just letting readers know that these obstacles remain in the way of the Fables is awesome when you start thinking about all the problems some of the characters in storybook legend had. Things spin out of control in this story when a human reporters confronts Bigby Wolf, the Fables's one-man police unit, and tells him he's about to go public with a story about the Fables. Apparently he's noticed that the Fables live several hundred years. Of course, being human, the man is convinced they're all vampires. Although that isn't the truth, Bigby knows that he can't allow the man to start a stampede of attention. The resulting cover-up and frame job on the reporter is simply amazing and shows Willingham's versatility as a writer. I was in stitches when I read the lengths everyone went to in order to preserve their secret, and I loved the tension that built up between Bigby and Bluebeard, which only foreshadowed the graphic novel's next arc. "Storybook Love" concentrates on the coup that Bluebeard and returning fave villain Goldilocks initiate to get Bigby and Snow White out of the way so they can take over. The back-and-forth play throughout the plot is a perfect thriller and perfect escapism. Readers get a broader look at the whole world, and the fact that much of the interest focuses on the emerging relationship between Bigby and Snow, though no one knows for sure which path that's going to take. The action sequences in the story are very well drawn and accentuate the pacing. The fact that Bigby's father was the North Wind and that he can still blow down houses (and forests) came out of nowhere but fits perfectly with what we've learned about the character. I loved the Mouse Police (Mounted Police) and would love to see them in action again (though there was a significant loss in this story). And Bluebeard's fight with Prince Charming is wonderful, although it sets up more shenanigans that will be shortly forthcoming. The final story "Barleycorn Bride" is different. The art is markedly different but suited the tale well enough. And again Willingham shows his remarkable chameleon writing gifts as he crafts a story that truly could have been a fairy tale. I'm loving this series. I only regret that I discovered it so late, but at least now there are a lot of graphic novels at the local library to catch up with.

The premise of Fables is that certain characters from fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and classic children's literature are living sub rosa in New York, either in Manhattan, if they look human, or upstate on The Farm, if they would attract undue attention in the Big Apple. Why are they in Mundania? They had to flee their respective Homelands as these were conquered by a merciless Adversary who only offers two options: surrender to die. (The Adversary's identity is revealed eventually.) But some escaped through portals. The cover of the first volume, Legends in Exile, shows Snow White in running shoes racing to catch a subway crowded with characters, including Beauty and the Beast, Bluebeard, Prince Charming, and a Flying Monkey. This first story arc is a tribute to film noir, with a humanized Big Bad Wolf as the sheriff, called on by a frantic Jack to solve the murder of his girlfriend, Rose Red. Since Rose is her estranged sister, a distraught Snow White involves herself in the investigation. The seductive but impecunious Prince Charming also shows up, which raises Bigby Wolf's hackles, because his own nostrils are wide open for Snow White. Animal Farm introduces the wilder elements, as Snow White runs for her life from an uprising of disgruntled Fables. When Reynard the Fox isn't making the moves on her, Shere Khan is trying to make a meal of her. A murderous, gun-toting Communist Goldilocks leads the rebellion. Storybook Love brings the Bigby Wolf-Snow White story arc to a crisis, while Bluebeard and Goldilocks connive to take over Fabletown. In volume four, March of the Wooden Soldiers, Fabletown is threatened with exposure by an observant journalist, and it becomes apparent that the Adversary plans to bring the war to Fabletown. The rest of the series divides between following the Snow White-Bigby Wolf saga, and the unfolding epic of the war for the Homelands, in which a most unlikely hero emerges. Along the way are background material stories, such as Mowgli's mission to win Bagheera's freedom and visit to the Arabian Nights realm to win allies in the war against the Adversary. Jack goes to Hollywood to make himself the most popular, and thereby the most powerful of all Fables. That's a funny storyline. There is considerable humor throughout, and more character development than any review can summarize. At the same time, some segments are R-rated for graphic sex and/or violence. All the stories are magnificently written by Willingham, and the many illustrators include Lan Medina, Alex Maleev, Mark Buckinham, and Steve Leiahola - who makes the Snow Queen look fine. (He did a lot of work on the X-Men in the Chris Claremont days.) This is the ongoing graphic novel series to look for when you have reread Watchmen enough times to memorize it. I simply cannot say enough good things about it. With 12 volumes in print, and more are on the way (Yes!), it is one of the treasures of comicdom.

