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Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red (Fables #15)

by Bill Willingham (Goodreads Author), Mark Buckingham (Illustrator), Steve Leialoha (Illustrator), Inaki Miranda (Illustrator), Andrew Pepoy (Illustrator), Dan Green (Illustrator)

4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 4,291 ratings · 205 reviews

The next collection in the New York Times best-selling series. Rose Red, sister of Snow White, has finally hit rock bottom. Does she stay there, or is it time to start the long, tortuous climb back up? The Farm is in chaos, as many factions compete to fill the void of her missing leadership. And there’s a big magical fight brewing down in the town square, right under her w...more

Paperback, 256 pages

Published April 12th 2011 by Vertigo (first published 2011)

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Dec 04, 2011 David rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-contemporary

This volume was one of the most satisfying in a long while. There was a ton of backstory (mostly involving Snow White and Rose Red) and then an all-out smackdown between Mister Dark and Frau Totenkinder. The backstory is mostly stuff we've inferred from earlier volumes -- Rose Red and Snow White used to be the closest of sisters, and then Snow White went away, and Rose, consumed with jealousy, sets out to destroy Snow's life. So we find out that Rose really was an evil, manipulative bitch back i...more This volume was one of the most satisfying in a long while. There was a ton of backstory (mostly involving Snow White and Rose Red) and then an all-out smackdown between Mister Dark and Frau Totenkinder. The backstory is mostly stuff we've inferred from earlier volumes -- Rose Red and Snow White used to be the closest of sisters, and then Snow White went away, and Rose, consumed with jealousy, sets out to destroy Snow's life. So we find out that Rose really was an evil, manipulative bitch back in the day. All of this is brought out by way of forcing her to emerge from the deep depression she's been in since Boy Blue's death. She finally gets up, cleans herself up, and takes charge again -- and she's also seeking redemption.

Watching godlike powers go at each other is always interesting, since you can't take anything for granted. Even when they're defeated, maybe they're not. First there's the North Wind parlaying with Mister Dark, both of them posturing and arrogant as all hell, and both knowing that going at each other would possibly be like a mutual launch of nuclear missiles. Then comes the duel between Dark and Totenkinder. It seemed almost too easy and too quickly resolved, so of course it turns out that it wasn't.

On the one hand, I was kind of hoping that the Mister Dark storyline wouldn't be dragged out much longer. On the other, it would have been a little disappointing if he'd been defeated this quickly. I thought keeping him around as a gold statue to menace the Fables in some future volume, after another few story arcs have gone by, would have been a predictable route, but instead it looks like the war's not over by a long shot.

Now that Ozma is moving into the spotlight to replace Totenkinder, we'll have to see if she can match the old lady's bad-assery. Willingham also weaves a ton of other subplots into this volume, many of them threads that have been dangling for a long time -- the North Wind finding out about his zephyr grandson, Gepetto getting his hands on a new army of (very small) wooden soldiers, the birth of Beauty's baby (for which Totenkinder knitted such an "interesting" onesie).

One thing I didn't like was Snow White's speech to Miss Sprat. "Beautiful people can be mean, and nice people can be ugly, but ugly people can't be mean" is a very fairy-taleish moral, and so I'm not surprised that Snow would say something like that, but it's got unfortunate implications. We're supposed to see Miss Sprat as a bitter, spiteful sociopath, but I couldn't help feeling sorry for her, if that's what all the beautiful people around her have been thinking for all these centuries. Also, I don't believe the "betrayal" at the end -- I suspect someone in that exchange isn't who they appear to be...

All in all, the last couple of volumes are restoring my interest in this series. I thought it was going to flounder after the end of the Empire, and I'm still worried that the Mister Dark storyline could go on just as interminably, but since Willingham says he has no final ending in mind but would like to keep writing Fables indefinitely, just like other long-running comic book series, it may remain fresh as long as he doesn't start phoning it in and it retains the advantage of being continuously written by a single creator. (What eventually killed my interest in most other comic books is that after a series has been through the hands of a dozen different writers, continuity goes out the window and the characters are practically new incarnations each time a new writer comes on board, even when the whole series isn't being explicitly "rebooted.")(less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Maggie Cats rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have only recently starting getting into comics--this is the fourth series I have read after Watchmen, Sandman, and Y: The Last Man. Rose Red is the most recent of the trade paperback versions and having to wait several months for the next release is making me very grumpy since the series is REALLY good.

