A Tour of Fabletown

<p> In 2002 Vertigo/DC Comics published the first issue of Bill Willingham's <I>Fables</I>. The series imagined the lives of fairy tale figures--Snow White the Big Bad Wolf Cinderella and the ubiquitous Prince Charming among many others--as they made new lives for themselves in modern-day New York City having fled their storied homeworlds following an invasion. After 150 issues and many awards <I>Fables</I> concluded its run in July 2015.</p><p> This study the first about the sprawling complex series discusses such topics as <I>Fables</I>' status as a contemporary adaptation of folk and fairy tales; its use of conventional genres like sword-and-sorcery crime and romance; its portrayal of social and political relationships; and its self-referential moments. Providing a detailed introduction to the themes and ideas in the series the author explores how <I>Fables</I> portrays redemption the function of community and how our hopes and fears influence our ideal of happily ever after.</p>