Jack of Fables #29 - Vertigo

This book is really just so much hot air. The best part about it . . without a doubt . . is the Brian Bolland cover. Basically, Bookburner is reigning down his fury on the Golden Burroughs. He's got an army of forgotten fables, and he's using them to defeat Revise. In the meantime, Revise is fighting back with Jack as his General. Jack's actually doing a pretty decent job . . if not mostly by accident, but . . they are holding their own. In Jack's case . . that's probably literal. By the end of the issue Jack comes up with an idea to final put this all to rest. Well, actually . . he kind of stumbles into it and Gary figures out the rest. They need to convince Revise to give all the Fable their full powers back. With that they can turn the tide and defend their home. Now comes the true question . . . who the hell cares? The only character we really care about in this book is Jack. And that's really only because he's a guy that people love to hate. When it comes down to it . . he's a bit of an ass. When he was out on the road, doing the Jack Kerouac thing, trying to shag whatever crossed his path . . at least that was interesting. Now? Now it's just so much crap. I'm just going to have to finally let this one go. It's really not appealing to me anymore, and it's not even a fun read. It just seems like a bunch of random crap thrown together and tossed into the story. At least try to make a political or social statement. Make jokes about the irony and futility of the world's governments. Something! But this random, fever-dream type story? It just isn't doing it for me anymore. And to me it's frustrating that a book like this is chugging along, and 100 Bullets is on it's final 2 issues. Where's the justice? So I think this is the last time I'll be reading this book. I tried to hang on as long as I could. Sorry!

Jack of Fables #28 - Vertigo

This book is just absurd. It really is. Bookburner is barring down on the Golden Boughs, and Jack has replaced Revise as the Commander in Chief. Revise had to step down because Gary . . the pathetic fallacy . . told him to. And since he is Revise's grand-father . . I guess he's the senior member here. Meanwhile, upon reviewing his troops, Bookburner has told Paul to go ahead and start attacking the Fables magic shielding that surrounds the compound. And Kevin and Priscilla have finally made their way to New York City. They traveled all the way across the country to go to his old apartment and retrieve his pen. Now, they may be able to win the war. Are you feeling a little lost? That's the way every issue of this book is. There's all of this absurd stuff . . that doesn't always make sense, or seem very logical. And there's no way that it should all be connected. But they are. I swear Bill Willingham eats some magic brownies, or something, before he writes this book. Have you ever seen That 70's Show? Well, they always end up in Forman's basement sitting in their 'circle', getting high. The things they talk about, and the ideas they come up with are hilarious. Mostly because they don't make any sense. But to them . . it all fits together. And it sounds perfectly reasonable and plausible. Well that how I feel about this book. When the ideas came up, they probably made sense, and maybe even seemed . . . coherent. But now? Uh . . I don't know. And what's up with Paul's blue Ox? He is definitely stoned or something. "Dash Weinstein, heroic accountant at large, checks his figures on the . . . uh . . . something . . . ok, Wendell Remington, world champion racecar driver stomps on the gas in the big . . . in the big race . . . in an important race . . ok, how about this? Alonzo the cruelty-free pirate orders his men to weigh anchor off the coast of . . . hrrrm . . . . . . damn. I got nothin'." Every issue he goes on this little . . excursion . . off the reservation. I think one of his 'trips' from the 60's is catching up to him. This comic is definitely unique. Although . . a little hard to follow. After reading one of these issues . . I kind of have mixed feelings.