If the concept of fables (i.e. fairy tale characters) living as exiles in our mundane world seems familiar it's because ABC's Once Upon a Time was originally supposed to be an adaption of Fabl...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-supernatural, graphic-novels

I'm not sure if this book was supposed to make me more or less sympathetic toward Rose Red, but I still pretty much hate her guts. But at least maybe she is over her shit now and we can move on? I did enjoy seeing more of Snow White's back story though. And I pretty much adore Frau Totenkinder/Bellflower.

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Apr 19, 2013 Fizzgig76 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reprints Fables #94-100 (June 2010-January 2011). The Farm is in a state of disarray as the Dark Man is growing in power in New York City. With factions vying for control of the Farm, Rose Red lies in her bedroom mourning Boy Blue. Flashing back to her childhood with Snow White, Rose learns how she and Snow became separated and now must decide what to do about. Meanwhile Frau Totenkinder is searching for a means to end the threat of the Dark Man, as Ozma and the other witches wonder if this will...more Reprints Fables #94-100 (June 2010-January 2011). The Farm is in a state of disarray as the Dark Man is growing in power in New York City. With factions vying for control of the Farm, Rose Red lies in her bedroom mourning Boy Blue. Flashing back to her childhood with Snow White, Rose learns how she and Snow became separated and now must decide what to do about. Meanwhile Frau Totenkinder is searching for a means to end the threat of the Dark Man, as Ozma and the other witches wonder if this will be the Fables last stand.

Written by Bill Willingham and illustrated by various artists, Fables 15: Rose Red collects the “Rose Red” storyline, a single issue, and the massive oversized Fables #100 (January 2011). Following Fables 14: Witches, Fables continues to be one of the most acclaimed series being produced.

Fables is a great series and this volume continues the strong tradition. I love it when Fables really dives into the “fabled” past of its characters and this one heavily ties into Rose and Snow’s past. When I was young, I remember not understanding how the “Snow White and Rose Red” fairy tale tied to the “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” story. While in reality, there was no tie; Willingham crafts the story into one tale like he has done with other stock fairy tale characters in the past. It is a fun solution to the Rose Red and Snow White problem and continues to show the ingenuity of the series.

The “Rose Red” five part storyline is followed by a stand-alone issue called “Dark City in Fables #99 (December 2010) which stands to set-up the threads of the big battle story in Fables #100. It does feel a bit like filler, and I actually wish there had maybe been either another set-up issue or that this story had been woven into the “Rose Red” storyline…It feels like a bit of a downbeat from the fun “Rose Red” story.

“Dark City” leads into the big battle of Fables #100. Fables #100 was massive and almost a “collection” by itself. It had a whopping $9.99 cover price (a bit of an issue for me), but in the Fables 15: Rose Red collection, it the bonus material found in the comic. I have to say, I was a little let down by Fables #100…After the dramatic death of Boy Blue, I was expecting more death and carnage in Fables #100. There were really no deaths…Totenkinder survives her battle and so does the Dark Man. The issue also had a bit of a weird flow due to the chapter breaks, but I always enjoy Fables supplementary stories with minor characters (and most of the backup stories prove to be threads to new storylines past Fables #100).

Fables 15: Rose Red despite some minor criticism continues to show why the series is one of the best ones out there. I wish that this series had been developed for TV as some talked about but now with the success of shows like Once Upon a Time and Grimm, Fables fate as a TV or film seems rather doubtful. Fables 15: Rose Red is followed by Fables 16: Super Team.(less)

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Mar 27, 2013 Otherwyrld rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novel

As indicated in the title, this volume of Fables spend a lot of time on Rose Red. We get to read all about her history, and the real story behind her enmity with her sister Snow White (and as an aside the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is really pretty nasty). Rose is finally kicked into getting back to her job - namely running the Farm, now under threat as never before. Not only is Mr Dark coming closer to finding them, but rival factions are threatening civil war. Rose settles every...more

