Yes! This is the good stuff. Now let me say that Fables has never been a bad comic, far from it. But there was a time that it took a bit of a downhill turn in both story and art; most of which I believe came from being rushed. Whatever the reason, Fables is back in full swing with this new story arc, “Homelands.” The story of Fables is thusly. All the fables and fairy tales that we know are derivations of actual events that took place on different worlds that are close to ours. Many of these worlds were overthrown by “The Enemy” or “The Horde,” and their inhabitants were forced to flee their home worlds to avoid being killed or captured by the horde. That is when a good number of them came to our world and established Fable Town, and a many of them live amongst the normal people. They all strive to live normally and hope against the day that they will band together to overthrow their old enemies and take their homes back, but it seems that day might never come.

Issue #36, written by Bill Willingham, possesses the humorous yet substantial story that I have come to expect from Fables. This issue is more than humorous; it’s hilarious. It begins with two goblin friends in the Horde’s army as they make their rounds to collect taxes form the hostage population and discuss such topics of human lovers, transfers, and the faults of their idiotic superiors. Then sadly, the fun comes to an end when Boy Blue shows up with a magical cloak that makes him all but impervious and holds within it the means by which to behead goblins. Blue then goes on a mission deep within the Enemy’s territory, but to what end?

The art, by Mark Buckingham (pencils) and Steve Leialoha (inks), is as always simple yet so good. It is hard to tell you how expressive and diverse the art is without you seeing it. This comic was just put together so well, and it shows how much work was put into the combining of art and writing. The conversations and expressions between the goblins are just wonderful. And check out the cover by James Jean. That is just sweet.

So if you want to see a great comic in its prime and read a story, which is doubtless headed for greatness, I must urge you to start reading fables. However, if you like crap and can barely read, then I suggest you just stick with Black Panther and see if I care. ‘Cause I don’t, jerk.

 

-Fumanchu