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Cinderella
Cinderella, Volume 1: From Fabletown with Love
When supernatural artifacts from the Homelands begin surfacing in the modern world, it falls to Cinderella, Fabletown's best kept (and best dressed) secret agent to stop the illegal trafficking. But can Cindy foil the dark plot before Fabletown and its hidden, exiled inhabitants are exposed once and for all? And how does her long lost Fairy Godmother factor into the equation?
Whether she's soaring through clouds, deep-sea diving, or cracking jaws, Cindy travels from Manhattan to Dubai and hooks up with a handsome, familiar accomplice who may be harboring secret motives of his own. Meanwhile, trouble brews back home in Fabletown when Cindy's overworked, underappreciated assistant decides to seize control of The Glass Slipper, Cindy's exclusive shoe boutique.
Collecting: Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love 1-6
Whether she's soaring through clouds, deep-sea diving, or cracking jaws, Cindy travels from Manhattan to Dubai and hooks up with a handsome, familiar accomplice who may be harboring secret motives of his own. Meanwhile, trouble brews back home in Fabletown when Cindy's overworked, underappreciated assistant decides to seize control of The Glass Slipper, Cindy's exclusive shoe boutique.
Collecting: Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love 1-6
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2010
69 people are currently reading
6786 people want to read
About the author
Chris Roberson
559 books265 followersChris Roberson is the co-creator with artist Michael Allred of iZombie, the basis of the hit CW television series, and the writer of several New York Times best-selling Cinderella miniseries set in the world of Bill Willingham’s Fables. He is also the co-creator of Edison Rex with artist Dennis Culver, and the co-writer of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D, Witchfinder, Rise of the Black Flame, and other titles set in the world of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy. In addition to his numerous comics projects, Roberson has written more than a dozen novels and three dozen short stories. He lives with a teenager, two cats, and far too many books in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
August 17, 2022
Cinderella of Fables breaks out into her own series. Cinderella is now a spy for Fabletown. She teams up with Aladdin to discover who is selling magical items to Mundies on the black market. It's Jane Bond for the folklore set. So much fun.
May 23, 2015
Cinderella is a Fable, an ex-wife of Prince Charming, and an internationally active spy. She's been a spy since shortly after she came over from the Land of the Fables, with Bigby Wolf as her spymaster.
This is an incredibly fun graphic novel. Cinderella has plenty of energy and authority as a spy. She uses her benignly pretty debutante and shoe store owner facade as a weapon along with others in her arsenal. This Fable can take care of herself and get out of some of the tightest spots. She even has 'assets' who help her along as she needs them. Assets being magical animal Fables with unique skill sets. On this mission, she teams up with another recognizable character from the world of fairy tales and fables, that you might know as Aladdin. They make a good team, and share humble origins. Cinderella even faces some shadows from her own Fable past.
The story is strong and the artwork is gorgeous, especially the cover art by Chrissie Zullo. Her work is beautiful and luminous, showcasing a Fae delicacy to this lethal spy.
Even with a different writer, the spirit of the Fables series remains strong, and its focus on strong women prevails with Cinderella showing how spying Fable-style is done right.
I liked the fairy tale "Cinderella," as a die-hard, inveterate fairy tale aficionado, how could I not? But I definitely love the idea of Cinderella as an international spy even more. On to the next adventure.
This is an incredibly fun graphic novel. Cinderella has plenty of energy and authority as a spy. She uses her benignly pretty debutante and shoe store owner facade as a weapon along with others in her arsenal. This Fable can take care of herself and get out of some of the tightest spots. She even has 'assets' who help her along as she needs them. Assets being magical animal Fables with unique skill sets. On this mission, she teams up with another recognizable character from the world of fairy tales and fables, that you might know as Aladdin. They make a good team, and share humble origins. Cinderella even faces some shadows from her own Fable past.
The story is strong and the artwork is gorgeous, especially the cover art by Chrissie Zullo. Her work is beautiful and luminous, showcasing a Fae delicacy to this lethal spy.
Even with a different writer, the spirit of the Fables series remains strong, and its focus on strong women prevails with Cinderella showing how spying Fable-style is done right.
I liked the fairy tale "Cinderella," as a die-hard, inveterate fairy tale aficionado, how could I not? But I definitely love the idea of Cinderella as an international spy even more. On to the next adventure.
September 11, 2025
If Bond were a fairytale character, he'd be Cinderella.
Cinderella has always been one of my favorite characters from Fables. Before I started getting into Willingham's Fabletown, her spin-off books caught my eye, and I found them easy enough to follow along with, even without knowing the overarching storyline that she was connected to in the series.