Wow. Every volume of this impresses me more than the last. Each storybook character’s history and life gets so much fuller and richer with each installment. The art is wonderful and fits the story perfectly and the cover art is AMAZING. In this volume, we see what the people of Fabletown will do to keep their true nature a secret from a reporter. Let me just say it was super imaginative and done in only a way that people of fairy tales would do things. We also get a visit from Goldilocks and her attempts murder. She really is crazy. How Bill Willingham came up with a homicidal maniac Goldilocks is beyond me but it’s great. I really liked seeing Bigby Wolf and Snow White’s interactions too. And with that ending I’m really excited to see what will happen next.

This third volume in the excellent FABLES series is even better than the first two. The primary storyline picks up where

This third Fables trade paperback collects issues #11-18 of the Bill Willingham series. I'll presume anyone reading this is already familiar with the series and direct those unfamiliar to reviews for the excellent Volume 1 and 2 TPBs. For new fans, the first two pages of Volume 3 feature capsules of the main characters and summaries of the first two story arcs. The two-part caper "A Sharp Operation", penciled by Lan Medina, shows a tabloid journalist about to expose the secrets of Fabletown. The title story arc, penciled by Bryan Talbot, spans issues #14-17 and focuses on Bluebeard's and Goldilocks' deadly conspiracy against Bigby and Snow. Both of these plotlines feature outstanding development of the characters from the first ten issues. This TPB is bookended by a pair of lesser one-shots featuring (respectively) Jack in the post Civil War American South and a flashback to the legend of the Lilliputians. The artwork in the former includes some finely detailed scenes but that of the latter tended toward the cartoonish. Overall, the cover price offers good value for an eight issue collection, especially considering Amazon's discount.

In the third volume of Bill Willingham's great Fables, we are treated to multiple storyarcs. Two one-shots, a two part caper, and a four part revenge story make up the plotlines of Storybook Love, which is the best volume yet. Starting with Bag of Bones, we see some things that Jack of the Tales has done to earn his trickster reputation. In an attempt to get rich, he intended to marry a southern belle and would win her over by joining the Confederates in the Civil War. Though, as we all know, the war didn't turn out the way he expected it to. After the war, he ran into a (possibly demonic) man whom he bamboozled in a card game. Using a magic sack won from the man, Jack went as far as to prevent death, with some rather, um, graphic results. In the caper story, we are introduced to Briar Rose, popularly known as Sleeping Beauty, who is still victim to the curse whenever she gets a pricked finger. When a reporter claims that he has figured out the fables' secret (he believes them to be vampires), he warns Sheriff Bigby Wolf that he is going to publish and unless they don't want any input, he had better give him an interview. Wolf refuses, and plans a scheme to discredit the journalist. Using Boy Blue, Jack, Bluebeard, Prince Charming, and Briar Rose, they knock out the entire building, using Briar Rose's curse, and proceed with their plan. The plan is nothing one would ever see in a storybook; it involves blackmail and murder threats. Wolf is ruthless to the man, and it ends with a rogue fable taking care of things his own way. Storybook Love is somewhat of a followup to Animal Farm. Goldilocks, an insane militant is still on the run from Snow White and Bigby Wolf, and it turns out that none other than Bluebeard is hiding her (for a price of course, which at the time is quite lewd). Still angry with Wolf for the way Wolf treated him in the caper, Bluebeard gives Goldilocks the means to take out Snow and Wolf. Bluebeard magically hypnotizes the pair and sends them off on a camping trip from which he thinks they will never return. After they wake up, they soon are running for their lives from Goldilocks, which is still hard for Snow White, because she is still using a cane from the incident in Animal Farm. While in the woods, Snow and Bigby are able to get to know each other better. The story ends with two great twists; one of which involves Snow White beginning to shed her image of an ice queen. Finally, in Barleycorn Bridge, Wolf tells Flycatcher the story of Smalltown, a community at the Farm. It was founded by the Liliputian army (Liliputians are the tiny people from Gulliver's Travels) after they escaped from the Adversary's armies in the Homelands. Since the army was made up of only men, they immediately realized that they had a problem; without women their size, they couldn't procreate or find love. A liliputian and his bird go on an adventure back to the Homelands to solve the problem. Fables continues its wonderful subversive nature. The stories are both humorous and horrific. Goldilocks is an insane girl who likes interspecies flings, and who, towards the end, ends up looking pretty grisly. Prince Charming is a jerk who can sway women due to his impressive looks, but becomes a bigger burden than he's worth. And Pinnochio, well his role in the story is better left unspoiled. Willingham does an excellent job of telling stories with such famous characters, but doing them with his own unique twists.

