A Review of Some Stunning Graphic Novel Compendiums

Fables is an American comic book series created and written by Bill Willingham, with Mark Buckingham pencilling more than 110 issues. Fables was launched in July 2002 and concluded in July 2015.

It is quite remarkable that an author and artist have had such an extended run. Normally writers and artists change and bring their own touch to a series. Fables has a single vision with some excellent guest artists.

The Hastings Library has had the graphic novels for some time but the compendium editions are something else. The compendiums are a gathering of the graphic novels into four enormous reads. The covers are fantastic images of all the different characters, made even better now that barcodes are no longer on the front of the books. (Had you noticed?)

The Fables are Snow White, Rose Red, Prince Charming, The Three Pigs, Chicken Little, etc. and don’t forget The Big Bad Wolf. (But not as we know them.) Who is the Adversary that has driven them out of their mythical lands and forced them live in New York City?

Fables was a critical and commercial success, winning many awards and becoming a fan favourite. Well worth a read. Compendiums One and Two are in the library and  Compendiums Three and Four are coming soon.

Posted by Rob Middleton

Catalogue links:
Fables. Compendium one
Fables. Compendium two

17 February 2022

Back to Library Blog