Jack of Fables #27 - Vertigo

Before I get started here, I should apologize. I'm probably going to seem a bit more negative than usual . . or maybe just a bit more critical. I keep thinking about this price hike that's coming down the pike . . and it's really got me peeved. The simple truth is . . I'm going to have to cut some books off of my monthly list. There's books I really like, and there's books I'm interested in. The problem I have is that the books I really like all fall into the same genre . . super-heroes. It's what I was raised on, and read for the last 30 or so years. But the other stuff, the stuff I'm just interested in, is a welcome change of pace. It's stuff like this book, Madame Xanadu, Ex Machina, various mini-series, Jungle Girl, Hulk, Iron Man, etc., etc.. Right now I'm considering a future of Superman, Batman, X-Men and probably Spider-man. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but . . it doesn't leave much in the way of variety. But, I also have to be pragmatic. I can't keep shelling out what I am on a weekly basis. And I certainly can't afford to spend more for the same amount of books. So, I'm just going to have to 'grow-up' and realize that every hobby . . no matter how enjoyable . . has it's limits. Which is really bringing me down because I think my overall view and appreciation of the comic industry has grown in the last 10 years or so because of all of that variety. So anyways, over the course of the next few weeks or so, I'm probably going to be more critical of what I read because . . I'm going to have to decide what's to be cut. And I'm sorry to say, it's probably going to be some of these Vertigo titles . . including this one. I really enjoy the stories here by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges. The way they write is amazing. Their minds are all over the place. But, sometimes, it just doesn't keep my interest. With this issue, we're on the third chapter of this story about the Page sisters . . . and Bookburners attempt at overthrowing the Golden Boughs. I like it. I like the variety. But, it just doesn't jump off the page at me. I find my mind drifting as I read it. I read it because it's different. But, at the end, I find myself thinking . . "Who really cares?". And, I hate to admit, it's one of those books that I keep getting, not necessarily because of the story, but . . because I have them all . . I want it to be complete. Anymore, that can't be a consideration. I'm going to have to stick to the books I like. Somewhere along the line, this one probably won't be in that list anymore.

Jack of Fables #26 - Vertigo

To tell you the truth . . I'm not really sure why I continue to read this book. I mean . . it's ok. It's a pleasant distraction from the rest of the super-hero genre. But the way that Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges write it . . I feel like they just basically 'wing-it' every issue. Some of them are interesting . . some of them are funny . . but then sometimes, it feels like they just bull-shit their way along until they fill up the 22 pages. We did make some headway in the story though this issue. Bookburner is on his way to the Golden Boughs and Revise is treating it like the invasion of Normandy . . or Pearl Harbor, or something. Somehow though, I think, these Page sisters are going to be the key to the whole thing. They just don't know it yet. Last issue we focused on Robin, and now this issue it's her sister Priscilla. I'm not sure how they can affect things, but Kevin comes to talk to Pris this issue and he informs her that the reason Revise is so upset is because Bookburner has Hillary, and Hillary is his daughter. That confuses Pris because she says they never knew their father. That's when Kevin informs her that Revise is indeed Hillary's father, but Pris and Robin have a different father. It turns out their father is . . . Bookburner. The final revelation of the book is that Humpty Dumpty is back . . they put him back together again . . but now, he's Deviled Egg. I know. It's not as climactic as I thought it would be. But . . that's how these stories go. I want to like them. But sometimes after I read them, I just think . . what's the point?

Jack of Fables #25 - Vertigo

This issue focus' mainly on the Page sisters. And most specifically on Robin. Why? Because she's fallen in love with Jack . . she thinks . . and foregone her duties as head of security at the Golden Boughs. I don't think Jack's intention was to pull her away from her duties. I think he just sees her as another conquest. Plus, he wants to say he slept with all of the Page sisters. But, her absence is causing a huge problem because the Bookburner is on his way there right now. He's got many Fables, and Hillary Page is his posse, but . . with the help of Humpty Dumpty . . she gets away to call Hillary and warn her of their crusade. The problem is, if Bookburner gets to the Golden Boughs, he will erase every fable, and all the administration from existence. So now she has to find a way to get Jack to help her out. She has to convince him to fight the good fight, and help defend the place that he continues to treat as a revolving door. He obviously has very little respect for the hierarchy of the Fables, and their community. This issue is filled with the usual wackiness and wry humor of the Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges stories that have graced this book since it's inception. It's a bit . . out there. The art this issue is brought to us by Russ Braun. It's not a whole lot different than the usual art in this title, but . . there are a few panels that look really nice. But it's supposed to be 'cartoony'. That's the overall theme of the book. Right? I like this title. It's a nice diversion from the regular super-hero fare. Plus . . it's just crazy. And, I can't complain about those Brian Bolland covers. Fantastic!