Unlike in the first two volumes of Fables, there is no single story arc in this one. Instead we get four tales of different lengths that help fill in the Fables world. In "Bag o' Bones" Jack the Giant Killer has allied with the South in the Civil War. Once fortunes turn against the South, Jack winds up having adventures involving the Devil, Death, and a beautiful cursed Southern Belle. In "a Two-Part Caper" a reporter contacts Bigby to let him know that he knows his secret. He has discovered the colony of immortals and is convinced that they are vampires. Bigby, with the help of Sleeping Beauty, Bluebeard, the Frog Prince, Prince Charming and Boy Blue, makes a late night raid to ensure their secret is kept. In "Storybook Love", the longest story in the collection, Bigby and Snow become targets and are removed from Fabletown, Prince Charming squares off against Bluebeard, a villain returns, unforseen repercussions arise, and Charming decides to look into running for mayor. Bigby tells The Frog Prince the story of "Barleycorn Bride" wherein John Barleycorn must help the rest of the refugee Lilliputians find brides their own size. The tales in this volume are well-done. The first and last help fill in some of the history while the middle two move the modern story along very nicely. Another very entertaining read.

Collects issues 11-18 "Bag of Bones": A one-shot tale of Jack during the American Civil War. Guest Artist Bryan Talbot. "A Sharp Operation": A two-part story in which a reporter thinks he's discovered the Fables' secret. We see Briar Rose's (Sleeping Beauty's) curse in action: if she pricks her finger, everyone around her falls asleep. This can be useful if used creatively. Guest Artists Lee Medina and Craig Hamilton. "Storybook Love": A four-part story. Prince Charming and Bluebeard practice their fencing. Bigby figures Snow likes him more than she's willing to admit. An impromptu camping trip has unexpected results. And what's Goldilocks been up to? Art done by the regular (and great!) team of Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha. "Barleycorn Brides": A one-shot tale of how the Liliputians set up a colony at the Farm. Guest artist Linda Medley.

Bill Willingham, Fables: Storybook Love (Vertigo, 2004) The Fables series gets Storybook Love for its third book, and it runs through four complete stories. "Storybook Love" is the longest of them, and the one that's actually integrated with the series. The others are one-offs concerning Jack (of the beanstalk fame), the Lilliputians, and Bigby and co. trying to stop a misguided journalist from exposing the inhabitants of the building as vampires. In "Storybook Love," Bluebeard gets the idea that it would be a fine thing were he to take over the leadership of the New York contingent. (Where he gets the idea would be a spoiler.) In order to help his plan along, he drugs Bigby and Snow and sends them packing-- literally; they wake up from the mind-control drug camped out in the foothills of the Cascade mountains... and they're not alone. The Fables books are a wonderful thing, they are. The stories are delightfully twisted, constantly referencing the fairytales whence these characters spring, and blending a good deal of darkness into the general absurdity (the "suggested for mature readers" tag is to be taken seriously here); folks who aren't attached to fairytales via an unhealthy level of nostalgia will likely get a real kick out of the cleverness. Definitely recommended. *** ½

