Comic Info
Comic Name: Jack of Fables
Publisher: DC Comics/Vertigo
Writer: Bill Billingham/Matthew Sturges
Artist: Russ Braun/Tony Akins
# of Issues: 6
Release Date: 2009
Jack of Fables #22
Reprints Jack of Fables #22-27 (June 2008-December 2008). Journey to the Wild West in 1883 where Smilin’ Jack Candle and his gang of outlaws are running wild…but Jack Candle’s actions have captured the attention of Fabletown and Bigby Wolf is out to stop him. Plus, the Bookburner is out to destroy Golden Boughs and as he and his army grows closer to Golden Boughs, the secret origin of the Page sisters Hillary, Robin, and Priscilla will be revealed.
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges, Jack of Fables Volume 5: Turning Pages continues the series spun-off Willingham’s popular Fables series. Following the events of Jack of Fables Volume 4: Americana, the series collects two story arcs “1883” (Jack of Fables #22-24—illustrated by Tony Akins) and “Turning Pages” (Jack of Fables #25-27—illustrated by Russ Braun). The issues in this collection were also included in Jack of Fables: The Deluxe Edition—Book 2.
Jack of Fables has always been second fiddle to Fables, but it still is a good series. Though the series sometimes stalls, this collection is a fun ride and attempts to change the format used in Fables.
Jack of Fables #27
Of the two story arcs, I definitely prefer the “1883” storyline which is a western tae involving Jack being an outlaw. I simply like Western comic book tales though I do question the switch in Jack’s character. Jack has always been carefree and a trickster, but he never has been a killer. Here he and his bandits are killers and it doesn’t seem quite in line with the past…but it does give an opportunity to allow Bigby Wolf (from Fables) to make an appearance.
The second storyline is more of a lead up to the next volume. The “Turning Pages” story gives some background on the Page sisters and allows them each to essentially have a solo issue. I wish that this had happened a bit earlier in the series to make the characters more distinguishable. I have pretty much clumped the “Pages” together until this volume, and it is nice to know something about them. The story leads directly into the siege of Golden Boughs by the army of Bookburner.
Jack of Fables 5: Turning Pages is another fun entry into a rather overlooked series. It might not be Fables, but it doesn’t seem to be trying to be Fables. If you are all caught up on Fables and never gave Jack of Fables a real shake, check it out. Jack of Fables 5: Turning Pages is followed by Jack of Fables 6: The Big Book of War.
Related Links:
Jack of Fables 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape
Jack of Fables 2: Jack of Hearts
Jack of Fables 3: The Bad Prince
Jack of Fables 6: The Big Book of War
Jack of Fables 7: The New Adventures of Jack and Jack
