Fairy tales have long been a favorite genre among children and young adults, but in the past couple of years fairy tales have become a popular topic amongst adults as well. We've seen adult themed book adaptations and movies, and in the past few years, comic books.
One of the most highly regarded is Fables, a DC Vertigo comic book series created by Bill Willingham. It's the story of refugee fairy tale characters -- known as Fables -- who fled their homeland and "The Adversary", a dark villain threatening their existence and conquering their lands. They find themselves in New York where they've created a sanctuary in a Manhattan neighborhood called Fableland. There they must learn to adapt to a modern world full of sex, violence, betrayal and so much more and any Fables who are unable to blend (due to their abnormal or monstrous appearance) are sent to live on "The Farm" in upstate New York.
I think the thing I like most about this series is it's dark, gritty nature. Gone are the happy endings, replaced with drama and intrigue. The characters break out of their traditional shells, with Snow White married to the Big Bad Wolf (aka. Bigby Wolf), Prince Charming considered a cad and a womanizer, and Beauty something of a nag to her Beastly husband. They're mysteries afoot, and the over arching question . . . who is "The Adversary" that forced them to flee their homeland? It's a terrific series and one that has inspired so many other stories (the most notable of which I'll discuss for the letter "O"). It's definitely one of my favorite fairy tale adaptations.
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This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme (in case you didn't already guess) is Fairy Tales. Stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet, and if you'd like to check out the other participants, simply click here.
I've definitely got to check this out! Seems like my cup of tea. :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen countless people praise this comic, but haven't had the chance to check it out myself yet. Really need to seek it out sometime!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting take on the fairy tales. I've always been a fan of the happy ending though :).
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
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Definitely have to check this out. I am sure my sons know of this.
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm a fan of traditional fairy tales and the background to how they arose.
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds like fun, especially the contrasting character traits of those we have traditionally thought of as 'heroes' :)
ReplyDeleteSophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic
Now that sounds like a twisted fun idea for a comic.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that is a fun read. But the world is just full of awesome things I don't look at or participate in. Kind of sad, really.
ReplyDeleteI met the author at a book event before I knew who he was. Of course now I hear about him ALL the time, especially after going to a few Comic Cons. My husband and I have an idea for a webcomic that has similar themes, so I'll need to check out his stuff first.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really good read. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
I didn't know this existed. Thanks for sharing! Happy A-Z!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I was gonna get excited because I thought you meant Aesop! But this sounds cool, too. ~MPL
ReplyDeleteI'm happily intrigued by your post titles for the A to Z challenge, and can't wait to explore. This synopsis reminds me of the play Into the Woods. They both sound like a sort of deconstruction of fairy tales
ReplyDeleteI like drama and intrigue replacing over-the-top, unbelievable happy endings. Sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteSilvia @
SilviaWrites
I have the first few issues of that.
ReplyDeleteThat looks interesting. I like the different spin on some of the characters.
ReplyDeleteAnything like "Once Upon a Time"? Retellings or characters out of place are always intriguing stories.
ReplyDeleteDonna Smith
The A-to-Z Challenge
http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com
Mainely Write
Fables sounds awesome - the premise is intriguing, especially the part about them moving to upstate New York (a beautiful place). I don't know why, that just appeals to me somehow...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great take on old (really) old fairy tale favorites. I will have to find this book.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about this comic, but never read it. They tried to make a TV series out of it in 2010, but it didn't work out. Maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteMy post for F is about how to write Fairy Tales, but I must admit . . . the fairy tales I give advice on how to write are more Disney in nature than these. Fables certainly has dark themes, but at the same time those dark themes intrigue me.
ReplyDeleteI love learning about comics which are new to me!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a seriously cool blog!!! I'm enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteI love the Fables. My mom used to read Aesop's Fables when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
ReplyDeleteFables is one of the best series running today. Vertigo always has the good stuff (Swamp Thing, Y: the Last Man, 100 Bullets, Animal Man, Hellblazer, Sandman, American Vampire, Coffin Hill, The Unwritten, Astro City, Preacher, Transmetropolitan et cetera et cetera et cetera) and Fables is certainly no exception. Sadly it will be ending soon (issue #150) but it has had a great run.
Happy AtoZing. See ya 'round the web. All Things Kevyn.
Sounds interesting. Never heard of it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of this, but it definitely sounds like something I would really enjoy. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteRandom Musings from the KristenHead — F is for 'Fringe' and 'Firefly': First-class Sci-fi Shows