Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall

Vertigo's Fables series continues running strong, under the guidance of writer Bill Willingham. A surprise since all the characters are from world-renowned stories. You would think that there wouldn't be much material to tap into and that it had all been used up. But Willingham keeps the characters alive and fresh in or minds long after hearing their exploits before bedtime, once upon a time.

With Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, Willingham touches unknown origins and stories of these characters before the series picks up. A new reader to the Fables stories wouldn't be lost to start reading this graphic novel. In fact, it would be a nice way to get reacquainted with characters not seen in a long while, because Willingham's Fables are a drastic comparison to what your mom told you when you were five. Veteran followers of Willingham's series will treasure the insight, the revelations and answered questions (finally) to questions posed long ago.

The graphic novel itself is bound in hardcover and has a cover sleeve. The sleeve showcases a tasting of the art that's inside, since it's plastic wrapped (at least the copy I bought was) this is the only idea you'll have of what's offered inside. But Willingham tapped the best artists that he's collaborated with in the past to lend a hand with the artwork. Each origin story told by Willingham, then, is drawn by a different artist. But the pictures, if that's all you read graphic novels for, won't leave you feeling ripped off for dropping the $20 dollars; the stories won't leave you disappointed either. Because one thing Willingham has proved to be time tested again and again is a brilliant storyteller.

The stories vary in length, some being longer than others by a lot and some being a lot shorter than others. The best stories by far are those of Flycatcher, the frog prince, appropriately named A Frog's-Eye View and that of Frau Totenkinder, the wicked witch, titled The Witch's Tale. Flycatcher is a beloved minor character in the Fables series, and his origin story sets up the foundation for a soon coming story-arch that will encompass Flycatcher in the Fables series. The story, too, will add more depth to his character and your feelings for the lovable character will change, for those of you that have read Fables before.

Totenkinder's story is the most enchanting and most revealing, for she is one of Fables more mysterious characters-and powerful. In this story, the source of her power is told and her long, long history. It's a history that intertwines with that of many a Fable, both with good and bad consequences. Expect more things to come from Totenkinder, no doubt. Willingham has plans for her-it's obvious. Bigger plans than anything we've seen from her yet.

Like every Fables trade paperback or graphic novel that I pick up, after I finished 1001 Nights of Snowfall, which I did that day in a little over an hour, I was left wanting more. Willingham always leaves you wanting more, more, more. Here I am now waiting for the next trade paperback to be released, and I'll be waiting for a while, for Fables: Wolves was released December 2006.

I highly recommend you order Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall today. You won't be disappointed, and after (if you haven't already) you'll want to get your hands on ever Fables trade paperback. You'll want to browse the message boards, if you're like me. And if you have a burning question once you've read 1001 Nights of Snowfall, then, don't be scared to ask Bill Willingham himself, for he frequents the message boards.

Don't miss out on these good stories wrapped up so reminiscently and fittingly as a children's book would be. It's more of the characters you grew up loving! Just don't expect to see Goldilocks, although the three bears do make an appearance. To find out what happens to them, then, you have to go to the trade paperback Fables: Animal Farm. You'll want to, too, after reading 1001 Nights of Snowfall.