Fables

Fables

book

2020, Comics & Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels

WISE
80%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Think 'Law & Order' but the victim is a fairy tale princess and the detective is the Big Bad Wolf.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Fables is a masterpiece of urban fantasy, but let’s be crystal clear: this isn't for the 'Once Upon a Time' Disney crowd. It’s gritty, violent, and deals with heavy themes like exile and war.

If your teen is into complex storytelling and doesn't mind seeing Snow White handle a murder investigation with a cold, calculating edge, they'll love it. The 2020 compendium is a massive, high-quality collection that offers months of reading.

Just don't leave it on the coffee table for your 7-year-old. It’s a great example of how 'comics' doesn't always mean 'for kids.'

Age Fit

This is strictly for the 15+ crowd. It’s a sophisticated, often brutal take on folklore that will fly right over a kid’s head—or worse, give them nightmares they weren't ready for.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
45

It's a gritty noir story at heart. While it deals with community and redemption, it’s cynical and explores the darker side of human (and fable) nature. It’s more about survival than kindness.

Imaginative
96

The world-building is top-tier. Taking centuries-old folklore and transplanting it into a secret New York society is a brilliant exercise in 'what if.' It makes you want to go back and read the original source myths.

Safe
38

This is capped due to graphic violence, sexual content, and mature language. It’s published under DC’s mature imprint for a reason. A parent grabbing this based on the title alone would be in for a huge shock.

Enriching
92

It’s a masterclass in literary adaptation and political allegory. It forces readers to think about immigration, war, and how stories define our identity. It’s highly educational for older teens interested in narrative structure.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • It turns tired childhood tropes into a sophisticated, high-stakes political thriller.
  • The mystery of 'The Adversary' is genuinely compelling and spans dozens of issues.
  • It treats fairy tale characters like real people with trauma, baggage, and complicated love lives.
  • The artwork is consistently excellent and helps ground the magical elements in a gritty reality.
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What to Watch For

  • Visceral violence—characters get decapitated, shot, and worse. It’s not 'cartoon' blood.
  • The 'Animal Farm' arc features a violent revolution that gets very dark very quickly.
  • Adult situations including swearing and nudity that are definitely not for younger kids.

Conversation Starters

  • "If you had to live in a city that didn't know who you really were, how would you keep your culture alive?"
  • "Is Bigby Wolf actually a 'good guy' now, or is he just a predator with a badge?"
  • "Why do we keep telling these stories hundreds of years later, even when they get this dark?"
  • "Which character's modern transformation surprised you the most?"

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