Jack of Fables #24 - Vertigo

I honestly think that Matthew Sturges & Bill Willingham have a smoke addled brain when they write this book. I mean, it's fun . . . it's kind of 'out there' as far as the flow of the story goes, but . . it is different. I think that the point is that as a 'Fable', Jack doesn't have to live by the same rules as us 'mundys', so . . . the story kind of goes the way of his attention span . . it's all over the place. This issue wraps up a western tale of Jack's when he was the leader of the Jack Candle gang. He's broken out of Fabletown, and has been out in the 'mundy' world creating quite the ruckus. Bigby, the closet thing Fabletown has to a bounty-hunter, has been tasked with his return. Not only does he take Jack down, and arrest him, but he does so in a way that is very humiliating and demeaning to Jack. Why should he care about Jack's feelings . . . Jack doesn't care about anyone else's . . . except himself. And of course, in the end, Jack breaks out again and moves on to another adventure. I'm not necessarily thrilled by the artwork of Tony Akins, it's kind of 'cartoony', but . . in essence, aren't all Fable really cartoons? Or is that vice-verse? Anyways, it's a nice break from the usual super-hero books. It's not very linear, but . . it is fun.

Jack of Fables #23 - Vertigo

I'm telling you . . I really don't know where Bill Willingham, and Matthew Sturges, pull these stories from. I could just see these two in a brain-storming session throwing ideas back and forth at each other. One of them probably comes up with some ridiculous idea, and then they probably just blurt out wherever they think the story could go from there. Honestly, there's really no rhyme or reason here. Other than the initial story premise. I'm not a big fan of Tony Akins' art, but . . I have to give the guy credit for keeping up with these two. What an arduous journey that must be. He's been on this book since it's inception, so . . he's kind of the heart of the book. I may not always like his style, but . . it's what I've come to expect when I pick up this title. And I'm never disappointed. Apparently were going to have some kind of showdown next issue, but this month . . Jack, and the Jack Candle gang, are right in the middle . . and they don't even know it. Jack, and his gang, is after someone who took his merchandise from a local gunsmith. I'm guessing it's John . . . he said he had black hair and an Indian side-kick. But then Jack is being pursued by Bigby and his talking horse. They're from the Golden Burroughs and they've been tasked with the assignment of finding and retrieving Jack. I wonder how many have been assigned that task over the years? Anyways, this issue is filled with Bill and Matt's usual ironic and sly humor. Again, I'm not sure how these guys construct their stories, but . . apparently it's effective for them. It's a crazy title, but I like it.

Jack of Fables #22 - Vertigo

This issue didn't have it's usual ironic flavor of humor. But . . it was ok. It does go a little overboard sometimes. Anyways, we see an earlier time . . 1883 actually . . when Jack had also emancipated himself of the ostentatious walls of the Burroughs. He was calling himself Smilin' Jack, and he was the leader of the Jack Candle Gang. The reason, I think, the humor was abandoned this issue, is because this one is kind of like a history lesson. Jack had put his gang together, and was running rampant across the Western horizon. This issue, we meet each one, and learn a little of thier backgrounds. They're an eclectic lot of larceny, which includes Indian Wally Broadhome, Coldstream Angus McKee and the Jasper Kid . . who was really from Huntingburg, but they didn't think anyone would respect someone called the Huntingburg Kid. It's those kinds of leaps in logic that makes this book the facetious prose that it is. When I saw the Matthew Sturges was doing the scripts with Bill Willingham, I was afraid that we were going to lose him. But it appears that they are now a writing duo, much in the way of Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti. They've also recently started doing the House of Mystery book together. You know, my only complaint since the beginning of this series is the art. I don't really like the style that Tony Akins uses to illustrate these pages. But . . upon reflecting further, I actually think his style is perfect. These characters are, after-all . . characters . . literally, from the various fables as told around the world. To draw them in a chucky comic-book style, I now think, suits their stature and the "tongue-in-cheek" nature of their adventures. I enjoy reading this book every month. And now . . now that it's graced with these amazing Brian Bolland covers, it's a nice little gem hidden away on most comic racks.