This volume collects issues 11-16 of the monthly comics. The first and last issues each tell self-contained stories tangential to the main Fable world. The central two-thirds of this book moves the general story arc along with the precision of a physics lesson: as the pressures increase within this little community, the situations heat up. Prince Charming is charming only in name - his womanizing takes a notably non-mythical turn. Goldilocks still dates out of her species (not that I have anything against other species, mind you, but I'm not sure I'd want my sister to marry one). Briar Rose takes a nap. Snow White and Bigby end up on a hot date - neither has memories from it, but one has something else. The Fable mythos updates many of our childhood fairy tales, in a world of distant warfare and urban exile. If you've followed the story since volume 1 of the collections, you'll know that my plot hints say just about nothing - there's always another twist to the creativity that brings these characters to new life. The artwork doesn't blaze new trails and people looking for BamPow super heroes will find only a little, very little, to cling to. The art team is strong and competent, though, and the scripting creates characters that you really want to like (or to dislike, trust your judgement). Also - I'm not sure this is wholly a good thing - the series grows on you. I'll be back for more, and in proper story order for once in my life. -- wiredweird

The Good: A couple of really interesting story lines going on, with the four separate stories told as a collection instead of an ongoing story. I always love Bigby and Snow working together and this volume spends some real quality time with them. We get to see a lot of Bluebird, and while not a fun character to follow, it certainly is revealing. Both Jack's and the Lilliputians' stories are flashbacks, giving a great look at the histories of these characters. The Bad: There seems to be a sad case of "one step forward, two steps back" going on here that I rather wish the author had decided against.

Sometimes, authors don't know what they have. I'm sure the creators of classic fables like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow white never thought the villain of one and the protagonist of the other would ever find love, but author Bill Willingham finds a way to make it work in this intelligent and beautifully illustrated story arc. The fables, exiled from their home world, live in Manhattan and exist as a fractured community, faced with the mundane (they call normal human Mundys) and the fantastical (Beauty's Beast turning beastial in appearance whenever she's mad at him), all under the watchful and creative eye of Willingham. Reading this (or the other two excellent collections), one gets the feeling Willingham has done a lot of research into the original fables and not the Disneyized versions we have come to know. Literary buffs, academics, those who like a good laugh and anyone who wanted to know what happened after they lived happily ever after should pick this up. Beware, however, that this is not for children. Let them grow up with Disney and they'll be very entertained when they're old enough to read this.

This book was actually easier to read than the others, with handy little recaps and a list of characters. It also ups the suspension really well, making me very curious to see what happens in the later comics. I did notice, though, that parts of the story are lost to you if you don't understand a fable reference, as I didn't in one section. You really have to be well-versed in the good old stories to get the full experience while reading these. In my notes, I write: "How are the wolf & Snow White not like Bella & Edward? Oh yeah, Snow White actually HAS a brain." which I completely will stick with. I love the two of them together, perfecting imperfection. Rating: 5/5

In this marvelous and engaging series of funnybook stories collected here, Bigby Wolf (also known as the Big Bad) attempts to romance the ever-elusive Snow White while Prince Charming (having divorced Snow White, Briar Rose, and Cinderella) kills Bluebeard and a homicidal Goldilocks is on the lam. Throw in the Mouse Police that never sleep, the Lilliputians and Thumbelina, and a flying monkey serving temporarily as a mayor and what a fun, rollicking romp through archetypes and the collective unconsciousness. Just some of the best comics reading around, but as others have mentioned elsewhere, this isn't Disney and these aren't the sweet and sticky fairy story characters the unwitting might suspect.