So, even though I'd read a volume or two (I think?) of the main story, the Cinderella books were really my gateway drug to Fables.
The very skinny gist is that Cindy has already been a spy for the Fables for several hundred years before this story, having been recruited by Bigsby Wolf when they first came to our world. But as far as anyone knows, she's a ditzy socialite who owns a shoe store, The Glass Slipper, and is always flying from one party to another.
You don't get an in-depth look at her fairytale backstory, but this adventure does tie into her past in a fun way.
Without giving spoilers, she partners with Aladdin, and the two of them attempt to track down the source of magical items that are being sold on the black market in the Mundy (our) world. While back in Fabletown, her assistant gets in over his head with clients at the shoe store when he tries to make improvements to the product.
The story and art are both zippy and fun to look at, so there's no real downside to this one unless you just hate the idea of reading about fairytales.
Recommended.
2011
Cinderella has always been one of my favorite characters from Fables. Before I started getting into Willingham's Fabletown, her spin-off books caught my eye, and I found them easy enough to follow along with, even without knowing the overarching storyline that she was connected to in the series.
So, even though I'd read a volume or two (I think?) of the main story, the Cinderella books were really my gateway drug to Fables.
The very skinny gist is that Cindy has already been a spy for the Fables for several hundred years before this story, having been recruited by Bigsby Wolf when they first came to our world. But as far as anyone knows, she's a ditzy socialite who owns a shoe store, The Glass Slipper, and is always flying from one party to another.
You don't get an in-depth look at her fairytale backstory, but this adventure does tie into her past in a fun way.
Without giving spoilers, she partners with Aladdin, and the two of them attempt to track down the source of magical items that are being sold on the black market in the Mundy (our) world. While back in Fabletown, her assistant gets in over his head with clients at the shoe store when he tries to make improvements to the product.
The story and art are both zippy and fun to look at, so there's no real downside to this one unless you just hate the idea of reading about fairytales.
Recommended.
2011
March 31, 2021
She's been at the top of the spy-trade for centuries, and no spy ever has had so much experience and training, yet I feel none of the Cinderella Fables' writers truly capture that. I'd expect some off-key bad-ass shit from someone with that much experience, thus always felt underwhelmed by how the series portrayed this needlessly one-dimensional character. In her first solo volume Cinders teams up with Aladdin and a few other Fabletown 'assets' to look into the smuggling of magical items from the Homelands. There's a nice sub arc around the The Glass Slipper shoe shop she owns, and some tidy mystery story telling around Totenkinder, but the main story was pretty linear, although entertaining. 7 out of 12.
July 25, 2018
I like Fables but I don't like Fables if you know what I mean. I got upset about the direction that Snow was being taken so I have paused in reading the series, but I picked this up because it is supposed good fun.
And it is good fun. Cinderella kicks butt. Nice and enjoyable. Not too heavy, not too light. Just right.
And it is good fun. Cinderella kicks butt. Nice and enjoyable. Not too heavy, not too light. Just right.
August 13, 2010
I've been reading Fables all along and I do love the concept of Cinderella's character, but the story itself was disappointingly insubstantial. I've really enjoyed the Arabian Knights fables and Aladdin was a great choice as co-star, so there's that.
The second half seemed rushed, which was a greater weakness than its predictability. The side plot back at the shoe store was just annoying, however classically-based. Not least because the staffer provoked zilch sympathy. The flashbacks to past capers at the beginning of each issue (more of a distraction when you're reading it in trade) were a better idea than execution and retconning her into the Frankenstein story was pointless. (That or my memory is worse than I thought.)
Probably the biggest downfall was the art, though. I appreciated that so many characters were just average-looking, and that such a variety of appearances, but it was a problem that there was so much variety in the appearances of the two main characters. And he gives a little too much attention to noses.
The second half seemed rushed, which was a greater weakness than its predictability. The side plot back at the shoe store was just annoying, however classically-based. Not least because the staffer provoked zilch sympathy. The flashbacks to past capers at the beginning of each issue (more of a distraction when you're reading it in trade) were a better idea than execution and retconning her into the Frankenstein story was pointless. (That or my memory is worse than I thought.)
Probably the biggest downfall was the art, though. I appreciated that so many characters were just average-looking, and that such a variety of appearances, but it was a problem that there was so much variety in the appearances of the two main characters. And he gives a little too much attention to noses.