Jack of Fables #21 - Vertigo

This issue was a bit . . . strange. But then, that's what we've come to expect from this title. That being said, this issue was a bit . . . strange. Jack's not actually in this issue. This issue is about Wicked John. Whom, I guess, is who Jack replaced somewhere along the line. I forget what the specific reasoning was for all of that. Anyways, Gary decides to put on a play for the residents of the Golden Burroughs. John is in the play, but he's more worried about sleeping with Alice, and attempting another escape, that he does nothing to aid Gary's endeavors. Obviously, this story takes place farther back in our time-line. It doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to me. But then again . . . not much in this book does. My presumption would be that this is a fill-in issue. Although, I don't really know why. As usual Bill Willingham does the scripts, with the aid of Matthew Sturges. Tony Akins is the artist. The thing I like the most about this book is it's absurdity. But even this issue pushed that to it's limits. I really feel, this time, this issue was a complete waste of time and money. Not to mention the paper that it's printed on. Hopefully, we'll get back to the normal amount of absurdity next issue.

Jack of Fables #20 - Vertigo

For once, a books cover depicts an actual event that takes place inside the book. Well . . except for the 3 girls part. Last issue Jack and his gang found the treasure that they were looking for. Well . . not exactly the treasure, but the location depicted on Humpty's ass. Hopefully that wasn't a pimple. Anyways, they find the ruins of this Aztec looking pyramid kind of thing, and they assume their treasure is inside. Of course they're right. And somehow during the arduous labor of collecting all the gold, Hillary decided that she's turned on by Jack. "I promised myself I wouldn't do this, Jack, no matter what else I did. But you have a certain . . . quality about you that I can no longer resist. So come on, then!" I see she took the men's course in foreplay. For me it's just, "Are you tired?". Anyways, after which she learns that Jack has slept with both of her other sisters, Robin and Priscilla. The way she finds out is because Jack feels the need to announce his accomplishment to the world. "I am truly the greatest. I am a hero to the common man. I did it! I finally managed to nail all 3 Page sisters! I got the trifecta!" After which, Hillary nails him much in the way she does on the cover. As he lays on the ground, writhing in agony, he says "I . . . regret . . . nothing!" I've said this before. I really don't know how Bill Willingham comes up with this stuff. It's amazing, and far-fetched, and creepy and weird all at the same time. And really, when you come to think of it, he's writing his own fable (s) in the pages of this book. Complete genius.

Jack of Fables #19 - Vertigo

Look at that cover. Is that cool as hell, or what? The interior art on this book has never been fantastic, but I'll tell you what . . the story more than makes up for it. Bill Willingham's mind works in some mysterious ways. Matthew Sturges has been helping him out of late. But I really think he just tries to keep the guy on track. If his stories went in the directions that his mind does, well . . . they'd be pretty hard to follow. He really does come up with some fanatical . . er, I mean, fantastic ideas. I don't know how the guy does it. This story-line, our group has gone to Americana. Like the Golden Boroughs, this is where the Myths and Fables live. But this one is strictly for the American Myths and Fables. This issue is really a tour of the whole area. They visit Gangland, where Jack cashes in on his experience with hustling moonshine, then the Great White North. Which to them is really boring. Off to the Colonies, the Big City, Antebellum, Lone Star, and finally the Frontier. Where they think they've reached their goal. "Wait . . my ASS! Hillary . . look at my ass!", shouts Humpty. Remember, the treasure map is tattooed on his ass. "See? It's the oil-derrick thingy from the map! We're here! We made it! We found the lost city of Gold!" So now next issue, we'll see what they have to go through to claim their treasure. I really like this book. But, it is out there. Cool!

Jack of Fables #18 - Vertigo

I like this book. I really do. I just don't know where they come up with the stuff for this. I thought with Matthew Sturges influence, Bill Willingham's stories would seem less like an acid trip, but . . . . not so much. It's really almost like a nite at the improv. I feel like these guys are just winging it as they go. And wherever the story goes . . . the story goes. It's kind of a neat concept. And, it definitely keeps you guessing. And honestly, it's almost impossible to tell where these stories are going to end up.
Last issue basically all of our characters had jumped on a train and were heading to Americana. The home of the American fables. I think Huck Finn and Jim were in the same boxcar as the rest of our fellas. And Page. Anyways they get off in Steamboat. They're looking for a treasure that Humpty promised Jack. But they've got a little problem. The map was tattooed on Humpty's ass, and after the ride in the train, a piece is missing. But Page has found it. She won't cooperate with Jack though, unless he goes on her little mission with her though. They hop another train and go to Idyll. It a town filled with nothing but Zombies. Well . . except for the Librarian, that is. And that's who Page has come to see, because she believes him to be her father. He refutely denies it, and invites them in for a book burning that he's holding. She's dismayed, so they head back to Steamboat. Where next issue, they'll pick up on Jack's mission, to find his gold. Tell me that doesn't sound like a dream. Or an acid trip. Or something. I really don't know where they come up with this stuff. But, the story definitely keeps moving, and it keeps you guessing every step of the way. Cool stuff.

