30 Days of Books ~ Day 14

Day 14 ~ Favourite book of your favourite author

So, we circle back to Fables and the series running together... So, it is impossible to pick a favourite. This is my favourite Bill Willingham series, though! 

30 Days of Books ~ Day 13

Day 13 ~ Your favourite writer

Holy hard question...

I am going to go with Bill Willingham, but only because if I went through all my favourite authors we would be here a while! I definitely enjoy everything I have read by him, though! And, it is one of those series writers I am not ridiculously behind on!

30 Days of Books ~ Day 4

Day 4 ~ Favourite Book of Your Favourite Series

I don't even know. When a series is 22 books long and is really just a large story broken up... They start to run together. And, I am atrocious at reviewing books so it is not like I can go back to my archives and reread my thoughts on all 22 of them... I do know that there were strong volumes and then there were weaker volumes. I found around volume 13, after the big crossover, there were some hiccups as they tried to come up with a new main storyline. That happened again once those events started to die down. I can also safely say the spin off series never appealed to me as much as the main series. I have read them all, but they were never as good for me. 

30 Days of Books ~ Day 3

Day 3 ~ Your Favourite Series

I don't think that anyone that reads my blog would be surprised to see my answer is Fables. I started the series in 2009 with some Christmas gift cards. I was never sure if I was a graphic novel fan back then. And, my library has never been big on graphic novels that I could try first. I ended up loving the series and catching up before 2009 was over. The last volume came out last year and I am still sad about it. I used to expect a Volume or 2 a year and now to have none... It's sad! 

Ten Books To Read If You Are In The Mood For Graphic Novels

Saga Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

I love this series! Volume 6 will be out later this year. It is a blend of science-fiction and fantasy. The story is about a man and a woman who come from two warring planets and wind up falling in love. They have a child together, something that is definitely not approved of, and find themselves on the run. Strong characters, good story, and awesome art!

Fables Volumes 1-22 This series may seem long, but it is completed so at least you know where you stand! It is basically retellings of famous fairy tales, folk tales, classic novels, etc in a graphic novel format. One of the fun things is to see if you can make all the connections with the stories they are based on. The story is pretty solid, the female characters are not the damsel in distress types, and the art is always a lot of fun.

Maus Volumes 1 & 2 So far I was talking series, but if you want something shorter then there is the awesomeness that is Maus. It is a retelling of the events of the Holocaust involving mice. When I first heard of it, I didn't think I would like it at all, but it was one of my very first attempts at graphic novels and I loved it. It is probably one of the more widely received and recognized graphic novels out there.

Lazarus Volume 1, 2, 3, and, 4 This is a series I only even started in 2016 and I love it! I am huge on strong female leads and Lazarus is in a class all her own. The best part is that she pushes against what she is supposed to be in an attempt to be even better. I really like that about her. I have tried Greg Rucka before and never really clicked with him, so I am so glad I gave him another chance! The overall story to this one is a bit different from the norm, too, and is definitely different from what I would normally read.

Lumberjanes Volume 1, 2, 3, and soon 4 This is a series I started in 2015 and really enjoy. It is just fun. It is about a summer camp where things are not quite like any other summer camp in the area. Plus in a society where there are not always that many strong girls for young girls to look up to, there is this series out there selling like crazy and showing that there is potential. The adventures they get up to are not necessarily something that can happen in the real world, but it is refreshing to not have the damsel in distress situations come up. Plus, great art!

Persepolis Volume 1 & 2 This was another early foray into graphic novels. I actually credit this as my first really graphic novel... It was when I was early into blogging and this was offered as a review copy. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but took a chance on it and loved it! While I credit Fables with really kicking off my graphic novel reading, this book was the one that showed me I actually liked them. This book recaps a life in Tehran and what it was like for a young girl to grow up there. Definitely eye-opening!

American Born Chinese I wasn't sure which book to talk about by Gene Luen Yang, so I went with the first one I read by him.  This is called a modern fable and is actually three unrelated stories that turn out to be related in the end. I love Fables and Yang's books often could be called them. He takes things that I don't really know that much about and makes them really readable and engaging! If you read anything by him it is worthwhile, but this is where I started with his books.

Hexed Volume 1, 2, and eventually 3 In 2015 I joined Scribd and basically the same week, they added graphic novels. I can't pin point why I checked this series out, I think someone recommended it, but I am so glad I got a chance to check it out. I love it! There are only 12 issues, all of which are on Scribd, but it is such an overall good series. Luci is just such a great character you will enjoy spending time with her and the other characters that she crosses paths with. 

Deadpool When you get into Marvel, the series isn't as straight forward as the others that I have mentioned. I joined Marvel Unlimited last year and I think Deadpool is the best thing that came from that... He is funny and off-beat and sarcastic... I just love his comics! I used to think I didn't like superhero comics at all, but I guess it just goes to show that things change...

Captain Marvel I have read Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel and as Ms. Marvel. I think I like her better at Captain Marvel, but overall I love her. I think she is finally getting a movie and I cannot wait! She is definitely one of the best female characters in the Marvel Universe and I still buy her in trades even though I have Marvel Unlimited. Plus, her cat is great.

I honestly could go on, but I guess I am at 10... What are your favourite graphic novels?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over here.

So You Want to Read Fables...? (The Updated Updated Edition)

I am a huge fan of Bill Willingham and his Fables series. I started reading it in 2009 and quickly caught up. It is now like Christmas every time something new in the series is released. The writing and the artwork combine to make it easily one of my favourite series ever. In 2012, though, I found it hard to find a post that explained a suitable reading order. When I started the series it was relatively small, but I can understand how overwhelming it would be for someone to start fresh and have no idea where to go. This lead me to create my own post. I was doing well keeping it updated for a while there, but got a bit behind. I thought I would repost today with all the additions.

F= Fables and J = Jack of Fables.

