- #1: The [Nearly] Great Escape
- #2: Jack of Hearts
- #3: The Bad Prince
- #4: Americana
- #5: Turning Pages
- #6: The Big Book of War
- #7: The Adventures of Jack and Jack
- #8: The Fulminate Blade
- #9: The End
Jack is a man that only desires women and money, with the latter being his ultimate priority. All of his adventures focus on these two things, with frequent reminders from Jack himself about how amazing, handsome, and perfect he really is. In reality, he is quite the opposite as the women in his life always find out in the end.
Jack of Fables is a fun read, despite my constant annoyance with Jack. Willingham’s other supporting characters (notably the Page sisters) make up for what Jack is lacking. As the series progresses, I do believe the series improves … for the most part. Maybe that is because of the fate of the infamous Jack and the increased appearances of Jack Frost. The second to the last book in the series (Volume 8, The Fulminate Blade) proved to be one of my favorites of the series because of the focus on the Page sisters and this new hero, Jack Frost. However, the ninth and final volume of the series left me completely empty. Once I get over the initial shock, I think I may just be disappointed in The End.
Overall, the series is an entertaining read, but it pales in comparison to the original Fables. Some of this is because the story shies away from Fables into Literals. Some of it has to do with the likeability (or the lack thereof) of Jack, the main focus of the series. I still recommend the series, however, for two reasons: (1) to fully appreciate the world that Willingham has created and (2) to better understand the Fables series when the crossover occurs.
Have you entered Jack’s world? What are your thoughts about Jack and/or his adventures?
I always had my doubts about this series. I didn't particularly love Jack in the original Fables world, so I couldn't see following him through his shenanigans. If I could get these from the library, I'd totally try, but until that happens I'm gonna keep mulling it over. lol
ReplyDeleteAndi ... I definitely recommend borrowing these ones! And, I wouldn't recommend that you read them for Jack ... maybe for the Page Sisters or the "other" Jack though. They made the stories worthwhile for me!
DeleteThe storyline about the Literals just bugged me, mostly, but I'm still glad I read the Jack books, if only for the sake of getting the full Fables picture. I kind of liked the end -- it felt practically Shakespearean -- but I think it was probably a mistake to read these 9 volumes in a row. A little Jack goes a long way! I second the recommendation of borrowing them. I felt like I needed my own set of Fables, but for the Jack books, I was glad I depended on the library!
ReplyDeletebooksshelffantasies.com ... I'm glad I read these books too, but they are definitely not my favorite. I'm with you ... get these ones from the library, but definitely own the Fables! I really need to work on collecting them!!
DeleteThink I would be annoyed with Jack, but want to read the Fables series instead!
ReplyDeleteAlexia561 ... Jack is annoying, no matter if he is here or in Fables. Fables is completely worth your time and because of the crossover, I think you have to at least read a bit of Jack's tales. Willingham has created quite a world that I am quite impressed with!
DeleteI read the first few and I just didn't care for Jack. My husband, who has read them all, didn't care for the Liberals at all. He did like Jack though, all of them. I'll probably go back at some point and read them all, since I know they tie back into the series, just not sure I'm looking forward to hanging out with Jack again!
ReplyDeleteHeather ... Jack is just not very likeable! I was so annoyed by him, so really appreciated the Literals appearance, but especially the other Jack! Overall, I think they are borrow-worthy. I don't want to own these ones.
DeleteI have heard of these but have never read them. They sound good. I think I may have them a try. I don't think I have ever read a graphic novel before.
ReplyDeleteMari Reads ... I would definitely NOT recommend these for your first graphic! If you want some good first time graphic novel recommendations, let me know. I would be happy to recommend a few titles for you as your first introduction to graphics!
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