Fairest 2: Hidden Kingdom

Excellently written , and the artwork beautifully done.Got to run.M. T. Stopper, sincerely regrets having to leave beforeEnding his review.

I really enjoyed Volume 1 of Fairest when it was released; however, I never got the feeling while reading it that it was a series unto itself. It seemed more like a very long backup issue for the Fables series proper, and I was afraid that it would set a status quo for this new title, which would have been a shame because I was really looking forward to a spin-off that would explore the lives and stories of some of Fables' lesser-utilized characters. Luckily, Fairest Volume 2: Hidden Kingdom assuaged that fear.This collection of issues #8-14 presents a very fun and captivating read, reminiscent of all the things that make Fables great, with enough differences to prove that Fairest can hold its own as a separate series. The characterization of Rapunzel, who has not received nearly enough exposure in the main series, is fantastic. She has a personality all her own, her back story and "powers" are explored in a unique and interesting way, and the relationship dynamic between her and Frau Totenkinder (whom I have greatly missed in recent Fables issues) is well worth the read.The story is set back before the beginning of the Fables series and takes place mostly in Tokyo, so it is both temporally and physically displaced enough from its parent series to keep the story fresh and avoid too much reliance upon it. The inclusion of Japanese myths and folklore was really a welcome addition as well; it's nice to see some diversity creeping into this series, as that is something which is sometimes lacking in Fables. Again, that is the true gem here: Fairest really establishes itself in this volume as an opportunity to explore Fables-like stories without the baggage of the 120 or so issues worth of material Fables has accumulated.The art for this volume, as with the last, is absolutely beautiful. It's very dynamic and has a more action-oriented vibe than the usual (yet still fantastic) storybook style art employed by Mark Buckingham in Fables. The pacing of the art and the layouts are engaging and eye-catching.There are some issues, of course, most of which are my own personal qualms. The narration device that is used at times is a bit forced and cliche, and really doesn't add much to the narrative. It doesn't distract the reader too much, but it does slightly diminish the otherwise solid writing. Also, the ending of the story negates some of the gravitas of the preceding events and seems like it was shoe-horned in to allow it to mesh better with Fables continuity (which, as I'm sure you've guessed by now, is pet peeve of mine). These couple of problems really put the book somewhere closer to 3.5 stars for me personally, but if I'm being objective, I really do have to round that up.The final issue, #14, is not part of the main storyline, which concludes in #13. It's a solid issue, written by series creator and Fables vunderkind Bill Willingham, involving Reynard the fox and the dryad Princess Alder. It's humorous and charming, and ends with a hint of things to come in the future of the Fables universe. This issue, predictably, does feel like a backup story for Fables, but as it is merely an interlude between Hidden Kingdom and the next major Fairest arc, I have no objections, especially since I have a particular soft-spot for Reynard.Overall, an entertaining read and a great way to start this series off as a more independent entity than Volume 1 threatened. I like the idea of a new writer and artist coming on for each story arc and can't wait to see who the next team will be or which character they'll set their sights on.

The FABLES series has remained my absolute favorite graphic series, the writing and the art are amazing. This genre, the retelling of fairy tales has become my go-to source for new literature. Keep these side-stories coming!If you like the 'Wicked' series, or the TV show 'Once Upon a Time', this is a must-read series.

Who knew that the old nursery rhymes could be such good reading? I highly recommend. The only problem is that you want more.

Maybe I forgot why the dual series Fables and Fairest from the team at Vertigo does not work for me. There has to be an audience and some of the driving conventions are kinda fun. As in the others, in The Hidden Kingdom the art is lush cartoon realism with lots of detail worth a second look. That is if you like blood, gore and the almost nude. Mostly I do not care about these people or rather fairy beings.Is seems Rapunzel has incredible fast-growing hair, her children may have survived child birth and she has or had a lover in ancient Japan. Modern Japan is a mass of mostly unseen dueling gangs, neither especially nice and some inter-generational ,inter-dimensional evil is afoot. So monsters, costumes, exotic streets, a tad more skin than g rated and bloody murder, faces and costumes for everybody. I almost forgot, Hello Kitty and a few mouthy furies.Among other things I tire of people with attitudes instead of character, and a plot driven need to not tell each other what is going on or what to expect. It was interesting to learn about Bezaors.

I've been following 'Fables' since its inception and it has never disappointed me. Quality art, superb storytelling. I just keep coming back for more. You all keep writing and drawing them, and I'll keep reading them. Great work, ladies and gentlemen.

If you're reading "Fairest" then you are already a Willingham fan. Fables (and even (most of) Jack of Fables belongs in your "you can read this book year after year." At first, I was wary of any "Fables" book that wasn't written by Willingham, as I was not a huge fan of the Cinderella spin-offs. However, I was very impressed with the Lauren Beukes story and the artwork. The story, with five issues, had enough time to delve into the Japanese canon of fairy tales, and in the same way that Willingham created a universe of Anglo fairy tales, Beukes touched upon the Japanese fable universe. This book is definitely not for little kids, with it's horror and sexual relations, but as an adult book, it was worked. I liked that the story (like Willingham's) was not totally linear and that for the first time we learned about Rapunzel and that the story used her "powers" in ways that weren't obvious.I don't like spoilers in reviews, so this book, if you already are a Fables fan, is definitely worth reading, and likely re-reading. There is enough set-up for another Rapunzel story. And if you need to have your Willingham stories, there's a stand-alone Reynard the Fox story that, like Reynard, is delightfully clever.I patiently wait for Vol. 3.

This book gives your little back story on Rapunsel and the back story is quite interesting. Also, there is a single issue story at the end that was written by Bill Willingham that deals more with 'Fables' than 'Fairest' territory.

I got this even though I'm not familiar with the Fables universe. But I got interested because Lauren Beukes wrote this issue.It's a really good story, and it can be read without knowing the series/universe. Also: yokai!

Terrific book, thought provoking and superior art. Hope there are many more in this series, edgy and interesting turns. I loved it

Non conoscevo questa serie di "remake" in chiave thriller/horror delle classiche fiabe di Andersen o dei fratelli Grimm di Bill Willingham e devo riconoscere che c'è comunque del buono in questa operazione editoriale... certo se magari si evitasse di prendere in giro gli acquirenti con copertine favolose realizzate da mostri sacri del fumetto come Adam Hughes e che purtroppo non rispecchiano poi la qualità dell'opera nel suo intero, sarebbe senz'altro meglio ma tant'è...Il comic book è comunque ben realizzato in modo professionale e anche la confezione è tutto sommato all'altezza della media delle graphic novels; in quanto alla storia, bhé, lascio giudicare agli altri anche per non pubblicare spoilers che renderebbero inutile l'acquisto.

I liked the first Fairest but I didn't love it and after that I wasn't much interested in the Fairest spin off until I heard Lauren Beukes was one of the writers luckily that made me give this spin off another chance.I enjoyed the introduction to a new set of Fables, I really hope we see them again, Rapunzel's story was interesting and I appreciated the few Japanese film references in the art work. If I had to pick a fault with anything it would be that I wish this tale was longer than a single volume, there could easily be a few arcs here focusing on the Fables in Japan and the way Tomoko handles the mundy and 'business' side.Fans of Fables should give this series a go, and if you didn't like the first volume I recommend you give it a second chance.

Très bon deuxième tome de cette série dédiée aux personnages féminins de Fables.Raiponce y fait un voyage au Japon et une dryade cherche l'amour.Recommandé.