It starts off easily enough:

F - Volume 1: Fables: Legends in Exile (Issues 1-5)
F - Volume 2: Animal Farm (Issues 6-10)
F - Volume 3: Storybook Love (Issues 11-18)
F - Volume 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers (Issues 19-21; 23-27)
F - Volume 5: The Mean Seasons (Issues 22; 28-33)
F - Volume 6: Homelands (Issues 34-41)


NOTE: Congrats, you are now safe to start Jack of Fables. The events in this book pick-up after issues 34 and 35 of Fables contained in Homelands. You do not have to start now, but if you want to it is now safe. It didn't actually release until after Volume 8 of Fables.

F - Volume 7: Arabian Nights (and Days) (Issues 42-27)
F - Volume 8: Wolves (Issues 48-51)


STOP!! If you haven't all ready, you should read 1001 Nights of Snowfall. I did not, but it ties into Volume 9 of Fables. (I don't think you lack if you just read it whenever. It is technically a prequel.)

F - Volume 9: Sons of Empire (Issues 52-59)
F - Volume 10: The Good Prince (Issues 60-69)
F - Volume 11: War and Pieces (Issues 70-75)
F - Volume 12: The Dark Ages (Issues 76-82)


STOP!! You are now on a Fables vacation. In order to read Volume 13 you have to read Jack of Fables because this is a Crossover edition.

J - Volume 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape (Issues 1-5)
J - Volume 2: Jack of Hearts (Issues 6-11)
J - Volume 3: The Bad Prince (Issues 12-16)
J - Volume 4: Americana (Issues 17-21)
J - Volume 5: Turning Pages (Issues 22-27)
J - Volume 6: The Big Book of War (Issues 28-32)


STOP!! It is now time for a Jack of Fables vacation. Sort of. When released as individual issues Volume 13 actually contains Fables, Jack of Fables, and The Literals. When they released it as a trade paperback they put everything together and called it Fables.

F - Volume 13: The Great Fables Crossover (Fables: Issues 83-85; Jack of Fables: Issues 33-35; The Literals: Issues 1-3)


Note: If you are worried about any possible spoilers it is now save to read Cinderella: Fables are Forever. (More about this spin-off below). You can do what you want for the rest of the Fables and Jack of Fables. A suggested order is such (this is how they were released and I read them):

J - Volume 7: The New Adventures of Jack and Jack (Issues 36-40)
F - Volume 14: Witches (Issues 86-93)
J - Volume 8: The Fulminate Blade (Issues 41-45)
F - Volume 15: Rose Red (Issues 94-100)
J - Volume 9: The End (Issues 46-50) - This concludes Jack of Fables.
F - Volume 16: Super Team (Issues 101-107)

Note: If you are worried about possible spoilers after this comic it is safe to read Werewolves of the Heartland and the first Fairest. (More on these comics below.)

F - Volume 17: Inherit the Wind (Issues 108-113)
F - Volume 18: Cubs in Toyland  (Issues 114-123)
F - Volume 19: Snow White (Issues 114-123 (back-up stories only) and issues 124-129 (December 24, 2013)
F - Volume 20: Camelot (Issues 131-136)
F - Volume 21:                 (Issues 141-149) (March 3, 2015)

Note: I am not sure at this point if there are going to be any possible spoilers in the The Unwritten crossover, that I talk about more below, but just going by release dates lets assume you should read up to here before reading it. Once the comic is released I will correct this note if necessary.

The Spin-offs and Standalones:

There is also the standalone comic Werewolves of the Heartland. The comic is a chance to see Bigby all by himself. It is technically a good introduction to the series; but if you are worried about any possible spoilers it was originally set to be released around the same time as Super Team and follows events from that comic.


Then, there is Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love (Issues 1-6) and Cinderella: Fables are Forever (Issues 1-6). From Fabletown with Love doesn't have many spoilers, but you are best to wait and read it until at least after Volume 11. Fables are Forever, though, does talk about events from later in the series. If you want to avoid possible spoilers do not read it until after Fables: Volume 13. Also, the two collections are entirely unrelated. There is no need to read one right after the other.

The newest spin-off to the Fables series is Fairest. On the one hand it is an excellent introduction to the series and is a possible starting point if you are new to the series. On the other hand, if you are interested in keeping things in order and not having any spoilers at all (even minor ones), I recommend starting this series after you read Volume 16 of Fables.

Fairest - Volume 1: Wide Awake (Issues 1-7)
Fairest - Volume 2: Hidden Kingdom (Issues 8-14)
Fairest - Volume 3: The Return of the Maharaja (Issues 15-20)
Fairest in all the Land
Fairest - Volume 4: Of Mice and Men (October 7, 2014)

Then, Jess Nevins released Fables Encyclopaedia. It is essentially the annotated version of Fables. It is something worth having wherever you are in the series. I have been warned that it does contain spoilers up until Volume 18 of the main series, though. (I sadly haven't had a chance to read it yet!)

Lastly, there is the novel Peter & Max. This is an original novel that also can be read as an introduction to the series. I don't remember any spoilers for the series, so I wouldn't worry about a reading order. If you are in the mood for a Fables novel instead of graphic novel, pick this one up!

One thing I was remiss in mentioning before is the video game The Wolf Among Us. I am not a big gamer, but I am tempted! Anyway, from what I have researched the game is a prequel to the series and will not spoil anything if you play it first and then decide to read them later.

Now this is where things get interesting... Fables is doing a crossover with another Vertigo comic, The Unwritten. If you have never read The Unwritten before, it is another literary graphic novel where the main character travels through various fictional worlds. It works really well for a crossover. The crossover is going to occur in a collected The Unwritten graphic novel and take place in Fables. It is set to be released next year. So, for the sake of having all the information available here is the reading order if you are interested in the crossover.

The Unwritten:
Volume 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity (Issues 1-5)
Volume 2: Inside Man (Issues 6-12)
Volume 3: Dead Man's Knock (Issues 13-18)
Volume 4: Leviathan (Issues 19-24)
Volume 5: On to Genesis (Issues 25-30)
Volume 6: Tommy Taylor and the War of Words (Issues 31-35)
Volume 7: The Wound (Issues 36-41)
Volume 8: Orpheus in the Underworlds (Issues 42-49) (February 4, 2014)

This all leads up to the crossover...

