Fables Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers Paperback – November 1, 2004

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.

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.

The whole idea of characters from legends and fairy tales living among us anonymously may not be completely original but these comics take the notion to a whole new level and they are great fun, part of which stems from trying to figure out who some of them are. Most are pretty easy but a few take a little thought. Flycatcher, for instance, turns out to be the Frog Prince. The characters have escaped from a conqueror known as The Adversary and now live in Fabletown, ruled by (who else) Old King Cole. His trusted assistant is Snow White (ex of Prince Charming), now involved with the sheriff, Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf). Violence, betrayal, graphic sex and a lot of seriously twisted humor abound and this series probably should get an "R" rating. Fun though.

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

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.

Awesome

The best part about this chapter is that it is full of action and the men in black as well

More information about the identity of the adversary, I think I know who he is after this volume, and looooove from snow and Bigby. I did not expect their relation to start this way, but I am curious to how things are going to evolve :) can’t wait to have the next volume

Another great instalment of this series that sees the folks of Fabletown face their deadliest challenge yet. Alongside the action and fantastic artwork, the continued development of relationships and characters lends this series the human touch that makes it so appealing and accessible. Great read.

The action and drama are stepped up a notch in book 4 of the Fables series. the book is full of surprises and has the excellent art and character moments I've already come to expect of the series.

Following on from the previous books, the story starts to return to why the fables left the homelands and more about the fight they thought they had ran from.

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining lockdown read. Another great addition to the series with great continuity with characters and plot- ready to purchase the next!