November 18, 2017
It's been quite some time since I read the last fables book and I thought it should be time to finish the series. Cinderella is like the Black Widow of the Fables world and here she meets an unlikely foe. This is a strong spinoff from the main series, much like Jack of Fables and it keeps the action moving throughout. The twist at the end was quite good and I never seen it coming. The series has kept a steady quality throughout and I'll aim to finish this before the end of year as it is a series sitting quietly on my shelf.
February 19, 2024
Now that Fables is in the 'Public Domain', I thought it was time I read the entire series (including all spinoffs and specials) from start to finish in sequential tpb reading order. Here we go!
Fables First-to-Finale reading #18
Cinderella vol 01: From Fabletown with Love
Cinderella finally gets her own full-length adventure! She is on a mission to retrieve a dangerous magical item smuggled in from the homelands. First, she aquires a spell and totem to be able to summon her animal assets like Pokémon! Then she's off with Aladdin. Crispin runs the shoe store in Cinderellas' absence. Apparently, this guy feels underappreciated, so of course, he goes rogue. That subplot quickly ran its course.
In the end, the day is saved as Cindy gets her guy and her happily in the moment.
Fables First-to-Finale reading #18
Cinderella vol 01: From Fabletown with Love
Cinderella finally gets her own full-length adventure! She is on a mission to retrieve a dangerous magical item smuggled in from the homelands. First, she aquires a spell and totem to be able to summon her animal assets like Pokémon! Then she's off with Aladdin. Crispin runs the shoe store in Cinderellas' absence. Apparently, this guy feels underappreciated, so of course, he goes rogue. That subplot quickly ran its course.
In the end, the day is saved as Cindy gets her guy and her happily in the moment.
March 5, 2014
So, it's been established in the Fables series that Cinderella is seriously kick-ass. This just proves her awesomeness - really enjoyed this.
February 1, 2012
Originally reviewed here
Spoilers!: This review contains some minor spoilers for the Fables series, as does the book itself. Chronologically, this story takes place after Fables: War and Pieces (#11). So go read those first!
I know what you’re thinking people...This is all very From Russia With Love. And you’re right! Cinderella has come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass...and she’s all out of bubble gum.
Cinderella is Fabletown’s #1 bad ass spy. She’s so skilled in skulduggery she makes Bond look like an amateur. Recruited by then sheriff, Bigby Wolf, shortly after escaping the Homelands with Prince Charming, Cinderella has had mundy (that is mundane--aka us boring humans) lifetime’s to perfect her skills. She operates under Bigby’s number one rule of combat: Being the unarmed opponent in a fight isn’t necessarily a disadvantage...and if you really need a weapon, the other guy’s got one you can have.
To the average Fabletown citizen, Cinderella is the jet-setting owner of “The Glass Slipper”, the local shoe shop. She spends far too little time there working, and far too much gallivanting across the globe spending money she doesn’t seem to have. To a select few, she is Fabletown’s top off the books spy, called in when situations are too big or too delicate to be handled by the Tourists (the on the books spies).
After hundreds of years, the good Fables residing in the mundy world have defeated the evil adversary and are no longer at war with the Homelands, but the resulting upheaval has brought up its own share of problems for Fabletown. Unregistered magical goods have been popping up around the globe, and are falling into mundy hands. Astoundingly dangerous, one magical cookpot used wrong, and the whole world could drown in oatmeal (um...yuck!). Cinderella is sent to investigate; she sets off with some magical goods of her own, and along the way teams up with another rags-to-riches Fable-turned-spy looking out for the interests of his own city (can you guess who?). Meanwhile, back at The Glass Slipper, there’s something very “Red Shoes” going on if you know what I mean.
If you enjoyed Cindy’s previous Fables exploits in “Cinderella Libertine” (issue 22), “Big and Small” (issue 51) and “Skulduggery” (issue 71-72), then you’ll love Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love. I’m so happy to say this spin-off was a success! I’m always wary of spin-offs, and have avoided Jack of the Fables like the plague since Jack is by far my least favorite Fables character. Roberson manages to give Cindy (and others) a tone so similar to Willingham’s treatment, you hardly realize it’s a different author. McManus’s art is his own, but in a way that easily evokes the images off all the characters we know and love. Cinderella doesn’t have the depth of the original Fables, but for the full-on addict that I have become, it was just the thing! Wrapped up in a neat little package, Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love is an excellent read for Fables fans. Plus there’s hotness. Did I mention the hotness?
"I don’t believe in Happily Ever After. Not anymore.
But if the best I can do is Happily For the Moment, then it’ll have to do.