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Mar 18, 2013 LibraryCin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fairy-tales, graphic-novels, sisters, witches

4.5 stars

This volume of Fables gives us more backstory on Rose Red and Snow White while they were growing up. Also, *****SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS VOLUMES***** Fabletown no longer exists, so while everyone gathers at The Farm, Gepetto is making a bid to run it, since Rose Red has been depressed and locked in her room. Plus, one of the witches is preparing to have a one-on-one dual with Master Dark, the new villain.*****END SPOILERS*****

This is another volume that ranks right up at the top for me. I...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Delicious Strawberry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bill-willingham, graphic-novel

Rose Red is a solid installment in the Fables collection, and rightfully so. Finally, we learn why Rose Red acted the way she did before and why she could be such a brat to Snow White. We FINALLY learn what separated those two girls, and how this story was intertwined with 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'. The melding of these two stories is well-done, and I was so happy for this awesome prequel story within the Mister Dark story arc.

One thing that really bothered me was how much the separatio...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Melissa Sodano rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, graphic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This action-packed volume opens with Pinocchio pummeling the Blue Fairy's ass. Not because he's trying to protect Geppetto, the Blue Fairy's archenemy, but because he despises her for making him real, the eternal little boy, destined to remain prepubescent til the end of time. Meanwhile, Frau Totenkinder, using her original name, Bellflower, goes in search of the last Boxer, one who can share the secret of imprisoning the Dark One, if not destroying him completely. Taking a break from the action...more

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Jul 08, 2012 John rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: hugo-awards-2012

This is the 15th volume of Fables, which is a DC Vertigo title. Vertigo are, essentially, the only imprint that have an output that I consistently enjoy (my route into comics contained lots of Alan Moore, backed up by The Sandman, Preacher and a continuing subscription to Hellblazer). As such I went into this with high hopes, and came out feeling somewhat disappointed. I think I was hoping it would be a wide-ranging selection of characters and their struggles to co-exist, but it actually all fel...more This is the 15th volume of Fables, which is a DC Vertigo title. Vertigo are, essentially, the only imprint that have an output that I consistently enjoy (my route into comics contained lots of Alan Moore, backed up by The Sandman, Preacher and a continuing subscription to Hellblazer). As such I went into this with high hopes, and came out feeling somewhat disappointed. I think I was hoping it would be a wide-ranging selection of characters and their struggles to co-exist, but it actually all felt very twee. There’s a big bad wizard and there’s some witches, and there’s the backstory of Snow White and Rose Red, and they live on Rose Red’s farm (because, a quick look at Wikipedia reveals, Fabletown has been destroyed).

(view spoiler)

All in all, this felt fragmented, and disjointed, and I wasn’t really all that impressed by it. I spent a lot of the time feeling a little bit lost and had to look some parts up for them to make sense. Nothing grabbed me at all, and nothing really kept me going except the knowledge that it wouldn’t take that long to finish reading it – as a result I’m unlikely to rank it highly in my Hugo Award voting. Whilst I suspect it’s all due to the fact that I came to this in its 15th volume and dived right in, it didn’t really impress me all the same. There is, perhaps, an argument that I should give it the benefit of the doubt as a result. I’d disagree, however – I came to Hellblazer after it had been running for a very long time (ditto Cryoburn last year) and was able to dive right into both. I think I can safely hold this category to that standard without feeling bad.(less)

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Mar 15, 2012 Jeffrey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novel, read-in-2012

Rose Red comes to terms with her past and Totenkinder executes her plan to take on Mr. Dark as Fables reaches issue 100.

Bill Willingham does an excellent job of tying Rose's turnaround into an exploration of her and Snow's relationship, with Rose's bitterness towards her sister explained and some interesting twists that enrich both sister's characterizations.

Meanwhile he also improves on Mr. Dark's decidedly thin characterization as he applies last volume's backstory to develop Totekinder's str...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Justyn Rampa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fables, fairy-tale, fantasy, graphic-novels, mavericks

Fables continues to be one of the most consistently clever and engaging mainstream comics in publication with the release of Volume 15 of Fables including the super special deluxe 100th issue!

