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Fables: Dark Ages (Fables #12)

by Bill Willingham (Goodreads Author), Mark Buckingham (Illustrator), Peter Gross (Illustrator), Andrew Pepoy (Illustrator), Michael Allred (Illustrator), David Hahn (Illustrator)

4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 5,051 ratings · 229 reviews

The 12th volume in the best-selling, award-winning FABLES series collects the epic from issues #76-82 of the acclaimed monthly series. If you've ever craved a guided tour of Fabletown's secret Manhattan location, prepare to be thrilled. Pinocchio has a field day taking a certain VIP around the city. And exactly which Fabletown denizens are no longer active (dead, alive or...more

Published (first published January 1st 2009)

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Oct 22, 2011 Ian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dark-fantasy, fantasy, graphic-novels, mythology, sword-and-sorcery, urban-fantasy, war

Wherein we see the Adversary try to adjust to life after empire; bid farewell one last time to Prince Charming; learn what the fall of the Adversary means for different strata of Fabletown society; see a terrible new enemy unleashed by a pair of not-so-subtly familiar characters; witness the relase of Baba Yaga and the death of poor Kay; witness someone finally read the spoiled, self-centered Rose Red the riot act without caring what she thinks; and a hero dies needlessly, giving birth to what m...more

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Dec 04, 2011 David rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-contemporary

This is the first post-war volume. I was wondering what Willingham would do now that the Adversary has been defeated and the Empire has been destroyed. He ended up going with the "New Dark Lord" storyline -- so, the Empire had a lot of really dangerous, powerful, evil magics all bottled up while Geppetto was running things, and now they're being unleashed. Hence, a new Big Bad who right off the bat kills off a few notable Fables and then destroys Fabletown. And that's just in the beginning.

While...more This is the first post-war volume. I was wondering what Willingham would do now that the Adversary has been defeated and the Empire has been destroyed. He ended up going with the "New Dark Lord" storyline -- so, the Empire had a lot of really dangerous, powerful, evil magics all bottled up while Geppetto was running things, and now they're being unleashed. Hence, a new Big Bad who right off the bat kills off a few notable Fables and then destroys Fabletown. And that's just in the beginning.

While I enjoyed the story, and it was interesting to see the Fables beginning to explore more of the universe and their place in it, asking questions that haven't been asked in all the time they were at war with the Empire, I still wish it didn't look like we're just going to have another large multi-volume story arc in which they try to figure out how to defeat another super-powerful evil magical being. One of the virtues of the Vertigo line is that it can publish series that are long-running, but not necessarily endless. Whereas you know that the fundamentals of the DC Universe will never change permanently (they might mess around now and then with Superman's origin, marry him to Lois Lane, or even do a 12-issue miniseries where they "kill" him, but he's always going to come back and he's always going to be Clark Kent and Lex Luthor is always going to be his nemesis), in a series like Fables, there is no guarantee that it won't end eventually, and that things won't change radically along the way. Hence the actual end of the war that had been going on since the start of the series, and the destruction of Fabletown, which has also been a constant since the start of the series, in this volume.

That said, since we have seen Fables return from the dead before, I'm not entirely convinced that the characters Willingham killed off will remain dead, since we know with supernatural magical beings, he can bring them back any time he has an excuse to do so.

So anyway, the series is still good, but it's starting to recycle things just a little, so I hope it's not limping along in this vein ten years from now, still doing more story arcs with Big Bad IX.(less)

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May 03, 2013 Frank Deschain rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels

This is a particularly gruesome addition to the Fables mythology, and a new character is introduced that adds some nightmare fuel to the proceedings. With Boy Blue in the hospital for a magical arrow in his arm and Rose Red and Sinbad beginning a new affair, the pot begins to get ever more tension-filled and sometimes awkward. One of my favorite moments of this comic is when Kay walks into a bathroom with a knife, and we see him about to gouge out his eyes as he has done so many times before. T...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Otherwyrld rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novel

I'm not sure what to make of this latest volume of Fables. Inevitably, things are going to change now that the war between Fabletown and the Empire is over. Something has to fill the vacuum, and Willingham wastes no time bringing in a new enemy.

However, Mister Dark comes rather out of left field, and could have done with a bit more set-up. Basically he seems to have been something rather nasty that the Empire trapped in a box, and is accidentally let out by two rather greedy mercenaries (based...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Daryl Nash rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels

Let me come clean first: all of the comparisons of Fables to Sandman do this series no favors. In fact, when I initially tried to get into Fables a few years ago, I was turned off by the fact that it was not as sharp as Sandman. But that's not really a fair comparison. Sandman sits on a high pedestal for me, and not every book can be expected to be a classic.