Hey, it beats sitting in cinders and ashes, right?"
I’ll say.
Finally, every Fables fan I know has a total crush on the cover art of James Jean. Well hold onto your pants kids, because Cinderella comes complete with a new cover artist, Chrissie Zullo, ready to fight for a place in your heart. Considering Zullo lists Jean among her influences, I’m feeling a steamy love triangle coming on!
Spoilers!: This review contains some minor spoilers for the Fables series, as does the book itself. Chronologically, this story takes place after Fables: War and Pieces (#11). So go read those first!
I know what you’re thinking people...This is all very From Russia With Love. And you’re right! Cinderella has come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass...and she’s all out of bubble gum.
Cinderella is Fabletown’s #1 bad ass spy. She’s so skilled in skulduggery she makes Bond look like an amateur. Recruited by then sheriff, Bigby Wolf, shortly after escaping the Homelands with Prince Charming, Cinderella has had mundy (that is mundane--aka us boring humans) lifetime’s to perfect her skills. She operates under Bigby’s number one rule of combat: Being the unarmed opponent in a fight isn’t necessarily a disadvantage...and if you really need a weapon, the other guy’s got one you can have.
To the average Fabletown citizen, Cinderella is the jet-setting owner of “The Glass Slipper”, the local shoe shop. She spends far too little time there working, and far too much gallivanting across the globe spending money she doesn’t seem to have. To a select few, she is Fabletown’s top off the books spy, called in when situations are too big or too delicate to be handled by the Tourists (the on the books spies).
After hundreds of years, the good Fables residing in the mundy world have defeated the evil adversary and are no longer at war with the Homelands, but the resulting upheaval has brought up its own share of problems for Fabletown. Unregistered magical goods have been popping up around the globe, and are falling into mundy hands. Astoundingly dangerous, one magical cookpot used wrong, and the whole world could drown in oatmeal (um...yuck!). Cinderella is sent to investigate; she sets off with some magical goods of her own, and along the way teams up with another rags-to-riches Fable-turned-spy looking out for the interests of his own city (can you guess who?). Meanwhile, back at The Glass Slipper, there’s something very “Red Shoes” going on if you know what I mean.
If you enjoyed Cindy’s previous Fables exploits in “Cinderella Libertine” (issue 22), “Big and Small” (issue 51) and “Skulduggery” (issue 71-72), then you’ll love Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love. I’m so happy to say this spin-off was a success! I’m always wary of spin-offs, and have avoided Jack of the Fables like the plague since Jack is by far my least favorite Fables character. Roberson manages to give Cindy (and others) a tone so similar to Willingham’s treatment, you hardly realize it’s a different author. McManus’s art is his own, but in a way that easily evokes the images off all the characters we know and love. Cinderella doesn’t have the depth of the original Fables, but for the full-on addict that I have become, it was just the thing! Wrapped up in a neat little package, Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love is an excellent read for Fables fans. Plus there’s hotness. Did I mention the hotness?
"I don’t believe in Happily Ever After. Not anymore.
But if the best I can do is Happily For the Moment, then it’ll have to do.
Hey, it beats sitting in cinders and ashes, right?"
I’ll say.
Finally, every Fables fan I know has a total crush on the cover art of James Jean. Well hold onto your pants kids, because Cinderella comes complete with a new cover artist, Chrissie Zullo, ready to fight for a place in your heart. Considering Zullo lists Jean among her influences, I’m feeling a steamy love triangle coming on!
March 19, 2011
This the first mini-series featuring Cinderella from Bill Willingham's wonderful Fables series penned by Chris Robertson. When the Fabletown sheriff needs a spy for a spot of espionage he doesn't call Bond - I don't think he'd be too keen on tackling tooled up polar bears. He doesn't call Bourne either - he wouldn't last 5 minutes going undercover in the land of Ultima Thule where frowns are a capital offense. He calls somebody with a little more vintage in the game. He calls Cinderella. This is a pretty decent addition to the Fables books. A lot of fun is had by all, there's some suitably fable style art and clever use of the fables back story. Before I join the Smile Patrol or even the Happiness Patrol though, I have to point a pointy finger at the unfortunate and out of place political burblage half way through which probably came stage directed "assume patronising lecturing tone". This happens frequently in Fables titles especially when some of the Eastern Fables turn up. As soon as Aladdin gurns his way onto the pages I feared the worst. It's not that the author isn't well meaning - just too preachy.The book would have been better served by a few more panels of the highly amusing though incidental interludes back at The Glass Slipper and the misadventures of the guy left in charge of the store. Chrissie Zullo's original covers are almost worth an extra star btw. Now when is Jenny Wren getting her own book?