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this volume because in all honesty, Rose Red is not one of my favorite characters in that I disagree with who she is as a person. She is often a drunken, irresponsible, sad sack who hops from bed to bed in an effort to fill some void in her life. She has definitely had...more Fables continues to be one of the most consistently clever and engaging mainstream comics in publication with the release of Volume 15 of Fables including the super special deluxe 100th issue!

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this volume because in all honesty, Rose Red is not one of my favorite characters in that I disagree with who she is as a person. She is often a drunken, irresponsible, sad sack who hops from bed to bed in an effort to fill some void in her life. She has definitely had redemptive moments, but those have been few and far between. This volume does some much needed exploring into Rose Red's origin story in which we get the Fables treatment for the Tale of Snow White and Rose Red. It was very eye-opening and informative. Upon finishing the volume, I don't know that I enjoy the character anymore, but I do understand her which is something. I have an empathy for Rose Red that I didn't have in previous volumes.

The second half of the volume deals with a culmination of the major arc of The Dark Ages and Witches. I have to admit it was completely nail biting and engaging with many ups and downs. There were times where I didn't like the direction it was going, but in the end Bill Willingham totally redeemed himself. I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT VOLUME!!! One of the most brilliant character developments occurs in this volume. Bill Willingham has an amazing talent for creating long-term characters!

This volume also contained a supplementary extravaganza to celebrate the 100th issue which included a short story written by the artist and illustrated by the author, celebrity burning questions in which I learn that Cobie Smulders (Robin from HIMYM) is a big Fables fan, and a Fables Puppet Theater which is adorable, an Escape to Wolf Manor board dame which is slightly less adorable, and a sketchbook. For the most part, none of this stuff is really as good as the series proper. Bill Willingham tends to devolve a bit into somewhat blue humor when writing incidental things and it isn't really something I enjoy reading. Regardless, the series proper is BRILLIANT!!!

Also, the cover was released for the 17th volume and it looks AMAZING!!!(less)

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Feb 01, 2012 Doreen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-only-book-club-worth-joining

After King Cole's rather silly shenanigans in the last trade, it was nice to see him back to his realpolitik ways in his exchange with Ozma. And while Rose Red is the focal point of the first half of this book (which was a much needed explanation on why she's so antagonistic towards her sister -- oh, the love that twists itself into hate!) I really wanted to know who she saw when she asked her Mom for an explanation.

The second half of the book belongs firmly to Frau Totenkinder/Bellflower, thou...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Jonathan Strahan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read this fifteenth instalment in the Fables set of graphic novels as part of my learning about comics/reading for the Hugos process. It collects the 'Rose Red" story arc (issues 94 to 100), which provides backstory for the Snow White/Rose Red story and is a major instalment in the battle against Mr Dark.

I couldn't help feel I lost a lot of significant context/ back story coming to Rose Red cold, not having read isses 1-93. I did greatly enjoy the early issues in the arc, which deal with histori...more

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Dec 14, 2011 Cassy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-2011, fantasy-sci-fi, graphic-novels

I decided to wait until the final one (or at least up until the final one that was out) to review this series. I had read it once before, and I remembered liking it then, but honestly, I like it more now.

I love stories that turn the old fairy tales upside down and Fables really does that. It takes all the old stories and turns them on their head. I like the idea that it's the humans (or mundies) that keep them alive, or at least strong. I think it's interesting that it's the Human world that gi...more I decided to wait until the final one (or at least up until the final one that was out) to review this series. I had read it once before, and I remembered liking it then, but honestly, I like it more now.

I love stories that turn the old fairy tales upside down and Fables really does that. It takes all the old stories and turns them on their head. I like the idea that it's the humans (or mundies) that keep them alive, or at least strong. I think it's interesting that it's the Human world that gives them all of their power.

Honestly, I like the latest bad guy more than I liked The Advesary. The Dark Man puts up more of a threat to me. The end of the Advesary (or Gepetto, as we found out later), was very anti-climatic, especially because at the end of the day, he didn't actually die. He's still among them, a part of fable town. Granted, no one trusts him and there are problems, but I just wasn't satisfied with that conclusion. I like The Dark Man because they're willing to kill him, to fight him. He's someone they're really will to do a lot to. It makes it more interesting and really shows another side to the Fables.