Jack of Fables #17 - Vertigo

It appears that the last few issues have been leading to this. This issue is part one of the new story-arc, "Americana". Jack and Gary seem to be wandering the country aimlessly. But, in actuality, Jack has had Humpty Dumpty in his briefcase this whole time. His reward for letting him come on their journey with them, Humpty has agreed to lead Jack to a vast fortune. So now their team consists of 4. Jack, Gary, Raven and Humpty. Meanwhile, in Idaho, Miss Hillary, Paul Bunyan and Babe are on the same quest. Although Miss Hillary is the only one, right now, that knows where they're heading. Apparently, a while ago, Mr Revise sealed off any means of entry in to Americana . . . the American Fable land. Raven and Humpty have heard of it, and Humpty knows how to get there. Miss Hillary, who has also heard of it, doesn't know where it's at, but she's using Paul and Babe as a divining rod, or sorts. The closer they get to it, the more the magic will seep through, and the larger her companions will become. They both figure out that they have to be hobo's, and hop a certain train to be led there. Jack and company find the train in New Mexico, but Miss Hillary and her companions find it in Montana. However, when each group jumps in a boxcar, they find out that they're both in the same place. It's the final page of the issue before they all realize that they're on the same trip. What a coinkidink! Right? This issue, as always, is brought to us by the twisted mind of Bill Willingham. It'll be interesting to see where this story goes from here.

Jack of Fables #16- Vertigo

I really like this book. I just have a hard time describing it. Bill Willingham is really . . . out there. Well . . maybe not him specifically. But . . when he writes these stories . . wow . . he's all over the board. I think this months cover, by Brian Bolland though is fantastic. What more could you ask for, for the week of Halloween? This issue we have a story weaved by Jack himself. He tells of how he came across the devil one day, trapped in a tree, and how he offered him a boon if he helped him escape. "I promise that hell will never let you enter it's sulfurous gates . . . no matter what evil deeds you do in life." So he takes him up on his offer. He was already a mischievous fellow, so a get out of hell free card was just what he needed. However, as with all deals with the devil, it's what he didn't say that's important. He never promised him he'd get in to heaven. Just that he wouldn't have to live in hell. So he travels back to the land of the living, and on the way he has an epiphany. "What if there was more than one actual version of the devil? I'd only made a deal with one of the." So he goes looking for others. With each one, he ups the deal. "Once I was even ahead 537 years, before one of my deals fell through." At which point he tells Gary that his current deal is about to run it's course, and that he needs to find a new version to talk to. And that's what I'm talking about. Where oh where does Bill come up with these ideas? I know the guys brilliant. But . . wow . . his thought process is out there. Well, however he does it, it's very entertaining. And that's all we can ask of this medium. Right?

Jack of Fables #15 - Vertigo

I really do like this book. But I gotta tell ya . . . we go off in some really strange directions with these characters. This issue finishes up the whole John / Jack of Fables storyline. It turns out John was the original, and Jack was the copy. I'd explain it to you . . but it's way to long winded. Suffice it to say, once Jack believes that he is the copy, he pulls the sword out of himself and places it in John. His theory and reasoning is "If your the original, then you're supposed to be the center of the story. Not me." Makes sense to me. I guess. Anyways, John's companion, Raven, comes down to rescue them. But when he finds out that Jack is the copy, he realizes that he's the one he's supposed to walk with. So between that and the sword sticking out of his chest, they decide to leave John in the canyon. Which he isn't to happy about. Meanwhile back at Golden Boroughs, the man they captured it brought in. Mr. Thorn is actually . . . Revise's father. He likes to go out into the world, so they strip him of his memories. But eventually, they start to come back. However, this time the memory well is being used, so they can't put him in it for a while. So he's just going to have to sit tight. We also find out that Gary is actually Revise's grandfather. He's Mr Thorn's father. I know it's all pretty strange. I really think Bill Willingham is messed up when he writes these stories. If you were stoned, they would probably make a lot more sense. But . . . that's what's funny about them. This is a crazy series. But I like it.