January 22, 2015
Premier comics que je lis de toute ma vie. Un univers entre le super héros et la princesse, les dessins sont sublimes, chaque planche me surprenait et me faisait voyager dans un autre monde, ce que j'ai énormément aimé c'est la division de l'histoire en chapitre, comme pour un roman, chaque chapitre étant illustré lui aussi. (<3) ET Cendrillon en agent secret ? WHAAAT ? Je n'aurais jamais pensé apprécié mais c'est réellement une pépite et un gros coup de coeur.
J'ai aussi adoré les différents espaces temps, et différents lieux que l'on découvre en parallèle à l'histoire principale qui apporte des bonus à l'histoire et aide à la compréhension.
Le Volume 1 contient 2 histoires bien distinctes, ce qui est appréciable pour le prix.
Ayant adoré mon initiation aux comics je vais donc continuer avec Fables de Bill Willingham, qui va concilier univers de contes/fables et aventures inattendues.
J'ai aussi adoré les différents espaces temps, et différents lieux que l'on découvre en parallèle à l'histoire principale qui apporte des bonus à l'histoire et aide à la compréhension.
Le Volume 1 contient 2 histoires bien distinctes, ce qui est appréciable pour le prix.
Ayant adoré mon initiation aux comics je vais donc continuer avec Fables de Bill Willingham, qui va concilier univers de contes/fables et aventures inattendues.
June 19, 2024
Cinderella as a female Bond all licensed to kill, a kickass version of her character never written before with Bigby her M.
What's not to like?
This is funny adventurous romp which is better than some of the Jack tales and Cindy lives up to her character coming off as a dreary Fable when in Fabletown but very gung-ho once she goes out to defend Fabletown pitting her wits and her assets against the best that the opponents can throw at her.
There is some of the expected nudity in the stories and is a comic aimed at the YA and above generation.
Cindy's adventures with Aladdin light up the story and backed by some very detailed and pretty artwork this is a volume that pleases.
What's not to like?
This is funny adventurous romp which is better than some of the Jack tales and Cindy lives up to her character coming off as a dreary Fable when in Fabletown but very gung-ho once she goes out to defend Fabletown pitting her wits and her assets against the best that the opponents can throw at her.
There is some of the expected nudity in the stories and is a comic aimed at the YA and above generation.
Cindy's adventures with Aladdin light up the story and backed by some very detailed and pretty artwork this is a volume that pleases.
December 30, 2021
Not sure if I believe in happily ever after, either.
Cinderella is far better than a princess, she is a spy. Her mission sends her to Dubai, where she encounters the mysterious Aladdin. Will these two be able to work together and will the tension break them apart?
I must say I appreciated the cameo by Fairy Godmother. Retells really get me going, especially when they are well done. The reason for my lower rating is that I prefer the imagery and storytelling of Fables more.
Cinderella is far better than a princess, she is a spy. Her mission sends her to Dubai, where she encounters the mysterious Aladdin. Will these two be able to work together and will the tension break them apart?
I must say I appreciated the cameo by Fairy Godmother. Retells really get me going, especially when they are well done. The reason for my lower rating is that I prefer the imagery and storytelling of Fables more.
January 10, 2014
Fun. This is how to do a spinoff. After the yucky taste in my mouth from reading the end of the Jack of fables series this was a great 6 issue mini series to dive into. I've always loved Cindy as a character and in this series she takes center stage. Add to the fact that the story is well paced, the art is wonderful...wow don't get me started on the covers, it's just a good read.
August 9, 2016
This was so awesome!! Such a unique take on the Cinderella story and the whole fairytail universe. A must read for sure. Very comical and action-packed. A great book :)
December 22, 2024
Loved loved loved it!
July 5, 2012
The Fables universe has long been one of my favorite continuing comic stories. The depth and breadth of the characters, the fantastic storylines, and the imagery is absolutely fantastic. And then I heard about this spin off of Cinderella into her own short little series and I was hesitant. It wasn’t Bill Willingham writing it…would it be good? Needless to say my fears were unfounded as Chris Roberson creates a fantastic story for Cinderella, Fabletown’s ultimate spy. The story is well written and the art is fantastic. So hang on for an adventure with a spy.