Volume 9: The Unwritten Fables (Issues 50-54)

And, because I am a bit of a completest, I would also mention that there is a standalone volume in The Unwritten series called Tommy Taylor and the Ship that Sank Twice.

And, if you enjoyed The Unwritten, Volume 10 is called War Stories and will be out October 14, 2014.

Lastly, just because for some this might be the easiest way to get the Fables series, here is a list of what the Deluxe editions contain:

Volume 1: Fables 1-10
Volume 2: Fables 11-18
Volume 3: Fables 19-27
Volume 4: Fables 28-33 (1001 Nights of Snowfall)
Volume 5: Fables 34-45
Volume 6: Fables 46-51 
Volume 7: Fables 52-59 and 64
Volume 8: Fables 60-63, 65-69 
Volume 9: Fables 70-82 (October 7, 2014)

Graphic Novel February - The Final Week - Six Sentence Saturday Style

The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories - Volume 2 by Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Completed: February 8, 2014
Length: 127

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Looper, 500 Days of Summer) made a big splash with The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories - so now he’s back with volume 2! One of the most ingenious and successful projects to come out of Gordon-Levitt's online creative coalition hitRECord - an international collaboration of artists and writers - The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories: Volume 2 offers more quirky, delightfully small, ingeniously illustrated haiku-like tales, proving once more that the universe isn’t made of atoms; it’s made of tiny stories. The best things do come in small packages.

(I know this is not technically a graphic novel, but if I don't post about it now, I probably never will.)

I have wanted to read these forever, but I have never been able to talk me into buying one. When I randomly got a chance to try one, though, I jumped at the chance! And, this was as good as I expected. The art is very intense and memorable, for starters. And then, there are the stories. I am terrible at saying great things in short lengths, but this book does an amazing job!

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Completed: February 10, 2014
Length: 232 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A fresh and brilliantly told memoir from a cult favorite comic artist, marked by gothic twists, a family funeral home, sexual angst, and great books.

This breakout book by Alison Bechdel is a darkly funny family tale, pitch-perfectly illustrated with Bechdel's sweetly gothic drawings. Like Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, it's a story exhilaratingly suited to graphic memoir form.

Meet Alison's father, a historic preservation expert and obsessive restorer of the family's Victorian home, a third-generation funeral home director, a high school English teacher, an icily distant parent, and a closeted homosexual who, as it turns out, is involved with his male students and a family babysitter. Through narrative that is alternately heartbreaking and fiercely funny, we are drawn into a daughter's complex yearning for her father. And yet, apart from assigned stints dusting caskets at the family-owned "fun home," as Alison and her brothers call it, the relationship achieves its most intimate expression through the shared code of books. When Alison comes out as homosexual herself in late adolescense, the denouement is swift, graphic — and redemptive.

I actually reread this because I didn't love it the first time I read it and I felt like maybe I was missing something? I liked it better this time! It is basically the story of a long girl growing up with a mostly in the closet gay father and then coming to accept her own coming out later. Her family is dysfunctional, crazy things happen over the years, and I am still sort of surprised she airs her dirty laundry so publicly. The art is low-key, but really good. Overall, while I still didn't love this comic, I am glad I gave it a second chance.

Archie Americana Series: Best of the Nineties - Volume by George Gladir and Company

Completed: February 8, 2014
Length: 98 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Get ready to party like it's the 1990s with Archie and the Gang!

The '90s were a decade of innovation and invention. Personal computers and virtual reality were no longer science fiction. Popular music was transformed into a world of grungy college rock and poppy boy bands. Relive all of the trends, fads and fashions that defined the decade with America's orange-haired icon, Archie!

Revisit the virtual world with Jughead as he devours digital delicacies in "Simulation Stimulation." Archie goes Hollywood in "Ratman" and "Duggy Wuggy, M.D.", and Betty pierces her nose in "That Certain Ring." All this and more awaits in this collection of the best stories of the 1990s!

Another random choice, but one I decided to read for nostalgia sake. I used to read Archie comics all the time, but they are ridiculously overpriced now. It was still nice to go back and revisit the decade in which I would have been reading them and the stories that I had sometimes read before. It was like visiting with old friends and I enjoyed how some things never change. This series will always be memorable and I hope that it is around for many more years. A fun read!

House of Mystery - Volume 1: Room and Boredom by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: February 15, 2014
Length: 128 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Matthew Sturges, writer of the Eisner-nominated JACK OF FABLES, and his JACK co-writer Bill Willingham, proudly unlock the doors to the HOUSE OF MYSTERY, a series that reinvents a classic DC Comics comic. HOUSE OF MYSTERY focuses on five characters trapped in a supernatural bar, trying to solve the mystery of how and why they're imprisoned there. Each one has a terrible past they'd like to forget, and with no books, newspapers or TV allowed in the House, they face an eternity of boredom. But stories become the new currency, and fortunately, the House attracts only the finest storytellers.

This is a comic I read on my mission to find a new comic book series, but was kind of unsuccessful because it turns out this series is largely out-of-print! I liked this first volume, though. It is kind of like Fables and The Unwritten in the sense that stories play a large roll, but it is a darker book that those two series. This book gives the reader a chance to meet the five main characters, sets up the darkness of the house, and makes you curious about the stories and adventures that will show up in the future. This volume was more atmospheric than scary, but there is definitely the potential for some darker moments in the future. Overall, I still love some other series better, but I am curious enough about this series that I would like to read more.

House of Mystery - Volume 2: Love Stories for Dead People by Matthew Sturges

Completed: February 15, 2014
Length: 128 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Matthew Sturges, writer of the Eisner-nominated JACK OF FABLES, and his JACK co-writer Bill Willingham, the creator of FABLES, proudly unlock the doors to the HOUSE OF MYSTERY, a new graphic novel series that reinvents the classic DC Comics concept. It focuses on five characters trapped in a supernatural bar, trying to solve the mystery of how and why they're imprisoned there. Each one has a terrible past they'd like to forget, and with no books, newspapers or TV allowed in the House, they face an eternity of boredom. But stories become the new currency, and fortunately, the House attracts only the finest storytellers.