So, with my expectations adjusted, I started Fables again several months ago, and was pleasantly surprised. It was better than I remembered...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Jelinas rated it 2 of 5 stars

Dark Ages explored some interesting themes, but some of the artwork was just plain bad, and the skipping from artist to artist hurt my eyes.

This volume is mostly concerned with the aftermath of Fabletown's war with the Empire. There was a lot of potential here to explore social and political themes, like what happens in a recently-freed land when the oppressor is gone and the people are left to fend for themselves. That was the direction I thought Willingham was going in initially, but, alas, I...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels, fairy-tales-folklore-mythology, series, read-in-2011

Fables: Volume 12, The Dark Ages explores the post-war realities for our Fable heroes, as they are displaced from their Fabletown lodgings due to powerful, magical stirrings in the Homelands. A new adversary power is established, who could be potentially interesting despite his naff and decidedly un-sinister moniker of Mister Dark.

My dear Boy Blue loses his battle with his wound inflicted during the war, and any "OH THAT'S NOT FAIR! But Fables are pretty much immortal so he'll be back!" argumen...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Matt Anderson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Volumes 10 and 11 ("The Good Prince" and "War and Pieces") were so strong, that I was a little let down with "The Dark Ages." Because volume 11 brought a resolution to the series-long storyline of Fabletown vs. the Adversary, I saw volume 12 as the beginning a new storyline, with a new villain being introduced. Mr. Dark doesn't seem to be as compelling as the mystery of, "Who is the Adversary?," however he seems to be a formidable opponent for our Fables. For me, the highlight of this volume was...more

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Jun 02, 2010 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library

Reason for Reading: next in the series.

What a fantastic volume! This volume deals with both the endings and beginnings of the old story arc. The aftermath of the war leaves pieces to be picked up and surprises as to who is still around or in what condition, while the beginnings of the new story arc are firmly set in place with a new Evil force to be dealt with and some major shakeups in the Fables lifestyle.

Starting off with a single issue of Pinocchio taking Geppetto around his new home shows h...more

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Apr 15, 2010 Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my favorite Fables volume, tied with Homelands and The Good Prince.

It was such an epic, beautifully written story, and it totally reminded me of why I read this series. First of all let me say that The Dark Ages is a perfect title for this--it focuses on not only the heart-wrenching subject of loss after war and how to cope with losing friends and loved ones, but it elegantly provides a turning point in the story without losing momentum, giving you a glimpse of the horizon and the storm...more This is my favorite Fables volume, tied with Homelands and The Good Prince.

It was such an epic, beautifully written story, and it totally reminded me of why I read this series. First of all let me say that The Dark Ages is a perfect title for this--it focuses on not only the heart-wrenching subject of loss after war and how to cope with losing friends and loved ones, but it elegantly provides a turning point in the story without losing momentum, giving you a glimpse of the horizon and the storm brewing there.

First of all, let me say that I was deeply affected by the loss of Boy Blue. He was my favorite Fable, with Bigby as a very close second. But Willingham gave Boy Blue one of the most well-written, respectful deaths I can imagine--it's a serious examination of what happens when someone you idolized and depended on is dying--and it affects EVERYONE in a very realistic way, and I have a lot of respect for Willingham for that. I was crying--especially during the scene with Pinocchio and Flycatcher, where Pinocchio cries "Take that back, you traitor! He was our FRIEND!!". I miss him a lot. The scene with Rose Red pretty much broke my heart.

However, I'm of the opinion that we'll see Blue again, somehow. The new 'religion' up at the farm, and the way its affecting Rose Red... Even though it looks like he won't come back as he wasn't popular and he wasn't an 'archetype' like Frau and Bigby, I think Stinky and Pinocchio are right in that the important ones always come back.

I also liked the almost Watchmen-esque tribute they gave Prince Charming (and we all know that rogue is going to turn up soon--he's swimming in Mundy popularity and there wasn't even a body to bury).

I'm very excited about this new Mr. Dark storyline. It seems that, as dark as the war with the Adversary was, Mr. Dark will bring the conflict to the entire Mundy world. It's actually world-changing, and it seems even more earth-shattering than the collapse of the Empire.