It also gives the opportunity to show us NEW fables. We were able to see Ozma, one of the 13th floor, which previously we hadn't seen any of them. We were able to see the Blue Fairy, who we haven't seen since she was freed from Geppeto's grasp. By bringing in a new bad guy, it also brings about the opportunity to bring some new characters into the mix. I'm all about new characters, or at least bringing some side characters more to the forefront, like Stinky the badger (Now called Brock.)

Probably one of the most devestating things was the loss of Blue. The thing about the Fables is that people die, frequently. None of your favorite fables are safe. They killed off Prince Charming, for God's sake, the one you would think would be safest of all. I like that in one way, but in another I don't because there's a good chance that your favorite characters will be offed in the next book. Sometimes it's nice to have a reassurance that you still get to follow those characters and you don't have to worry about them dying.

At the same time, the Fables strongly believe in a reincarnation system. While there's been no evidence of it yet, that doesn't mean the writer's won't allow it to happen. They've been hinting heavily that characters like Blue and Prince Charming will make triumphant returns.

I really liked that they still manage to keep some fairy tale aspects to it. Through everything going on, Ambrose and Rose Red still get to have their romance. They still get to fall in love and be with each other and have their fairy tale. Beast and Beauty get to have their child. I like that these small happinesses still happen. Bigby and Snow fell in love and had seven children and had their happily ever after. It's like these small messages that, despite all the terrible things happening, there are still a few happy endings.

Over all it's a great, fun series. I think it's a great way to redo the old fairy tales and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a graphic novel series or just enjoys some fairy tale retellings. This is certainly the series for you.(less)

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Nov 06, 2011 Jake Forbes rated it 2 of 5 stars

I'm really starting to wonder why I used to love this series so. This used to be a series about friendship, redemption, finding love and happiness in the face of adversity, where sacrifice and loss meant something because we cared about those who were lost. The adversary and the paranoia of not knowing who could be a spy created moments of real fear. Now Fables is a joyless thing. The current villain is supposed to be the embodiment of fear, but he's an incidental threat who can't sustain a chap...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Jake added it · review of another edition

Recommended to Jake by: Public Library

Shelves: fiction, graphic-novels

Growing restless during the final days before National Novel Writing Month, I sought a diversion. And I found it, or rather her, reposing in a literary fortress that overlooks the town in which I reside. For many months, I have gazed longingly at Rose Red, ever since her Fables compilation appeared on the New Release shelf at my public library.

Breaking the spell of procrastination, I seized Ms. Red from yon stacks and carried her to the Circulation Desk. “No, Mrs. Librarian,” I said coolly, “I...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reason for Reading: next in the series.

First, this is a satisfyingly huge volume coming in at over 250 pages; this is because it includes the celebratory 100th issue in which they included lots of extras. I loved this volume! The main story is carried along nicely, plenty of characters have resolutions in their lives, we see the departure of a character that's been in from the beginning and then the start of new story threads are briefly introduced.

The book starts off with the title story "Rose...more Reason for Reading: next in the series.

First, this is a satisfyingly huge volume coming in at over 250 pages; this is because it includes the celebratory 100th issue in which they included lots of extras. I loved this volume! The main story is carried along nicely, plenty of characters have resolutions in their lives, we see the departure of a character that's been in from the beginning and then the start of new story threads are briefly introduced.

The book starts off with the title story "Rose Red" which consists of 5 chapters and takes a deep look at Red's character and the mess she is currently in. We are taken back into her past when she was a little girl with "Fables" retellings of "Snow White & Rose Red" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". This is the real focus of the volume and takes up over 100 pages. A very satisfying story; I've been unhappy with the direction of Red's character lately and this is a rewarding read. Of special note is that Red is exposed to a stunning reveal but, we the reader, are not made privy to what she sees. I have an idea as to what it is though, so we'll see if I'm right in future volumes.

Next we're taken into the Dark City for a single chapter to spend some time with the Dark Man and see what he is up to and planning for the future of the world. Then onto a long single chapter in which all things come to a head when there is an ultimate battle (well, duel, really) between the Dark Man and one character who has long planned to take him on.