(That is totally the same synopsis... Good ole originality, Goodreads.)

In the first volume we met all the characters, so, in this volume it was time to get to know them a bit better and get to understand the house more. The house is essentially another character in the book, an important character, so it was important to get a feel for why it was important. Again, a very atmospheric story, but creepier than the first volume. There are some seriously strange things that happen in this book! The characters are starting to get meshed out more, so you find yourself curious about how they are all going to play out with each other. I am curious enough about this series to read Volume 3.

Locke & Key - Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill

Completed: February 28, 2014
Length: 158 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. Home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all...

(You know, I never noticed that I bought two graphic novels about creepy houses in the same order!)

Oh, my, yay, I loved this intro! I have wanted to read this series forever and I am so happy that I finally did. There is so much happening in this comic, and it is another spooky and atmospheric story, that I cannot wait to see what happens next! Keyhouse is a cool, old house that I am so intrigued by and can't wait to see what we learn about it next. If there wasn't murder involved and a creepy creature that you imagine will be wrecking havoc in the later volumes, I would love to visit this place. Joe Hill definitely brought the spirit of old houses alive and I can't wait until I let myself buy Volume 2!

Bayou Volume 1 by Jeremy Love

Completed: February 28, 2014
Length: 160 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:

South of the Mason-Dixon Line lies a strange land of gods and monsters; a world parallel to our own, born from centuries of slavery, civil war, and hate.

Lee Wagstaff is the daughter of a black sharecropper in the depression-era town of Charon, Mississippi. When Lily Westmoreland, her white playmate, is snatched by agents of an evil creature known as Bog, Lee's father is accused of kidnapping. Lee's only hope is to follow Lily's trail into this fantastic and frightening alternate world. Along the way she enlists the help of a benevolent, blues singing, swamp monster called Bayou. Together, Lee and Bayou trek across a hauntingly familiar Southern Neverland, confronting creatures both benign and malevolent, in an effort to rescue Lily and save Lee's father from being lynched.

BAYOU VOL. 1 collects the first four chapters of the critically acclaimed webcomic series by Glyph Award nominee Jeremy Love.

(Full confession... I claimed I wasn't going to go to the library this year because my TBR is insane, but we were out for a walk the other day and I FINALLY went to check out the new-to-me library and would have felt rude not borrowing a couple things...)

I have wanted to read Bayou for ages because many bloggers that I trust have recommended it. I was very surprised to see it just sitting on the shelf at the library, so I had to finally give it a try. Set during the Depression in Mississippi, this starts out about the hardships of being black during that time, but then an entirely different world opens up. I really enjoyed the mesh of the 'real' and the magic realism that this volume weaves together. Lee is a great, strong female character in a time when she really shouldn't be, so you can't help wanting to follow her on all of her adventures. I am so glad I gave this a try and strongly recommend it!

Graphic Novel February - Week 2 - Six Sentence Saturday Style

(I decided that I was going to review the graphic novels I read in January this week.)

Fables - Volume 19: Snow White by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 1, 2014

Length: 168 Pages

With Castle Dark now back in the hands of the Fables, mysteries both young and old begin to challenge the residents of Fabletown. Bigsby and Stinky set off from Fabletown in Rose Red's blood-fueled sports car to track down the two abducted cubs. Unfortunately for Snow White, besides suffering the trauma of having two of her cubs go missing, a long forgotten secret uncovered in Castle Dark threatens to sabatoge her and Bigsby's marriage.

This volume also collects the backup adventures of Bufkin and Lily from issues #114-121, as well as their full length adventures found in issue #124.

Collected here are Fables issues #114-123 (back-up stories only) and issues #124-129.

I didn't love Volume 18 of Fables as much as others in the series, so I was worried I wouldn't like this one, but all was well. I didn't like the adventures of Bufkin and Lily as much as the actual story where we got a chance to see more about Snow White who has been one of the central characters since the very beginning. Oh, how I love Fables and its strong female characters! I found the art a bit lacking in this one, though, and just didn't find the cover as eye-catching as other volumes. This one definitely leaves you wanted Volume 20 yesterday. I can't wait until later this year to see where Fables goes next.

Fables - Volume 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 2, 2014
Length: 128 Pages

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the "mundys," their name for normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters created their own secret society that they call Fabletown. From their exclusive luxury apartment buildings on Manhattan's Upper West Side, these creatures of legend must fight for their survival in the new world.

(Just FYI: I have seen the 10th Anniversary Edition and it just is not as pretty as the 'original' one. It doesn't even seem like the binding is done as well. If you can, I would get the one pictured above and get the special one for collector purposes.)

This was a reread done almost exactly five years after I read this book for the very first time. I still loved it and am so happy I have been slowly rereading the series this year. This is where you meet everyone and see the beginnings of what would quickly become one of my favourite series ever! I think it made an interesting contrast reading the earliest one and the latest one so close to each other. The art is fantastic, the writing is stellar, and this is a great introduction to the series. And, these volumes stand up to rereads!

Fables - Volume 2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham & Company

Completed: January 5, 2014
Length: 112 Pages

Collecting FABLES #6-10, the second story arc of the fan-favorite, critically acclaimed VERTIGO series. Travel to upstate New York, where the non-human Fable characters have found refuge on a farm, miles from mankind. But all is not well on the farm — and a conspiracy to free them from the shackles of their perceived imprisonment may lead to a war that could wrest control of the Fables community away from Snow White. Starring Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Plus, a sketchbook section featuring art by Willingham, Buckingham and Jean.

This is another reread of a favourite series. This was the first volume that made me aware of just how wide Fables spreads and that it is not just about fairy tale-retelling. This was the first volume that impressed on me the fact that Willingham, and his team, write strong female characters. I think that is one of the reasons why I love Fables so much. The art is also fantastic! Again, I am so happy I reread this!