Jack of Fables #14 - Vertigo

As I've said before, I really think that Bill Willingham is toasted when he writes these stories. Either that, or he has the imagination of an 8 year old. That's a compliment by the way. The story-arc we're on now is trying to explain about how "Prince John" came first, and "Prince Jack" is actually a copy of him. The story is being told by Jack's little pal, Gary. Who is actually a "great power", but we don't know all the details on that yet. Also in this book, Golden Boroughs has sent some agents to retrieve the guy in the apartment who was writing all the books. Apparently he thought he was collecting volumes of Fable lore, but actually all the tombs we're hand written, by himself. He just didn't know it. It wasn't until he tried to show his research to someone else that he was found out. He was turned in by his dog. I guess a spy that was sent to watch him a long time ago. When asked by the agents why he didn't call sooner, he replied "Who knew what he was writing? I can't read." And this guy is also considered a "great power". As is Mr. Revise. So I'm guessing the "great power" thing has something to do with the people who are actually the creative force behind these stories. The writers and artists and such. But, I'm just guessing. But as I said before, the essence of this particular story-arc is to sort out this mess between the 2 "Princes". We really haven't even gotten in to the whole "sword in the stone" thing. Or . . . sword in Jack's chest. But that's what I like about Bill's stories. Even though sometimes they're out there, there's always a lot of stuff going on. And sooner or later, some how, it all gets connected. If it's far-fetched . . . that's ok. These are stories about Fables after all.

Jack of Fables #13 - Vertigo

I really like this book. But I feel like Bill Willingham is probably high when he writes these stories. I mean . . . I don't know where he comes up with his ideas. And while there is a progression to these stories . . . sometimes . . . he's just all over the place. See if you can follow along here. Last issue, maybe the one before, Jack hooked up with Priscilla Page, a magistrate . . if you will . . from Fabletown, another Fable character John, and his side-kick Gary. In trying to escape, Jack caused the mini-van they were traveling in to come crashing down a ravine. When they got to the bottom, they found this old guy who's dingy had washed him ashore, and he had a sword. Jack went over to see what was going on and the guy impaled him with it. Now this issue, Jack is stumbling about wondering what the hell is going on. It's a while before he stops to realize that actually, he's ok. The sword seems to be having no ill affects on him. That's when Gary realizes that it may actually be the sword Excalibur. And Priscilla theorizes that since Jack is such a strong male character, he most often is the center of the story. So this time the old man mad him the center by figuratively turning him in to the rock in which Excalibur has become stuck. So now he has to wait for the true king to come along before it can be removed. Also Jack gets into an argument with John because, obviously, Jack is the original and John is the copy. But Gary, with his new found wisdom, shines the light on the situation by telling Jack that actually . . . he's the copy. Meanwhile there's a reporter, Kevin Thorn, in Manhattan that is looking through all his journals and antique books. He's trying to expose a story about Fabletown. Expose it's existence and all the characters that live there. The problem is, no one will believe him. They believe him up to a point. The point is when he shows them his research library. It's filled with books that are antiques and rarities that he's collected over the years. The reason they don't believe him? Every single one of them is written in Kevin's handwriting. We also find out that his dog has been assigned to keep an eye on him, and after the latest incident, he has to call Leroy to let him know that he thinks Kevin is getting his memory back. Also back in Fabletown, or Golden Boughs . . whatever! . . the other Miss Page is setting about to go on an excursion with Paul Bunyon. He and his Ox are both miniaturized now, but Miss Page doesn't want to take the Ox along, because she's afraid a miniature blue Ox would draw attention to them. But Paul's afraid to leave him alone because when he's left to his own thoughts he tends to lose touch with reality. I think this whole book has lost touch with reality. I mean you tell me . . . was that story written by someone who wasn't F@#$ed up? I don't know. It seems like maybe this book is a release for him. Well . . . either way . . it's a heck of a story. I just don't know how he comes up with it month after month.