Continuing the "Fables" saga, this book brings together two story arcs (one involving a "Mundy" reporter who thinks he's uncovered the Fables' real nature, the other throwing Snow White and Bigby Wolf together) with some shorter, one-issue stories. One is about Jack, the trickster, who gets in over his head during the Civil War after fighting for the Confederacy, and the other introduces us to "Smalltown," the community of Lilliputian exiles. The stories are, as always, good, but be warned: these comics may be about fairy-tale people, but this is not meant for children---there are scenes involving nudity and other "adult" subjects. That said, it's quite good and well worth the money.

A story focusing on the ramifications of the attack on Snow White by Goldilocks, in the main. That main arc is bookended by two stand-alone issues, one of Jack Horner and his time from the civil war, and the last is Bigby Wolf recounting a story about little Fables and the quest for barleycorn girls. The important story involves, Goldilocks, Bluebeard, Prince Charming, who is proving himself a bit of a spymaster, and a plot to have Bigby and Snow killed. Quite good again, as Fables continues to be well done, particularly as the whole fair tale character thing is not something I am disposed to like in the main, but this urban transportation of these characters is good stuff. For Big Bad Wolf fans, there is some gold awaiting.

The Fables story continues in this volume and it is a great read. The art continues to look great. This is the collection of issues #11-18. In this volume Bluebeard has finally came up with a plan to rid himself of Bigby and Snow White involving Goldilocks, from

After the last book, I enjoyed this one more. I skipped the 2 short stories in the beginning and the end. (Jack just doesn't interest me as a character) The chemistry Bibgy feels for Snow is finally addressed and the whole "will they or won't they?" is finally answered. Needless to say both are in for a little surprise at the end.

The premise of this wonderful series is to rewrite and expand the world of fairy tales. They characters of which has entered our world fleeing a great evil. Lost of fun, smart and witty, typical american style illustrations for the most part, but nice. Some similarities of premise to the Sand Man series, but not quite as inventive or as extensively research and deep. Start at #1 for the best read.

It deserves 5 stars for good story and unexpected turn of events. In this volume Prince charming decides to do something "noble" in the absence of snow and bigsby. Meanwhile, Lilliputian and Rex (miniature policemen) have uncovered a plot by blue beard but being minuscule in size compared to the more dangerous denizens of fable they attempt to report their findings.

The third collection of Bill Willingham's Fables continues to impress. The art, especially by Mark Buckingham is fantastic and absoultely perfect for this series. The main tale, involving Snow, Bigby, & Goldilocks was great and the surrounding tales involving Jack and others in the Fables world didn't dissapoint. Really good stuff. I'm excited to read the next trade!!

I really like this series. The tongue-in-cheek nature of some of the characters juxtaposed with the dead-real nature of others mixed with the fantasy of near-immportal characters from Western fables (both well-known and, now, lesser-known) living in the city of NY is a great idea. The good artwork and coloring is just an added bonus.

Unlike the other volumes (that I've read), this one isn't a mostly coherent tale, instead it contains four different stories. It's a slight step down from what I've already read and the next volume, but not much of one. Still is great stuff.

What a great series! I'm still hooked!

This volume is separated in distinct sections and stories compared to the first two. This destroyed the fluidity and made it hard to follow. When the volume started, it reminds me of Supernatural with the soul trading. I was pretty amused. And it got super intense and exciting when a reporter tried to expose the fables. I love how some of the fables characters had a heist to prevent the exposure to happen, but it felt short. To me it was a silly kind of heist, nothing that made you stop breathing. You know what everyone is going to be save and sound. But the plot was pretty interesting. I do have to say that I am not a fan of the character Snow White. Every time she appeared in the volume, it was just politics, politics, blah, blah, blah. Boring! But as the story moved on, I hated her less, perhaps it was because she became more human to me. When Snow and Mr. Wolfe was in the forest, it reminded me of Twilight mix with the action of The Hunger Game. I wanted more! I was screaming in my head to "run, run, run", and "awwwww". It definitely left me wanting to read more to see how this "relationship" turns out. I enjoyed the last section of the distinct section about SmallTown. The drawings were more cartoon than comics. It was very rustic and less defined, kind of like children's picture books. I was a little lost from the transition because I didn't understand how this story was connected to the previous one. It seemed like who ever created this volume just put this story in to fill in the space. :S But I did enjoyed the story.