I loved the fact that everyone got a part in The Dark Ages. It's the start of a whole new storyline, and everyone was there--and it reminded me of the emotional attachment I'd forged with all of them over the twelve volumes.

Dark Ages is a new horizon for Fables. We had to leave behind some excellent comrades to get there, but this new story is even more tantalizing than before. During the struggle with the Empire, we knew that there would eventually be a conflict between Fabletown and the Adversary. But this is completely new territory, and uncertain, and dark--it reeks of epic conflict, but before we can get there, we have to explore some. And I can't wait to start.

Long live Fables.(less)

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Dec 16, 2009 Andrew rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: yes-i-m-a-geek

First of all, this probably is more of a three stars, but I think I am overrating it because Fables has not been great for some time. Entertaining, but not great. Well The Dark Ages is not a sure fire return to greatness for the whole series. In fact I hear terrible things about the crossover event, next trade. However, this story made me quite happy that the war was over and we were moving on.

Willingham introduces the new antagonist, and he really surprised me with the character. Not in that it...more First of all, this probably is more of a three stars, but I think I am overrating it because Fables has not been great for some time. Entertaining, but not great. Well The Dark Ages is not a sure fire return to greatness for the whole series. In fact I hear terrible things about the crossover event, next trade. However, this story made me quite happy that the war was over and we were moving on.

Willingham introduces the new antagonist, and he really surprised me with the character. Not in that it was an especially new and refreshing styled villain. It is a fairly typical direction, and would seem boring after the Adversary. I was just surprised how well he was able to make the villain stand out and make me honestly fear him.

Willingham also gave me something to hold on to for later. I think the series was best when you felt that Bigby and Snow were the main characters, even within the midst of the diverse cast of characters. And that has been missing for sometime. But in this book there is hinting that a new character will be stepping up into a lead role. I think this could greatly help the book.

As for the conclusion, I unfortunately got this spoiled for me, but there were still some surprises along the way.

Overall the story is mostly just introducing a new status quo, but with a with a few major character moments to back it up. I am looking forward to where Fables will be going for the first time in a while. Or at least I will be once I have that stupid crossover event out of the way.

Oh, right. And the art. Mark Buckingham does the main story (yay!). But they brought in a new inker that I sometimes like and sometimes don't (I think it is the inkers fault. I am not the best judge on such things.) He makes some things look almost Mignolaish, and others his big black lines feel like they weaken the image. Mike Alldred had done a previous mini-story for Fables that I had kinda liked the art for, and he returns for the Buckingham gets a break issue here. This is the first time I have seen his art since having read X-Statix, so it was interesting seeing him not as intentionally copying Jack Kirby. There were a couple other artists as well, who I am not remembering the name for. Both were fine, better than the old drop in artists they'd use.(less)

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Sep 15, 2009 Doreen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd forgotten how much I missed the Allreds' work (primarily on their brilliant run on X-Force) till I read the first issue collected in this volume. I've always loved Mike's expressive style, and Laura continues to do amazing work with color. Which also goes to show you how much I appreciate what they do: I very rarely start reviewing a graphic novel with commentary on the art work instead of going over the written text.

Anyhoo. Great book, as always (and I also love Buckingham's pencils!) It's...more

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Aug 21, 2009 Jessi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was a bit worried about how Willingham et al would keep the Fables story going after ending the big bad war in War and Pieces. My fears turned out to be completely unjustified, as this was an amazing (albeit sad) book and perfectly set up the next great arc in the Fables saga.

The book opens with Geppetto being escorted around Fabletown by Pinocchio, who's trying to get him adjusted to life after ruling the Empire. Not everyone is happy with the newest Fabletown resident, but I thought it was i...more I was a bit worried about how Willingham et al would keep the Fables story going after ending the big bad war in War and Pieces. My fears turned out to be completely unjustified, as this was an amazing (albeit sad) book and perfectly set up the next great arc in the Fables saga.

The book opens with Geppetto being escorted around Fabletown by Pinocchio, who's trying to get him adjusted to life after ruling the Empire. Not everyone is happy with the newest Fabletown resident, but I thought it was interesting to hear Geppetto's side of the story. He believed he was acting for the greater good, so sacrificing a few thousand lives was worth it, because in the long run he saved billions, or so he claims... Now that the Fables have taken him out of power, he believes the other worlds will suffer even more.