At this point we are treated to the bonus material with two short stories, one featuring Thumbelina and the other the Three Blind Mice. Then a longer short story which is written in text about Pinocchio and Geppetto. Finally finishing off with some fun stuff, a few graphic shorts, a Fables Puppet Theatre (which can be photocopied and actually built and played with), a Board Game and finally a sketchbook of Mark Buckingham's work.

All the little extras are a lot of fun, but the two main plot developments of Rose Red and the Dark Man carry the story along wonderfully and leave us poised for the next volume. All the other characters do appear also and everybody gets a little character development or move forward in their plot. Beauty finally has her baby and it isn't what she was expecting at all! A highlight in the series! (less)

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Jul 12, 2011 Grace rated it 4 of 5 stars

The absolute best part of the newest volume from the always-riveting Fables world was, at least to me by far, the story of Snow White and Rose Red / Snow White. As a long time aficionado of fairy tales, I was familiar of course with both the well-known story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and also the lesser known fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red. And like many others have I'm sure, I also wondered about the same name being used in two very different stories. Well, Willingham finds a...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dark, fantasy, graphic-novel, horror

This is a pretty hefty collection in the Fables anthology series, in more ways than one. For one, it's longer than the previous collections, partly because it collects the issues up to #100, which itself was a hefty issue. For another, the issues that take place in the series are darker, heavier, and carry more consequences than the previous volumes. Rose Red, who's been in a deep depression since Little Boy Blue's death, finally comes back around to remembering her responsibilities, and the bat...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Mark rated it 4 of 5 stars

While the quality level varies from book to book (both "The Good Prince" and "War & Pieces" are personal favorites... while "The Great Fables Crossover" is readable only for the bits that don't involve Jack of Fables), the Fables storyline, spread out over 15 graphic novel collections (and a couple of "extra" books: Peter & Max and 1001 Nights of Snowfall) is a sprawling & epic story of what happens when characters as diverse as the Big Bad Wolf, Snow White & even Little Boy Blue...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Matt Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

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May 10, 2011 Andrew rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: yes-i-m-a-geek

I have been looking forward to Fables coming to bear its focus on Rose Red. But this book unfortunately gyps the reader more than rewards. You finally get backstory that went way too long considering the payoff. I appreciate it, but if I had been reading this month to month it would have been frustrating. And then issue 100 hits... And you get left asking, what was the point? Did it make for some entertaining reading in the midst of it? Yes. But you just know where things are going to go, and th...more

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May 01, 2011 Andrew Shuping rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novel

Fables, in my opinion, is the most unique continuing series on the market right now. Bill Willingham has taken familiar characters, like Snow White and the Big Bad Wolf, and given them new life and new purpose. This series constantly leave me speechless, in a good way, at the twists and turns that you never see coming. And the art work for each issues is always spectacular. The characters live and breathe on the page and there is such depth to the world around them that I always have to go back...more

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Apr 23, 2011 ***Dave Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: urban fantasy lovers; fairy tale readers

Shelves: illustrated, favorites

Fables is unquestionably one of the best comics on the market today -- smart, imaginative, gripping, and doing a great job of blending fantasy, iconic characters, myth, magic, and modern sensibilities.

The glory days of the series were earliest on, establishing the characters and the great war against the Adversary. Since that war's end, the series has drifted a bit -- good tales, but missing a focus. That's now returned with a decent antagonist to the Fables in form of Mister Dark, and this volu...more Fables is unquestionably one of the best comics on the market today -- smart, imaginative, gripping, and doing a great job of blending fantasy, iconic characters, myth, magic, and modern sensibilities.

The glory days of the series were earliest on, establishing the characters and the great war against the Adversary. Since that war's end, the series has drifted a bit -- good tales, but missing a focus. That's now returned with a decent antagonist to the Fables in form of Mister Dark, and this volume measures up against anything else in the series.

The book collects Fables #94-100, with main threads both resolving the tale of the over-long-uber-depressed Rose Red and bringing a climax to the battle against Mister Dark. That latter occurs in Fables #100, a huge milestone for a Vertigo title that wasn't around before that imprint began.