Ex Machina - Volume 1: The First Hundred Days by Brian K. Vaughan & Company

Completed: January 7, 2014
Length: 136 Pages

The first volume of the Eisner Award-winning series featuring Eisner Award-winners author Brian K. Vaughan and artist Tony Harris. Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him amazing powers. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crimefighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide. But Mayor Hundred has to worry about more than just budget problems and an antagonistic governor, especially when a mysterious hooded figure begins assassinating plow drivers during the worst snowstorm in the city's history!

After Bill Willingham, I think Brian K. Vaughan is my favourite comic author (and, with the awesomeness of Saga that is a very, very close second). So, I am always eager to try different works by these authors. I didn't know very much about this series before it was thrust into my hands, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this intro to a new series. I don't read a lot of 'superhero' comics, but this was a different type of story-line: Mitchell Hundred is character you want to learn more about, and it takes place during a snowstorm which I can definitely relate to at this time of year. I always find the first volume of graphic novel series hard to talk about because they are really all about introducing things, but I am really interested to see what happens further in this series.

The Escapists by Brian K. Vaughan

Completed: January 8, 2014
Pages: 176 Pages

The Escapists tells the tale of three aspiring comics creators with big dreams, small cash, and publishing rights to one forgotten Golden Age hero-The Escapist! Inspired by Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, this is Vaughan's love letter to his chosen medium, a story about what it takes to start out with nothing in Cleveland, Ohio, and end up with a comic so hot a major corporation wants to steal it from you! Brilliantly interweaving the lives of the creators with the world of their creation, artists Steve Rolston and Philip Bond bring the comic-booking trio Maxwell Roth, Case Weaver, and Denny Jones to life, while the inimitable Jason Shawn Alexander and Eduardo Barreto illustrate the thrilling trials and exciting extrications of the new-and old-Escapist!

First of all, I am not sure what this comic would be like if you have actually read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay because I never have and only sort of even know what it is about. I do see a trend now with Brian K. Vaughan being into superhero-type comics and I think this is my favourite so far. It is a comic book about comic books, actually, and talks about what it is to be just starting out and wind up with a comic so popular that you run the risk of losing it. The art was fun and the story is both the creators of the comic and the comic itself. I really liked Maxwell, Case, and Denny as characters and enjoyed seeing them go through their 'adventures'. I am really happy I read this and really wish I could find more!

That's it for now! I only read 2 graphic novels this week, so I will mention them next Saturday.

It's All About the Graphic Novels... Part 1

I have mostly only read graphic novels this year. It is all I seem remotely interested in. It is my mood more than anything. Graphic novels are short and you feel accomplished when you manage to finish them. I thought in my effort to get back into a blogging groove (and hopefully a reading one at some point) I would share some brief thoughts about the graphic novels I have read so far this year.

Adam Chamberlain is a 20-year-old youth minister, a best-selling author, and most important, the head of a rabid national virginity movement. But practicing virgin or not, Adam is about to lose it when his girlfriend is killed.

I read:
American Virgin - Volume 1: Head (January 1, 2013)
American Virgin - Volume 2: Going Down (January 2, 2013)
American Virgin - Volume 3: Wet (January 5, 2013)
American Virgin - Volume 4: Around the World (January 6, 2013)

My Thoughts:
Well, this comic book series was really strange. There is no other way to look at it! I wasn't a huge fan of the over-arching religious aspect. I don't tend to read a lot of religious-type books, but I was curious enough about the overall story to keep reading. I think this series grew on me with each new edition and I couldn't imagine not finding out how it all ended. If I only had had the first book, though, I might have never read the rest of the series. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The story gets going, though, and there are lots of odd moments and strange story-lines and entertaining characters. And then there is the ending...

What Fables does for fairy tales, Kill Shakespeare does with the greatest writer of all time. This dark take on the Bard pits his greatest heroes (Hamlet, Juliet, Othello Falstaff) against his most menacing villains (Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Iago) in an epic adventure to find and kill a reclusive wizard named William Shakespeare.

I read:
Kill Shakespeare - Volume 1 (January 6, 2013)
Kill Shakespeare - Volume 2: The Blast of War (January 7, 2013)

My Thoughts:
I have always been curious about this series because it is compared to Fables and I LOVE Fables. I just wasn't entirely possible about the Shakespeare aspect because I have not read all of his plays by any stretch. I had planned to read 12 last year, but that didn't happen. This is not anything new when it comes to me and actually reading Shakespeare. I got the comics for Christmas, though, and decided it was as good a time as any to see what I thought. And, wow, they are awesome. The artwork is just stellar and I didn't find I lacked anything from the story-line. I loved it! I wish there was more than two volumes... If you want a good new series to try go for this one!

New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator Bill Willingham presents a new series starring the female FABLES. Balancing horror, humor and adventure in the FABLES tradition, FAIREST explores the secret histories of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White, Rose Red and others.The first 6-issue tale follows the misadventures of Briar Rose immediately after the events of FABLES #107(collected in Fables Volume 16: Super Team), in which she was stolen away by the goblin army. Following this first collection, Willingham will serve as a consultant on all story arcs and introduce new writers from other mediums to the FABLES mythos.

I read: 
Fairest - Volume 1: Wide Awake (January 18, 2013)
Fairest - Issue 8: The Hidden Kingdom Part 1 (January 18, 2013)
Fairest - Issue 9 (January 18, 2013)
Fairest - Issue 10 (January 18, 2013)
Fairest - Issue 11 (January 18, 2013)

My Thoughts:
I had read the issues that made up Fairest last year, but I wanted to catch-up on the series overall. I am behind again, but for a moment there I was caught-up. It is mostly complications with getting the issues because I don't have a comic book store here and I think I lost my comic book store connection. I am not sure I will be able to keep up with the issues, but at least I can still buy the trades when they come out. I am really enjoying this series overall. I like that it focuses on the girls that make up Fables. I am really looking forward to where the comic will go next and what other adventures they will have. It's been a good ride so far and I am looking forward to more!

Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham & Company

Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham & Company

Completion Date: November 6, 2012
Reason for Reading: It's Fables...