Geppetto's warnings seem to have merit, though, as back in a recently-freed-from-the-Emperor-land a pair of marauders unknowingly release a very powerful new enemy. This new adversary wants revenge on the Fables for taking away his magic and using it themselves, and he means business. The Fables are forced to evacuate The Woodland and move upstate to the Farm after the magic spells holding their community together begin to crumble. Baba Yaga comes back, and although she didn't get to do much in this book I'm curious to see what havoc she'll wreck in the next one. Even Frau Totenkinder is scared!

The main purpose of this book seemed to be setting up the new big bad and the next event in the Fables series: The Great Fables Crossover (with Jack of Fables, an offshoot of this series that I also really enjoy). The other big part of the story was the death of a character (one of my personal favorites) that brought up questions of what happens to the Fables when they die. We've seen some come back (there are always three little pigs, for example, and Snow White managed to survive a gunshot to the head), so I'm hoping this character will reappear at some point, too. But it was still an emotional arc and really made me question just how great a surgeon Dr. Swineheart is. He seemed like a bit of a pompous jerk, actually, but that could've just been me projecting because of the way he was treating said beloved character.

There was also a smaller mini-story that dealt with Mowgli returning to a jungle world with Bigby's brothers that was a bit more light-hearted and I nice diversion from the darkness in the rest of the book. Oh, and Flycatcher's back! That was one of my grumbles with volume 11, so it was nice to have him back...even if he is still clueless about his relationship with Red Riding Hood.(less)

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Jun 29, 2011 Ubalstecha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The war is over. The treaty has been signed. Now Geppetto is an ordinary Fable. Except that there are many inhabitants of Fabletown that don't want him there. Meanwhile, Blue seems to be suffering from a mysterious illness related to his use of the cloak in the war. He is getting weaker and weaker by the minute, turning into a skeleton before our eyes. Finally, Freddy and Mouse are looking for some loot but stumble across something far more deadly to themselves, as well as to Fabletown as a whol...more

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Sep 09, 2009 Christopher rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, graphic-novel-comic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 25, 2012 Karissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the twelfth book in the Fables series. I think it was one of the darkest books yet in the Fables series, hence the name is very appropriate. It was a painful read at points, but a necessary one.

The book starts with a short installment where Gepetto is installed in Fabletown and showed around by his son Pinocchio. The next few chapters focus on picking up the pieces after fighting the Adversary, you learn who is alive and who is dead or dying. We also get to follow the adventures of two r...more

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May 14, 2012 syrin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comics, private-collection, read-2012

"Yes, he was our friend. And he was good and heroic and all of those things you mentioned. So, why would we want to drag him back into this world of woes and heartbreak? "
So true, that is oh so true...
Aftermaths aren't always easy, and I'm glad that Fables decided not to forget about that bit of history that usually gets left out of the books, buts still, I was a somewhat disappointed, not only by the alternate pencillers (oh how I hate those!), but also because things seemed to just run by so f...more

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Jan 31, 2012 John Kirk rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are some interesting ideas here, and it addresses some pending questions as well as moving the plot forward. The backup story with Mowgli is fun too.

(view spoiler)...more

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Nov 08, 2009 The_Mad_Swede rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, comics, dc-vertigo, fantasy

This volume collects #76–82 of Bill Willingham's Fables.

I have to admit, being a huge fan of the previous eleven volumes (all of which have been getting better and better) that I was a little bit afraid starting to read this after having finished War and Pieces which preceded it. Because that volume ties most loose ends together and offers a really, really, REALLY good end point for the series. And I was consequently a bit scared as to where Willingham would be able to take it from there.

Needles...more

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Aug 19, 2010 logankstewart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-comics, library, 2010-read

After finishing the first 75 issues, I recommended the series to many different people. It told an epic story, crossing through familiar folklore territory but adding new twists and turns. I had planned on stopping with #75, but something just kept pulling me back, beckoning me to pick up and read what happened next. My resolve eventually broke and I did, requesting that the library order a copy. Soon it was in and I had a new graphic comic collection to read.

Fables: The Dark Ages collects issue...more After finishing the first 75 issues, I recommended the series to many different people. It told an epic story, crossing through familiar folklore territory but adding new twists and turns. I had planned on stopping with #75, but something just kept pulling me back, beckoning me to pick up and read what happened next. My resolve eventually broke and I did, requesting that the library order a copy. Soon it was in and I had a new graphic comic collection to read.

Fables: The Dark Ages collects issues #76-82 of the series. The story begins right after the events that spanned issue #1-75 come to a close. Fabletown's newest citizen is given a tour of his new home, and many fables aren't too keen to have him among them. A new antagonist, Mister Dark, appears starting in #77, and he threatens to destroy Fabletown and its inhabitants. Will the fables survive?

