Fables Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers

This fourth Fables trade paperback collects the double-length one-shot "The Last Castle" and issues #19-21 and #23-27 of the Bill Willingham series. I'll presume anyone reading this is already familiar with the series and direct the unfamiliar to reviews for the excellent Volume 1-3 TPBs. For new fans, the first two pages of Volume 4 feature capsules of the main characters and summaries of the first three story arcs. The one-shot shows the last Homelands stand of the Fables against the overpowering forces of The Adversary. It was penciled by Craig Hamilton and P. Craig Russell. This segues into the present-day, seven-part "March Of The Wooden Soldiers" story arc featuring the return of a Fable once thought lost and a new invader threating Fabletown. The 177 pages of penciling for this segment was provided by regular Fables artist Mark Buckingham. I agree with other reviewers about this being the strongest Fables TPB thus far. The cover price offers strong value for an eight issue collection, especially considering Amazon's discount.

After several volumes that focused on mystery, politics, and character stories, Fables author Bill Willingham graces us with a good old-fashioned war arc. Some men in black suits are lurking around Fabletown, and before long, things get dicey. This volume is a fantastic illustration of the scope of Willingham's series. Dozens of characters from fairy tales all take visible roles in this battle, and none of them feel out of place. I've never come away from reading this series more hyped for the next entry.

Following on from FABLES: LEGENDS IN EXILE, FABLES: ANIMAL FARM, FABLES: STORYBOOK LOVE, here's the 4th volume compiled from the series. In it, another bit of 'history'; a major event in Snow's and Bigby's lives is coming closer; strange creatures from the Adversary's lands come into Fabletown and almost destroy it. This one ramps up the pace, with most of the volume focused around the threat to Fabletown and its inhabitants. Be warned, some nice people die here; reminding us that Willigham is not above killing off his characters if it suits him for the sake of drama. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Just sounding a warning. As always, top-notch entertainment that kept me reading; and re-reading. Till Noever, owlglass.com, Author: KEAEN, SELDAIENNA, CONTINUITY SLIP

This series, is, as previously stated, phenomenal. An incredibly creative concoction, with a much more creative back story than the hut television show, once upon a time. The fact of the matter is, the lingering villain adds a lot to the story- although it poses no immediate, it is always there, as are the many character histories that add up for an intriguing reading experience, something new coming up with every chapter. The incorporation of so many different fairytales come together is also a masterstroke, from the Lilliputins of science fiction to all of the characters of nursery rhymes, such as boy blue and the cow that jumped over the moon (although it's appearance was incredibly brief). All of the tension among separate characters and connections between totally different realms of man's storytelling insures a most intriguing experience.

The fourth volume of Bill Willingham's Fables sees the pace of the story pick up significantly. Once again Fabletown is in jeopardy, this time by mysterious black-suited agents. At the same time a refugee arrives from the Old World: Red Riding Hood. No Fable has escaped from the Empire in centuries, so her arrival stirs tensions in the community. In addition we learn more about Boy Blue's past, the last days of the Fables in the Old World, Pinocchio, and the witches. This is bar far the most action-packed storyline so far. Bill Willingham's re-imaging of classic fairy tale characters continues to amaze and avoids becoming stale. Another great entry in what is already a phenomenal series.

A great addition to an amazing series. The story flows so well and the art is beautiful. I highly recommend.

I started reading Fables not to long ago when I was looking for a long running series to complete. I loved the concept since day one and all of the characters that has appeared throughout the series. I enjoyed this book just as I have the ones before and I plan to do with the ones after.

Elite wooden soldiers bring a taste of war to fabletown. As the soldiers without fear or humanity attack, we see neighbors fall and an enemy to whom bullets and fire are only an annoyance. Though this maybe the only time we see these guys in action, it becomes apparent that further preparation must be made.