At long last! The long-awaited original FABLES: WEREWOLVES OF THE HEARTLAND graphic novel is here!  

Bigby Wolf embarks on a quest through the American Heartland to find a new location for Fabletown, a secret society of exiled fairy tale characters living among the "mundys." In his wanderings, Bigby stumbles across Story City, a small town that seems to be occupied solely by werewolves. Oddly enough, they seem to already know and revere Bigby, but at the same time they've captured and caged him.  

FABLES: WEREWOLVES OF THE HEARTLAND tells an epic tale that began well before Bigby Wolf set foot in the bucolic plains of the Midwest. It began long ago when he served in World War II and became mired in a Nazi experiment that would change nations. It's soon evident that murder in Story City is the least of their sins, and unraveling the town's many mysteries may cost Bigby, the seventh son of the North Wind, much more than his own life. 

 This new hardcover is a must-have for any longtime FABLES fan, as well as a great entry point for new readers.

This book has had a release date a couple times, so I am beyond thrilled that it finally came out this year! I have been very excited and then disappointed a couple times in the past. I get excited for anything to do with Fables, though. It is definitely one of my favourite series ever and I am so happy that I took a chance on it. I can pinpoint my history with the series without even looking it up. I read the first two volumes in January of 2009 and haven't looked back since. I love looking at them all lined up on my shelf. They are one of my prized possessions, that's for sure.

Werewolves of the Heartland is a story solely featuring Bigby Wolf and a whole cast of new characters. I love Bigby, so I was looking forward to a good story featuring him. He has sunk into the background since stepping down as Sheriff and I wanted to see the real him back in the limelight for a bit. Fables is in the process of getting its groove back after the completion of a huge story arch anyway. It was nice to concentrate on something else for a while. (And, actually, as I was reading this book, and then writing the review, I was waiting to see how the election would turn out in the U.S.) But, Bigby is back! I love him. The gruff, brooding character. He is so well-written! And, this is why I love Fables. I love the characters. It is a combination of a familiarity of them from childhood and a new appreciation for them that I have gained over the last three years of reading this series.

This book takes a dip in the very popular werewolf-theme. It works, though. I got very caught up in the story. I love Bigby, like I said, but I always like the story-telling abilities of Bill Willingham. At the end of the book he explains where the inspiration came from because the town in the book is called Story Town and really exists. I think my only problem with this book was the insane amount of nudity. I was kind of warned about it from Heather, but I still was a bit shocked. At first I was thinking 'This isn't as bad as I was expecting'. Then I got further into the book. I am not a prude either, there is often nudity in Fables at some point, but this time they might have went a bit overboard. Otherwise, it was a good read and I am very happy I had a chance to read it.

Strongly recommended as always, but with a strong warning that like I said above... Lots of nudity.

Thursday's Tales - Week 3

Fables and Jack of Fables - A Catch-up Post

Jack of Fables - Volume 9: The End by Bill Willingham and Company

Completion Date: July 17, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series.

Jack Frost seeks to kill a dragon, unaware that it’s his own father. Jack Frost has just set upon the greatest quest in a long and distinguished career of great quests: To kill a dragon. Of course, he is not aware that the dragon in question is in fact his own father. Meanwhile, the Page Sisters find a new purpose in life: restoring the Great Library. This volume includes JACK OF FABLES #50, a special issue that includes appearances by everyone who’s ever shown up in the series.

When I first started reading this series, I would have been hard-pressed to pick a favourite between it and Fables, but then it went off in a direction that didn't really work for me. I enjoy the idea of Jack of Fables, but Fables will always be my first love. I am still sad that this is the end of the series, though. This will probably be filled with spoilers with it being the last book in the series, so if you don't want anything ruined you probably should skip down to the next review. In the earlier Jack of Fables, that was Jack of Beanstalk, Giant, etc fame. Now it has passed on to his son Jack Frost. I like Jack Frost, but his father was much more entertaining. He has been turned into a dragon and only makes periodic appearances now. In this edition, though, they have brought everyone back together again for a very interesting end to the series. The art was wonderful as always and I have overall enjoyed reading this series. If you want to know the details, you should read it yourself. It is no fun if I ruin it for you!

Series:
The (Nearly) Great Escape
Jack of Hearts
The Bad Prince
Americana
Turning Pages
The Big Book of War
The New Adventures of Jack and Jack
The Fulminate Blade (review)

The End

Fables - Volume 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham & Company (reread)

Completion Date: July 25, 2011

Reason for Reading: I never reviewed some of the books in the series.

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters have created their own peaceful and secret society within an exclusive luxury apartment building called Fabletown. But when Snow White's party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Fabletown's sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf (Bigby Wolf), to determine if the killer is Bluebeard, Rose's ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.

In 2009 I bought this book and its direct sequel with Christmas gift cards. I have been hearing about the series off and on for years, but I don't generally buy graphic novels. Let's just say that by the end of 2009 I was pretty much caught-up with the series and I do not like to think about the money that took. It was fun going back and seeing the start of the series. I had been regretting that I only reviewed some of the books in the series, so I figured with a reread I could at least have something written down for all of them. A lot of people have been comparing this comic to the television show Once Upon a Time. There are similarities, but I think there are enough differences that it is not really the same at all. I have to admit that I would have loved to see a television show of Fables, but I am also enjoying that instead there is something fresh to enjoy. In 2009 when I reviewed this book for the first time I had this to say:

It was great! This is an awesome idea for a series. I am so excited to read more from it. I can safely say that something from Fables will be on my Best of... list for 2009!

Two years later I still consider this one of my favourite series and I am looking forward to reread the rest of the books.

Fables: Volume 2 - Animal Farm by Bill Willingham & Company (reread)

Completion Date: November 3, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the rereads.

Collecting FABLES #6-10, the second story arc of the fan-favorite, critically acclaimed VERTIGO series. Travel to upstate New York, where the non-human Fable characters have found refuge on a farm, miles from mankind. But all is not well on the farm — and a conspiracy to free them from the shackles of their perceived imprisonment may lead to a war that could wrest control of the Fables community away from Snow White. Starring Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Plus, a sketchbook section featuring art by Willingham, Buckingham and Jean.