It was nice to be immersed back in the world Bill Willingham imagined. As always, the various artists do beautiful panels and covers, changing styles frequently between issues. The way a character looks may even change between issues (compare Pinocchio or Bigby from #76 and #80), and I really enjoy the artistic freedom given. Sadly, the trade paperback does not offer the glossy finish a comic page carries, nor does it truly display the beauty of each individual cover. That's not to say that the collection isn't beautiful, because it is, but it's just not as pretty.

Plot-wise, Willingham doesn't give the fables much time to rest. They've been through a terrible ordeal with the Adversary, and now that that's over, they get thrown into something else that may make the Adversary look like a cute kitten. Mister Dark is a wicked creature, hellbent on destruction and revenge. For what wrongs, we're unsure, but he intends to make them right, no matter the cost. The pacing of the plot was never dull, and Willingham masterfully plays with our emotions.

Overall, it was fun being back in the Fables universe. I didn't realize how much I'd missed these characters until I went through The Dark Ages, and now I'm going to have to do some heavy comic reading to catch back up. If you've read the first 75 issues of this series, then I can easily recommend this collection to you. Conversely, I wouldn't start with this one or you may be lost.(less)

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Sep 23, 2009 Reenie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comic, fantasy

I've found, as I've gone through this series, that I like parts of Willingham's style less and less the more exposed I am to it (or maybe the problematic parts come through more and more, I'm not sure). I'm not fond of the tendency of a variety of characters to parrot bits of what must be the author's political stance on the 'mundy world' in the context of their own stories. I suppose this may be due to a dislike of the stance itself in this instance, and I may just not notice when these sorts o...more

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Apr 12, 2010 Nicholas Whyte rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1421137.html

After the previous volume saw the end of the grand conflict between the Earth-based Fables and the evil empire which had dominated the story so far, The Dark Ages shows that problems may not be over as other ancient evils come to life, protective magic loses its cohesion, and some of the war wounded are still dying. The pieces are being put in place for future plot developments but there is of necessity noi resolution, so it's a slightly disappointing st...more

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Dec 27, 2009 E DB rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As per the other volumes of Fables, the sheer melodrama and silliness of most of the characters' interactions rings false and the plot drags dreadfully at several points in the book. So why do I keep reading Fables? Well, the comic book morality is good fun and the clever re-use of the archetypal characters just keeps me interested, especially because some of my fairy tales favorites (Kay from the Snow Queen, for example) turn up and do new and exciting things. If only there were more new-and-ex...more

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Nov 07, 2009 Felix rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comics

While still trying to cope with the aftermath of the recent war against the adversary, the Fabletown residents face a new danger that makes the adversary seem somewhat pale in comparison: Mister Dark. As if this is not enough, there's all kinds of frictions inside the community.

Willingham's storytelling is as good as it was in the preceding volumes, but with the big war over there's a slight feeling of (dare I say it?) mundanity creeping in with the fable characters. High time for a rejuvenating...more

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Aug 22, 2009 MKat rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: folklore-fairy-tales-mythology, graphic-novels

To geek out completely, this issue reminded me a lot of the beginning of the 9th season of "Stargate: SG-1". The Big Bad (i.e. The Adversary) was defeated by the end of Volume 11, and now comes the addition of a new Big Bad for the characters to fight. It's a lot of setting up of the chess pieces for the story lines to come. Two or three major things happen, but much more is alluded to which should unfold in the coming issues and volumes.

Basically, it's a stepping stone volume, whereas mostly ev...more

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May 19, 2011 Kim Miner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novel

Good one, but I sort of saw this volume as Willingham saying, "Oh, you didn't think that "War and Pieces" took enough chances? Then screw you, I'll kill off some beloved characters.

As a side note: Prince Charming's death really bothers me in these volumes. Nearly every woman and little girl in the world believes in Prince Charming. To me, he'd probably be the most powerful of the Fables. I figure he's going to come back at some point, but I don't even understand why we're dragging it out. For me...more

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Aug 14, 2009 MIchael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fables, fantasy, graphic-novels

Some spoilers. Though this volume slows the series down to a crawl of sorts. We get a new villain in that of Mr. Dark who is terrifying and eats the teeth of the dead in order to conjure up their spirits to work for him. He is going to be more of a problem to our Exiled Fables than the bloody Adversary ever was. Speaking of whom, watching Geppetto find his place within the Fables community is priceless...and though the...ahem...place...may have been found for him by some of our less than humanoi...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Artemisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, comics-or-graphic-novel, fable, fairy-tales, fantasy-world

What a page turner!
Love this book. It has rhythm. It has a little drama, a little suspense. A couple of tricks from the Sandman (see The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1) bag, and it all fits.

