Review: Fables #121
Sep 21, 2012 by     Comments Off on Review: Fables #121    Posted In: Reviews

Fables #121 marks the eighth and final chapter in the saddening story arc Cubs in Toyland from Vertigo Comics. It has been following two of the children of Bigby Wolf and Snow White as they are swept away to a distant world. A world of toys that have been discarded because they caused accidental death in young children. A world where time does not flow as it does in Fabletown. And more importantly a land without food to feed young humans.

I started my Fables journey at issue #114, which was the beginning of the Cubs in Toyland story arc. Where some comics have failed to keep my attention in an eight part story arc, Fables excelled. Much like Fairest, Fables’ “sister” series, I could not get enough of this comic. Bill Willingham has done a stupendous feat in creating a story about fables for adults. And yes, if you think this series is appropriate for children, think again.

Fables #121 CoverThe story has taken us on a very emotional escapade. A young girl is taken away to Toyland by a toy boat with magical powers. The inhabitants of Toyland wish to make Therese their queen, in hopes that she could restore their dreary world. But when her family realizes she’s missing the eldest boy, Dare, takes it upon himself to find his sister and save her. What ensues is a mystical adventure with a mechanical tiger, and walking talking toys. When the toys find out of Dare’s intrusion into their world, all hell breaks lose and the unthinkable happens. Dark plot twists throw the reader for a loop, and remind us that this is no regular telling of a fable, it is no story a child and toys should ever be involved it.

Now, #121 brings the astonishing conclusion of #120 into the light. What happened at the end of #120 that was enough to make me gasp? I’m not one for spoilers, so you’re going to have to find out for yourself. But what appeared as a dooming event in the quest to save Therese is revealed to be the only way to really save Therese. Although the story is extremely somber through one-third of the story, it takes a rather glorious upturn through the remainder of the comic. But does it all work out the way the toys of Discardia have plotted it? Once again, you’ll have to find out for yourself, but I can hint to you that you will not be disappointed with the conclusion of Cubs in Toyland.

The artistic team of Mark Buckingham on pencils, Steve Leialoha inking, and Lee Loughridge coloring have completely upheld the quality of the comic series. They make it unique as the story itself. Everything is simple, yet the many details all have a purpose; not to take away attention from what’s happening; and making the story look spectacular. There really is no quarrel from me on the artwork, it does what it was meant to do and does it very well.

I am very happy I got to know Fables when I did. If you’re reading this out of curiosity of the series, let me suggest to you to either wait for the TPB collection of Cubs in Toyland, or go back and get issues #114 through #121. It really is a spectacular series that never holds back and grips you tight to keep you coming back for the next issues. Although Cubs in Toyland was a great story, Fables is not over, and the success if this story arc has more than convinced me to stick with the series.

Art: 8/10
Script:
8/10
Parental concern:
Moderate. Blood, violence.

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