I consider to enjoy this series and the rereads. It was nice to be reminded of little details that I had forgotten since reading this book for the first time in 2009. With the series there are lots of fairy tale and bookish connections. There are many that I am sure have gone right over my head, but in this instance I had actually read Animal Farm by George Orwell and could compare the two easily. It was surprising how easy it was to do, too, because there really is a farm of animals from popular fairy tales that were unable to live in Fabletown. They are unhappy with the way things are, though, and begin acting out a scene very similar to the popular novel. After I finished this book in 2009 I was in a huge hurry to move in the series. It just keeps getting better and better. The art is once again wonderful and well-worth checking out.

Series:

Legends in Exile (review)
Animal Farm (review)
Storybook Love (review)
March of the Wooden Soldiers (review)
The Mean Seasons (review)
Homelands (review)
Arabian Nights (and Days) (review)
Wolves (review)
Sons of Empire (review)
The Good Prince
War and Pieces
The Dark Ages
The Great Fables Crossover
Witches (review)
Rose Red (review)
Super Group (Forth-coming)

Fables - Volume 15: Rose Red by Bill Willingham & Company

Fables - Volume 15: Rose Red by Bill Willingham & Company

Completion Date: April 15, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the series.

The next collection in the New York Times best selling series.

Rose Red, sister of Snow White, has finally hit rock bottom. Does she stay there, or is it time to start the long, tortuous climb back up? The Farm is in chaos, as many factions compete to fill the void of her missing leadership. And there’s a big magical fight brewing down in the town square, right under her window.

Well, my reading night did not turn out like I had planned, but I did manage to read this book. And, wow, am I so glad that I did! Honestly, this has become easily my favourite in the series. I love all of the books, and I suppose they keep getting better and better, but this one made me so excited the whole time I was reading it! I can't say it enough, everyone has to at least try this series. And, the slackers (I mean that in the best possible way...) who have stalled on this series need to hurry up and read on!

First up, I am not familiar with the story of Rose Red & Snow White. I have never read the original, that I remember, and never thought I had read any retellings. If this retelling is correct, though, Tender Morsels is actually a retelling of the original story. That was interesting to learn and adds a bit more perspective to that novel for me. Now I really want to read the original, which is something I have been meaning to do for years anyway. I really enjoyed the addition of the story in the collection. There were probably people like me that knew there was a story that made them sisters, but didn't actually know how that worked and still made the story of Snow White believable.

For several comics now, things have not been going very well for Rose Red. It was obvious that something was going to happen soon to clear things up, so when I saw the cover and title for this collection I knew the time was finally here. I think that they did a very good job in tying up the loose ends and making her story believable. It is nice to have her back in the spotlight, too, because she adds a different dimension to the overall story that has been lacking for a while. Other characters are developed as well. And, even more is set up for future editions. I cannot wait until later this year when volume 16 is released. I am very excited for more of the story to be developed.

The other thing to note about this collection is it is longer than usual. There is the actual comic, but then there are bonus features included. I enjoyed the bonus material as much as I enjoyed the overall story. Some of it develops the story further. Then, there is part where famous readers ask questions and they answer them in comic form. It was fun! It is hard to believe that the series is up to 100 issues, but I hope it is around for 100 more! I will hate to see the end of the series...

The (Core) Series:

**Note: I have actually read the whole series, but was less than stellar about reviewing it...

Legends in Exile

Animal Farm
Storybook Love
March of the Wooden Soldiers
The Mean Seasons
Homelands
Arabian Nights (and Days)
Wolves
Sons of Empire
The Good Prince
War and Pieces
The Dark Ages
The Great Fables Crossover
Witches
Rose Red
Werewolves of the Heartland (Forth-coming)

This book counts for the Once Upon a Time Challenge V.

Fables - Volume 14: Witches by Bill Willingham & company

Fables - Volume 14: Witches by Bill Willingham & company

Date Completed: January 7, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with Series

While the meek and mild flying monkey Bufkin is trapped in Fabletown's collapsed business office with the evil witch Baba Yaga, Frau Totenkinder and the witches at the Farm upstate prepare to deal with Mister Dark down in what's left of Fabletown.

This is another series that I am obsessed with, but never review... It's just so hard to say anything without ruining the series for those new to it, or even those that are a few behind. Comic series are really just one long book, so you cannot really review each story individually and not destroy it. I really should have at least reviewed the first book, but I didn't, and now here we are 14 books into the series and I haven't really said anything about it! I bought the first two books in this series in January of 2009 with gift cards that I had from Christmas. I had always wanted to read it, but just never got around to it. Now here it is 2 years later and I am all caught-up and left waiting for more. This has been pretty much the case since some time in 2009. I am a bit obsessed with this series...

You see, I love fairy tales. When I was little I was obsessed with Grimms' Fairy Tales and other famous writers. I watched Disney, even though they were not very true to the story, and I think that they were my first love. I have never gotten over it. I am hopeless when I see a book based on a fairy tale. There are simply too many of them, but I still want to read all of them. Later in life I have read non-fiction books about the genre, read fairy tales from a broader scope of the world, and even took a course dedicated to it in university. So, when I see a book with pretty pictures based around fairy tale characters you can pretty much guarantee that I am in love before I even read the first book. I think I was worried at first, though, because there is a lot of creative license at work. I never should have worried, though, as you can tell by the fact that I just finished the 14th book in the series! I love Fables! It is probably my favourite on-going series. I get excited when I buy the newest volume.

So, what can I say about Volume 14? It was a bit anti-climatic after all the adventure in 13, but it still was great. I am looking forward to Volume 15, though. It has an awesome cover and looks like it is finally going to be centred around Rose Red. There is obviously an interesting story there. Some of the storylines started in this book will likely be addressed, too. I am excited to see what the two volumes released this year are all about! I also think once the person that is currently borrowing the series slowly is finished I am going to reread the whole thing.