Jack of Fables #12 - Vertigo

This is another book that I like. But it's hard for me to explain what's going on. I mean, I could go through the story step by step. But . . . it's kind of . . . hap-hazard. What I mean is, sometimes this book . . . the stories . . . aren't very linear. Basically, we're following Jack around . . . from one adventure to the next. With the only consistency between them being . . . he usually gets laid . . . . he's constantly being followed by the Librarian and Revise. But that's ever since he broke out of Fabletown. Or whatever it's called. Now he has a sidekick. Gary. Or maybe it's Kevin. He hasn't decided what he wants to be called. In our story this month, we get a little glimpse in to Paul Bunyan's life. And we see Revise going in to the memory hole, to try to erase the memories of anyone who saw any of the Fables when they broke loose. Again . . . Jack's fault. And the story ends with some sorcerer skewering Jack with the sword Excalibur. He says, " . . . the sword must be kept safe, until the one true king comes to claim it." What that has to do with Jack . . . I have no clue. And my description of the book . . . kinda' bouncing around . . . little bits and pieces . . . not really enough to get a grasp of what's going on . . . . that's really how the book reads. If I didn't know better, I'd have to say that someone was seriously smoked when they wrote this. You really have no idea what's going to happen next, because . . . . well the story could go in any direction. Really! But on a really good note . . . Brian Bolland is supposed to be the regular cover artist from now on. That's a plus. Like I said, I like it. But it's kinda' hard to keep up with sometimes.

Jack of Fables #11 - Vertigo

Another insightful story by Bill Willingham. This one wraps up the Jack Frost storyline. Basically Jack convinced the Ice Queen to give him her powers until she felt better. But once he got them . . . he bolted. He's Jack. I mean, that's his nature. So now that he has god-like powers, what does he want to do with them? Well . . . . get women of course. That's also in Jack's nature. But being Jack Frost comes with . . . you guessed it . . . cold. And I don't mean . . a little nippy . . . there's a chill in the air . . . cold. We're talking Antarctica cold here. And he finds out when he meets someone he doesn't have a whole lot of time until it overwhelms the person he's with. So he dispenses with the frivolities and starts jumping right to the heart of the matter, " . . . as you can see, I'm achingly handsome, but I'm also all powerful and rich. Any chance you have a break coming soon and a room handy?" Long story short, the Ice Queen gets the help of her sisters, Spring, Summer and Fall, and they go and retrieve Jack and get the Queen her powers back. Oh yeah . . . in the process of all this, the Queen has Jack's son. Although he doubts that, I'm thinking . . . it's probably true. That would certainly put a twist on Jack's stories here. But I don't think we'll find that out for sure for a long time. That's going to be one of those story-lines that's going to be hanging about in the shadows for quite some time. At least that's what I think. Overall this is a very entertaining book.

Jack of Fables #10 - Vertigo

This issue wraps up, literally, Jack's adventures in Vegas. He finds out Dan, his casino boss, lied on his application. He's really one of the Belgians that's been hanging around with Lady Luck. So he dangles him over the balcony, and gets all the information he can from him. He finds out that Lady Luck's been feeding off of all the luckiest winners, from the casino's around town, by eating their brains. She also knows about the Golden Horseshoe that's floating around, and want's to get it so she can take over the world. Isn't that always the case? So Jack finds out where Lady Luck is performing her feeding ceremonies, and goes and disrupts things. First by replacing her chosen meal with Noelle, Gary's in-fatuous dummy, literally. And then by calling Revision to report where they could find Lady Luck. Feeling victorious, he returns to open his casino, only to find that his lawyer is making a play of his own. He's killed Dan, with the golf club that Jack was threatening him with. This causes his to lose the casino, which then goes in to a trust, which the lawyer controls. With the cops hot on his trail, he decides it's time for he and Gary to hoof it out of town. Well . . . ride out in a GTO actually. Which gets destroyed when the owner of the Horseshoe inadvertently flings it in his direction and causes an accident. So Jack's lost his wife, his casino and his car. All he has left is the briefcase. And Gary. So now he's ready to start a new adventure. I've never been overly thrilled about the artwork, in any of the books in this series to date, actually. But I love Bill Willingham's stories. They're fantastic. And unfortunately probably the only thing that's going to keep this book going. But as long as he's here . . . there shouldn't be any problems. We'll see.