Jack Of Fables, Vol. 6: The Big Book Of War (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This wasn't the worst Jack of Fables story line, but they are all a little bland. The side characters are what makes it interesting.The big reveal that Jack is part Literal is strange. I'm guessing that maybe when I get to the Crossover issues they'll explain it a little better and I won't hate it so much.Jack banged his sisters. That's just uncomfortable. But he's an immortal being and they have never really been above the occasional sibling banging. This book is, as the name suggest, a big war story. All the major events in Jack of Fables lead to this point (aside from bonus stories and flashbacks), a long epic battle featuring almost every character in the series so far. Being a huge fan of war tales, fiction or not, I was really looking forward to this volume. Unfortunately, I found this to be the weakest Jack book so far.While still engaging in parts and with funny moments, the story seems rushed at times, jumping over some plot elements that deserved to be better introduced in order to make space for the detailed battle scenes. The battles are indeed interesting, with detailed strategy and creative ideas. Too bad the characters themselves are not so well written. I believe the authors feared this volume would get too dark, and decided to remedy this by exaggerating on jokes and stupid character behaviour to the point of being obnoxious. Jack, the main character, was always a self absorved jerk, that's part of his charm, but in this volume I felt more annoyed by his actions than amused. With too much going on and too many characters at the same time, some decisions are rushed and forced, so the huge number of intended funny parts lose their value. I felt they got in the way and sometimes wanted just to skip them. Specially the Babe pages. Oh, god. Maybe if you read the chapters separately, then Babe isn't so bad, but in the compiled book this blue ox gets really annoying (and far too much 'screen time'). I mean, it's not like Jack of Fables need a pause for (more) comic relief.So, overall? Cool battle scenes, nice ideas, but not as well developed as I'd like. Considering the other Fables and Jack of Fables volumes, I know the authors can do better. Maybe that's why I didn't liked The Big Book of War. Well, the story goes on anyway and I'll keep reading to see where the plot goes. I truly hope this volume is simply a misstep and not the beginning of decline.
What do You think about Jack Of Fables, Vol. 6: The Big Book Of War (2009)?
A war farce. Jack steps up to the plate and guides? the war effort to try and defeat a Literal.
—joshuarenfer
Fun in the way fables is. Jack gets on my nerves a little too much to really enjoy the story.
—dee
Jack, while still a good read, is not QUITE as good as the Fables series he has sprung from.
—yash
"everybody... read for your lives!"Although ante-mortem, a great homage to Ray Bradbury.
—woodslawson