***Edited to add, I have no idea what happened the other day, but I have reviewed some of this series. I thought I had, but when I searched it didn't come up! I have adjusted the list below to link to those that I have managed to review. Another good reason to reread the series this year! Then I can review the later ones that I apparently missed before...

Fables (Core) Series:

Legends in Exile

Animal Farm

Storybook Love

March of the Wooden Soldiers

The Mean Seasons

Homelands

Arabian Nights (and Days)

Wolves

Sons of Empire

The Good Prince

War and Pieces

The Dark Ages

The Great Fables Crossover

Witches

Rose Red (Forth-coming)

Werewolves of the Heartland (Forth-coming)

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Peter & Max by Bill Willingham

A new stand-alone FABLES NOVEL from award-winning and wildly acclaimed author, Bill Willingham.

This story stars Peter Piper and his incorrigible brother Max in a tale about jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Set in two distinct time periods, prepare to travel back to medieval times and learn the tragic back-story of the Piper family, a medieval-era family of traveling minstrels. Then, jump into the present to follow a tale of espionage as Peter Piper slowly hunts down his evil brother for a heinous crime, pitting Peter's talents as a master thief against Max's dark magical powers.

Based on the long-running and award-winning comic book series FABLES, PETER AND MAX is its own tale. Readers don't have to be familiar with the comics to fully enjoy and understand this book.

Welcome to another buddy review with Heather! One of my favourite features on my blog at the moment. She is the red text. Enjoy!

So, what did you think of the first official Fables NOVEL? Did it live up to your expectations? Exceed them? No? Yes?

I loved it! I am still a bit iffy with graphic novels, I have to be honest. I enjoy looking at pictures, but I am a lot better with words. Even when I read graphic novels I have to keep reminding myself that the pictures tell the story, too, so I have to look at them! With a book only with words (predominately) I can read the story for what it is and not worry that I am not paying attention to the pictures. I was worried that I was too excited about this book and that it wouldn't live up to those expectations, but I have to say that I loved this book! Bill Willingham has taken one of my favourite things, fairy tales, and created a fantastic story that I demand more from now! I don't know if he can do any wrong... What did you think?

Oh, I loved it too! I love the graphic novels (even though I too have to remind myself to look at the pictures sometimes) but have always been left with the feeling I needed...more...at the end of each one. Peter & Max definitely gave more! I loved the richness of it, there was just so much to read and think about and enjoy!

Yes, it built on the story a lot more than the graphic novels are capable of doing. You feel like you really know the characters. There were still graphics in the book, but instead of being the main thing they were just randomly placed throughout. What did you think of the artwork?

I thought the artwork was gorgeous! I love ink drawings and Steven Leialoha's work in general, so putting the two together was marvelous. I thought it did a great job of not only connecting the book to the graphic novels, but connecting the book to the whole fairytale/folk tale universe. It felt very Arthur Rackham-ish to me. Very dreamy and timeless. What did you think?

I really liked it! It really added to the book, but it didn't take away from it. He really is gifted in creating a world that you get caught up in, but you also get to see the artist interpretation of the character and stories. On the same wave-length, what did you think about the cover?

I liked it! It's all menacing and evocative. It doesn't give very much away, which I usually like in a book covers. You?

I agree with you. I still think it is great, though. There is something appealing about it! I am glad I bought it in hardcover. There are just some books that should be bought that way, and this is one of them!

Definitely. So, what did you think of the story? Did you like the way Willingham used Peter and Max in their Fables? (Does that make sense?)

Yeah, that makes sense. You know, until I read this series I didn't know that the same characters were used over and over again like they are! Some are obvious, like Prince Charming, but others didn't even occur to me. So, I really learn a lot reading these books. I mean, he managed to tie in how Peter had a wife who lived in a pumpkin. I was pretty impressed with how he worked that out. I thought he wrote Max and Peter really well. I have read a couple books this year on the the Pied Piper fable, and I thought this was another excellent example of it. And, I loved how he wrote Bo in, of Bo Peep fame! What did you think?

Yes, I was impressed with how he worked in a lot of things. The pumpkin, the pickled peppers, the Pied Piper...all those Ps... And I loved how he worked in Bo Peep too. And I liked how he met different, familiar to the GN readers, Fables throughout the story, like Bigby, Snow White, Old King Cole, Ichabod Crane, etc. I thought that was really cool, to see those characters as they were hundreds of years ago. I especially loved the two extremely different flutes. I thought that was really interesting.

Heather has part two, so head over to her blog to read the rest!

Fables - Volume 9: Sons of Empire by Bill Willingham

Books Completed: 40
Completion Date: February, 2009
Pages: 200
Publication Date: June 6, 2007

Reason for Reading: Next in series, Graphic Novel Challenge

Collecting FABLES #52-59! Pinocchio suffers seriously divided loyalties between his father, the evil Adversary, and his fellow Fable refugees in New York. Plus, Bigby Wolf reluctantly decides it's finally time to square accounts with his long-estranged father, the North Wind, and makes a journey with Snow White and their kids to find him.

This was another great edition in the Fables series. It is a series that is getting harder and harder to review, though. This book had a huge cast of characters because it takes place at the Farm and in Fabletown, but it also shows the plans of the Adversary and his team. Pinocchio had stayed with his father because he felt loyalty to him, but he is starting to feel torn between the two sides. It was great to see the 'bad guys' at work. I was particularly fond of the addition of Hansel as a new character. Learning his history was actually really interesting! Red Riding has also reappeared as a character and has decided it is time to move into the new city and a new era. This means the addition of some great fairy tale classics. I like how the writing allows for cameos.

In the meantime, Bigby, Snow White, and the children have gone to visit Bigby's father. This allows for a chance to see the relationship between Bigby and his father, plus allows for visiting with the children. You have to admit, they are pretty cute! One of them even narrates one of the stories. There is a lot going on in this book. Stories are being cleared up, while other ones are being created. It is easy to see that there is going to be a lot of great stuff happening in the next two books in the series! I can't wait to read them.