Bill Willingham continues to write (except for one backup short text piece written by main series arist Mark Buckingham and illustrated by Willingham -- and it's not a throw-away piece, at all, but will have some impact on the longer tale). He maintains a deft touch for humor, drama, and having characters stay true to their mythic archetype while still being living actors. The horror surrounding Mister Dark is certifiably creepy without being gratuitously nasty. Rose Red's tale is poignant and even inspiring. And even just this one collection contains more narrative reversals and unexpected twists than the normal novel. Willingham does all of this while masterfully juggling a cast of two or three dozen "main" characters, plus at least as many more peripheral players, and a score of threads both personal and universal.

Buckingham (inked by Steve Leialoha) does most of the art, and he continues to do a splendid job, realistic (within the mythic frame) but still adaptable to the mood. Lee Loughridge's coloring is a critical part of the story, as are Joao Rusas' covers. There are some other fill-ins and backup tales, and the art, even when it varies, remains high quality.

If you aren't a follower of Fables, this may not be the best volume to start with, but if it's a choice between this and nothing, I'd still recommend it.
(less)

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Apr 18, 2011 Chibineko rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: comics, cool, cool-as-heck

I was eagerly awaiting this from amazon & trust me, I was almost ready to purchase the individual issues on back order so I could find out what was going on. Big things happen in this volume, after all.

This volume not only covers the showdown between Frau Totenkinder & Mr. Dark but also Rose Red's past & re-emergence into the world of the living. There's also a few extras at the end in the form of the game "Escape to Wolf Manor" & other goodies. (My personal favorite was a Q&A...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, graphic-novels

I've been less than impressed with the last couple of volumes of the Fables series, and almost didn't order this one -- but I've always liked Rose Red, and decided to give the series one last chance. I'm glad I did.

I feel like the story grounded itself again in this arc, and I loved the graceful way that Willingham told the original fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red" and then grafted his own, twisted, version of Snow White's story onto it. (One he told in the very first issues of the series,...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I have to say that this was loads better than the previous volume. This is the first time in a while since I’ve actually enjoyed reading this series. Frau Totenkinder is one of the most badass people ever. I don’t know why I never paid much attention to her character, but she is awesome. I have to say that she was one of my favorite things about this book. The parts with Rose Red were interesting as well and I liked seeing the backstories of the feud between her and Snow. On a side note, can I j...more

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Apr 12, 2012 JoLene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pbt, grapic-novel, read-2012

4.5 stars
Before there was a "Once Upon a Time", "Grimm", and two live action Snow White movies, there was the Fables series. This is a graphic novel series set in a world where the characters from our favorite myths and fairy tales really exist and have been living amongst the Mundy (us non-magical humans). Rose Red is the 15th installment, featuring Snow White's lesser known sister, Rose Red. In this installment, Fabletown, an enclave of fables living in Manhattan, has been destroyed by the Dar...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Ian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, mythology, war, magic, religion, romance, action, dark-fantasy, politics, urban-fantasy

Adventure, romance, sorcery, dueling, backstory galore, and a worthy departure for one of my favorite characters. We learn more about "the Great Powers", Mr. Dark, Bigby's father, Snow White & Rose Red & Prince Charming; and we're treated to a wealth of wonderful supplemental material (including a poorly-written but plot-advancing short story by the artist, a delightful boardgame, and a set of paper dolls). Did you know Phil La Marr and Cobie Smulders are fans of "Fables"? Well they are,...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Caroline rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, read-in-2011, urban-fantasy

This is definitely one of my favorites in the series. Not only does it go into detail about Rose Red's and Snow White's relationship and history, but we get some really fantastic Frau Totenkinder action. Rose Red has been pretty much a background character for so long that it was nice to finally see her get out of the slump and into the foreground again.

There's a lot of exciting action in here, mainly involving Frau Totenkinder and the Dark Man. (view spoiler)...more

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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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Fables, Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers

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title link	preview: Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red
avg rating	preview: Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red Goodreads rating: 4.26 (4291 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8601702-fables-vol-15?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1333579907l/8601702.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8601702-fables-vol-15?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red by Bill Willingham[/url]

Fables, Vol. 15: Rose Red (Fables #15)

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