‘Fairest’ is an anthology allowing outside writers and artists to step in to deliver stories that help flesh out the sprawling ‘Fables’ cast. In this issue, we get close to a character that has truly dwelt in the background of the main book, Rapunzel, who has a higher profile of late thanks to Disney’s movie Tangled. The clever modern world twist on the fairy tale character is that her hair grows at such a rapid rate that she has to have it cut four times a day. The hair is then sold off to wig and hair extension makers, who start to get suspicious because of the volume pouring in.
One day (prior to ‘Fables’ #1) while getting a cut, Rapunzel and her hair dresser Joel are seemingly attacked by a flock of origami swans. Rapunzel is sliced with tiny paper cuts, but is otherwise fine, until she unfolds one of the birds and finds a mysterious message, “Your Children” written in glowing Japanese characters.
Rascal Jack apparently has a role in this story as we find him having been discovered in another scam, this time he was planning to build a casino in New York City with The Mob… or at least he told them that and stole their money. He barely escapes with his life and turns up at the Fabletown office, to seek help from deputy mayor Snow White. There are several cameo appearances there.
Rapunzel and Joel are already inside but due to the fact that her hair grows so quickly, Snow White and Bigby Wolf regretfully deny her request to go to Japan. We learn that Rapunzel gave birth to children but their exact fate is in question. Rapunzel isn’t ready to give up and instructs Joel to get all of their wig money and to acquire fake passports, which he gets through Jack who accompanies them on their trip.
Rapunzel must secure a mystical charm to stunt her hair’s growth and turns to a nasty customer who we learn has a familial connection to her.
Once in Japan, the magic really hits the fan!
Rapunzel has really been a background character, so it’s fun that she’s getting some additional development in this series. Pretty much everything revealed here is new. I’m really curious as to how very Aryan Rapunzel has ties to Japan. That part is just barely hinted at here, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Artist Inaki Miranda has a fine, delicate style infused with loads of tiny details. It’s quite impressive! The scene where they arrive in Tokyo explodes with color and energy, just as the real city seems to (in movies at least. Sadly, I’m not a jet-setting world traveller).
Overall, even if the story is just beginning, it’s off to a pretty enjoyable start.
FAIREST #8
Written by Lauren Beukes
Art by Inaki Miranda
Cover by Adam Hughes
