With just three issues left of the entire series, “Fables” takes a step to the past and begins the story of Rose Red and Snow White’s mother. “Fables” #147 begins what’s really the beginning of the end of this classic series.
Written by Bill Willingham
Illustrated Mark Buckingham
“Happily Ever After,” part seven! Rose Red, still at her magical old home in the woods, learns why she and Snow are so special – and why they have become lodestones for the accumulation of great powers. And much to her surprise, she finds that she is truly happy here for the first time since she can remember. But can she remain there, never go back to the mundy world or Fabletown, and avoid the battle with Snow that seems all but inevitable? Plus: “The Last Story of Jack of Fables” illustrated by Russ Braun.
At this point, you’re either reading “Fables” or you aren’t so be warned that I will more than likely reference previous plot points in this review; no spoilers about this particular issue in here though. As “Fables” winds down (while I fight my tears), the focus has gone back to the relationship between Rose Red and Snow White. It’s how we began the series and it’s only fitting that we end it there.
“Fables” #147 picks up right where “Fables” #146 ended – Rose Red has been taken back to the place she and Snow White grew up. She’s at a crossroads. Whatever she’s about to find out is going to decide what happens next. She may have to kill her sister, and that’s exactly what she and fans don’t want to happen. Despite all the drama these two have been through, they became sisters and reached a middle ground. That was until Brandish entered the picture – Brandish led to the dissolution of this relationship and to the death of Bigby, which exacerbated things even worse. Now, the long gone past has come knocking and Rose Red is answering.
This issue is not really bad, but it is perplexing for a long time fan like me. As I’ve said many times now, I think the shift in focus to these two characters is brilliant. Their relationship opened this series, and it will deservedly close it out. The problem lies in the sudden reveal of this bigger backstory involving Snow and Rose’s mother. With three issues left, even with an oversized final issue, I’m starting to worry very much that too much is going to be rushed. It’s a huge idea that needs time to be told and I’m sold that there is enough time. This is a really big cast and it feels like too much is being overlooked. We didn’t even get to see a mourning for Beast. He was a major character and just died like it didn’t matter.
Even worse, I’m expecting the ending to not be fulfilling. I might be too hopeful here when I say that I actually want a happy ending. I want to see Bigby be okay and live happily ever after with Snow White. I want Rose Red to survive and be something she can be proud of. The issue itself is a very quick read. Not much is revealed but Rose Red is offered an interesting choice. But most importantly there’s some very strong foreshadowing but it just fuels my worries. Inevitably it is going to come down to we, the fans, putting our trust in Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham.
Mark Buckingham has done his best work ever in “Fables” and this issue is a perfect example of how deep his talent goes. This is one of those issues of “Fables” that plays up the fantasy elements in an extreme sense. Buckingham has a few moments here where he does some of his best fantasy stuff with the finishing done by Shawn McManus. When Rose Red arrives to her former home, she sheds her armor. It’s just not in a normal sense. He draws it so it looks like it’s melting off her. Almost like the new Iron Man armor that’s inspired by the Venom symbiote. When in this world, everything becomes more dream like. The visuals are so light handed and flow so freely. The shapes of bodies and backgrounds become very fluid. Much of this should be credited to colorist Lee Loughridge who does his job splendidly by adding another layer to the pencils through lush yellows and greens.
“Fables” #147 is worrisome to say the least. At this point it’s not fulfilling my own desires but I am completely ready to place all my trust in this team and enjoy the ride. I can only hope that this will turn out for the best and be a satisfying conclusion.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – Worry is setting in. I want “Fables” to stick the landing so badly.
