The comics, they just keep getting bigger. After the recent successes of things like 300 and Iron Man, and with Watchmen set to take over the theaters next spring, it stands to reason that one of the networks might want to take another shot. Sure, we’ve seen it before, with varying degrees of success (Birds of Prey vs Smallville), but not quite like this. Despite racking up some 79 issues to date, I’m guessing that the average TV viewer is not that familiar with Fables. That’s too bad, because it is a very fun comic, and I’m sure it would make for a TV show that I would enjoy, but I’m not so optimistic that it will actually pan out.
For those of you that are not familiar with the series, Fables comes to us from DC’s Vertigo comics. It’s a simple premise: The various characters from fairy tales and folklore were forced out of their worlds by “The Adversary” and have made their way to New York. There, they have established an underground community, Fabletown, which helps those that are able blend in with human society. Those that can’t blend in live on the farm, in upstate New York.
There are loads of familiar characters, including Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Beauty and The Beast, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, etc. The characters remain based on the classic tales, but the details have been nudged to fit into the story. As it begins, where you would assume the TV adaptation would start, we find the Fabletown Sheriff, the Big Bad Wolf, investigating the murder of Snow White’s sister, Rose Red. There are suspects, accusations, and a fantastic parlor room reveal of whodunit.
On the page, it makes for a great ride. There is a bit of content that would have to be cut for the networks. The Fables of the comic book work a little blue, with strong language and sexual situations, but the makings of a good show are there. As you work your way through the issues you find an ever growing cast of characters in stories that have drama, a good deal of comedy, and plenty of whimsy. And there’s the rub. Hearing the idea of a Fables series, the first thing that came to mind for me was Pushing Daisies. And unfortunately, if we’ve learned anything from this TV season, it’s that whimsy is a tough sell on TV these days.
That being said, I hope the network does move forward with the show. I have my doubts about its viability, but as with Pushing Daisies, a short run of a good show is better than nothing. I’ll certainly watch it. And if they could please cast Charisma Carpenter as Snow White, I’ll watch it twice. If you are curious about the comic, you can click the little thumbnails at the end of the post and Amazon will let you look inside.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Dec 09, 2008 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
This really is so exciting! I like your phrase, too, “work a little blue.” That’s a fact. Aren’t the first few panels with Prince Charming literally as well as figuratively blue? I’ll have to go back and look. But let’s hear it for networks even thinking genre thoughts!
*POST AUTHOR*
I didn’t think of that when I used the phrase, but you’re right. That scene is blue, in both senses, and was one of those that I was thinkin of. That, and the numerous f-bombs.