This series is one of the better things in the comic world since the Sandman series ended and Batman storylines seem to be regressing to the "wam" "pow" era... More please Mr Willingham

tgwwegrg

I am hooked on this series like a big fish in small pond. MORE PLEASE!

Excellent comic book series by VErtigo. It is a must, if you want to continue with the Fables saga.

Overall this is still a great series, however I do prefer longer story arcs and this collection of shorter stories, with a more childish focus, didn't grab me in the same way. In addition, with a number of artists working on different stories, some of the artwork will be more to your taste than others, and as a result some will not. Still, overall this does not detract from the excellence of the series so far. Hopefully the next volume will se a return to form.

Another very strong installment in what is turning out to be an absolutely brilliant series, this time Bluebeards villanous plan comes to fruition and leads to something that wasn't expected as Snow and Bigby bond. The world building continues about what happened in the homelands, as well as how the community in New York and the farm functions. I find myself totally captivated by the storytelling and rush through each book before running off to buy the next, an unbroken run of form so far.

As an avid comic reader and ever since reading Gaimans Sandman series I have adored the way fairy tales are told. This book fires the imagination and engages thoughtfulness. I highly recommend it, from the detailed and beautiful graphics to.the smooth, surprising narrative. On to the next in the series!

the fable series so far has been the best ive ever read its amazing every page i turn opens my eyes more and more this one is my favourites out of the fable comics so far how many times ive missed my bus stop because when i read this i lose the sence of time and realty honestly best books ever and i hope the series only gets better

Just keep on reading

Loved this

Not the strongest book in the series, in my opinion, but it's a good read and, of course, essential to the series for the character development and background information it provides.

daughter bought for boyfriend. good present for fan.

This book was amazing! The beginning of the book consists of one oneshot story with Jack and follows up with a two issued story about Bigby and a "vampire problem", then the storybook love main story begins. Really nice art in there and even one epic scene with Bigby that gave me goosebumps. Recommend to anyone who's read the previous two books.

A very well received Xmas gift

Fantastic, book.

Great artwork and paper, if you read Fables then buy it now!

This series is so good ! Am slowly getting through it and love it ! It's like a cross between a service story and political story ! Soon good

perfect

Great product, fast dispatch!

good comic very entretaning

Love the art style

Really enjoyed this volume

Class loving it. Play the game the wolf amount us also very very very very good. Blah blah blah done

This is a great comic, highly recommend to everyone!

Fantastic. Good price and quick delivery.

Excellent series, the plot and characters are an amazingly creative spin on old tales. Would five-star this if the Kindle edition had been scanned at a readable resolution. Two page speads are illegible on a tablet, much worse on a decent sized monitor. Total failure on the part of whomever digitized and compiled the ebook.

First the product I received was in excellent condition and arrived when promised. The story in this one is among my favorite in the series so far, the art for the main story is fantastic, and even some of the border styles and layouts are varied and were not expected but well received by myself. The additional story to this book is the weakest part, with the art style being so different from the rest of the collection that it is a little jarring. Overall I love this collection, and plan on continuing my reading of it.

Ótimo plot, ótimo casal, ótimo twist. Amo amo amo amo muito essa série e assim que puder vou arranjar o próximo volume.

Per chi come me colleziona questo genere è il top ....fatto bene...continuo ad acquistare anche le altre uscite perché mi sono piaciute tanto

I just started to read the series a month ago and I can't stop reading the issues. The story is great and characters are well drawn and at beginning of each issue to get to meet the characters in this issue and it gives you a recap of there story up to now.

Just the way I expected it.

surprisingly one of the best comic book series ever

I love the twist on the classic fairytale stories that Fables presents.

Fables. The best of the best. Billy at it again!

Cadeau et super surtout pour un fan