It's a really interesting thing to see the Fables dealing with the consequences of their actions. In a regular fairy tale the story would have ended when the Fables declared the war won. In the real world they have to deal with the aftermath of if. They have to rebuild and more important they have to deal with all...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Shannon rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, gorgeous-covers

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm torn with how to rate this. For the most part, I felt pretty disappointed. It makes me sad to see how far the series has fallen. The previous volume was a let-down and when I started to read this, I was hoping to god that this volume would redeem for any of the hate I had. I was thoroughly bored with the storyline about those two men looting post-war. I just didn’t care at all and I had no idea who they were. The section with Mowgli had me less than impressed as well. The tiger thing looked...more I'm torn with how to rate this. For the most part, I felt pretty disappointed. It makes me sad to see how far the series has fallen. The previous volume was a let-down and when I started to read this, I was hoping to god that this volume would redeem for any of the hate I had. I was thoroughly bored with the storyline about those two men looting post-war. I just didn’t care at all and I had no idea who they were. The section with Mowgli had me less than impressed as well. The tiger thing looked cool, but the story itself was bland. That drunken mammal thing Sam made me want to punch it in the face.

Now that the Adversary has been defeated, a new villain has stepped up to take their place. Mister Dark is the crappiest villain ever. He’s supposed to be this big baddie/the stuff of nightmares and I couldn’t take him seriously. I was thinking to myself who the hell is this weird vampire wannabe looking guy popping people’s teeth like tic-tacs? I don’t know, maybe I’ll feel different once more of the plot unravels, but currently he’s pretty lame. He has pretty big shoes to fill in terms of replacing the Adversary. And by Adversary I mean the badass, brutal monsters from the early times of the series. The guys that initially took over the Homelands and not the wussy pathetic figures they turned into as of the last four volumes.

Even though I hated the majority of this volume, there were a few key parts that had me wanting to give the books fifty stars. The major one being Boy Blue, who was easily the highlight of this book for me. I’ve been up and down about him, but ultimately I liked his character. The long, drawn out demise was both brilliant and hard to swallow. My favorite scene of all time was when Rose visited him on his deathbed and how blunt he was with her. I really admired how he handled himself there. It made for a good dramatic story, but I’m admittedly a little pissed that they keep killing off characters I like and not the useless ones that should be killed off. PLEASE BRING BACK PRINCE CHARMING!!! I feel like if any of the Fables come back to life it would probably be him. I mean, he’s in like every fairy tale.

I am still going to truck forth with this series. I’m still holding out that things will pick up. This whole Mister Dark situation could either be really wonderful or turn out horribly crappy and I’m willing to wait and see.(less)

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Jan 21, 2012 Justyn Rampa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fairy-tale, graphic-novels

This is the first volume after the conclusion of the first major arc of Fables which is the war against the adversary. After finishing those first 11 volumes, I wanted to take a break and come back to Fables once it had been a minute.

I was a little hesitant to see where Bill Willingham would go after the first major arc which ran for 11 volumes and after reading this volume, my fears have been assuaged. There is post-war wrap-up, some rather tearful results, and the introduction of our next majo...more

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The Mysterious Mr. Dark	4	55	Apr 17, 2012 08:03am

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Sequential Art > Graphic Novels

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Fantasy

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Fantasy > Fairy Tales

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Folk Tales > Fables

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Graphic Novels Comics

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Adult

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Sequential Art > Comix

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Adventure

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About Bill Willingham

In the late 1970s to early 1980s he drew fantasy ink pictures for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He first gained attention for his 1980s comic book series Elementals published by Comico, which he both wrote and drew. However, for reasons unknown, the series had trouble maintaining an original schedule, and Willingham's position in the industry remained spotty for many...more

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Books by Bill Willingham

Fables, Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers

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Trivia About Fables: Dark Ages

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avg rating	preview: Fables: Dark Ages Goodreads rating: 4.26 (5051 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6521426-fables?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309035981l/6521426.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6521426-fables?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Fables: Dark Ages by Bill Willingham[/url]

Fables: Dark Ages (Fables #12)

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