When artifacts from the Homelands start surfacing in the modern world only one fable can find out what’s going on. Cinderella, Fabletown’s top secret spy and their best dressed agent. But she may not be the only agent on the case. And there are rumors…dark rumors of a powerful magical force lurking about in surprise. So not only does Cindy have to go out and find out what’s going on before Fabletown is exposed, she also has to worry about Crispin and her shoe store! Seems that he thinks he should run things. What’s a girl to do? Kick butt, take no prisoners, and save the world of course.
Just like the regular series I love that the characters are turned on their head a bit. While Bill created the character of Cindy as super spy, Chris’s story has really brought her to life. He gives her a backstory, letting readers see the amount of depth that the character really has. The story itself is well told super spy story, ala James Bondish…except I think Cindy is a much better spy than James Bond. I mean after all who would expect a simple shoe store owner to be able to kick that much butt? I’m sure Bill signed off on what Chris was planning (Bill does have to keep writing the Fables universe after all), but Chris adds some really nice twists and turns in this story making use of some classic Fables misconceptions. I also really like the addition of (minor spoiler) Aladdin as a foil for Cindy to play off of. The one downside to the story…the Crispin aspect. I’d have prefered to see that as a separate story almost than one mixed in with what Cindy is up to. It just interrupts the flow of the rest of the story a bit.
The artwork is classic Fables capturing the characters in all of the style and elegance they deserve. Shawn draws a number of action sequences in this collection, with Cindy kicking butt seemingly every other page and the details that he gives to the characters are absolutely perfect. Hair flying in the breeze, skirts/dresses billowing out, and I can believe that the characters are really fighting. I also really enjoyed the depiction of Aladdin’s all powerful genie. Its only one panel, but its a fantastic image. The one weak point of the artwork, for me at least, are the depictions of the animal characters. They just appear too cartoony next to the human characters, the Marquis De Carabas in particular. It’s just a bit jarring. Luckily they don’t show up that much in the collection. I also want to make mention of Chrissie Zullo’s covers for the series. I love her art style that captures Cindy as almost vulnerable, but an edge of hardness. She really plays up the James Bond aspect of Cindy.
I really enjoyed this collection and it’s a great addition to the Fables Universe and I can’t wait to see what the next volume is like. I recommend this collection to and fan of Fables and if you haven’t read Fables yet (why the heck not?) this is pretty good introduction to the series.
When artifacts from the Homelands start surfacing in the modern world only one fable can find out what’s going on. Cinderella, Fabletown’s top secret spy and their best dressed agent. But she may not be the only agent on the case. And there are rumors…dark rumors of a powerful magical force lurking about in surprise. So not only does Cindy have to go out and find out what’s going on before Fabletown is exposed, she also has to worry about Crispin and her shoe store! Seems that he thinks he should run things. What’s a girl to do? Kick butt, take no prisoners, and save the world of course.
Just like the regular series I love that the characters are turned on their head a bit. While Bill created the character of Cindy as super spy, Chris’s story has really brought her to life. He gives her a backstory, letting readers see the amount of depth that the character really has. The story itself is well told super spy story, ala James Bondish…except I think Cindy is a much better spy than James Bond. I mean after all who would expect a simple shoe store owner to be able to kick that much butt? I’m sure Bill signed off on what Chris was planning (Bill does have to keep writing the Fables universe after all), but Chris adds some really nice twists and turns in this story making use of some classic Fables misconceptions. I also really like the addition of (minor spoiler) Aladdin as a foil for Cindy to play off of. The one downside to the story…the Crispin aspect. I’d have prefered to see that as a separate story almost than one mixed in with what Cindy is up to. It just interrupts the flow of the rest of the story a bit.
The artwork is classic Fables capturing the characters in all of the style and elegance they deserve. Shawn draws a number of action sequences in this collection, with Cindy kicking butt seemingly every other page and the details that he gives to the characters are absolutely perfect. Hair flying in the breeze, skirts/dresses billowing out, and I can believe that the characters are really fighting. I also really enjoyed the depiction of Aladdin’s all powerful genie. Its only one panel, but its a fantastic image. The one weak point of the artwork, for me at least, are the depictions of the animal characters. They just appear too cartoony next to the human characters, the Marquis De Carabas in particular. It’s just a bit jarring. Luckily they don’t show up that much in the collection. I also want to make mention of Chrissie Zullo’s covers for the series. I love her art style that captures Cindy as almost vulnerable, but an edge of hardness. She really plays up the James Bond aspect of Cindy.
I really enjoyed this collection and it’s a great addition to the Fables Universe and I can’t wait to see what the next volume is like. I recommend this collection to and fan of Fables and if you haven’t read Fables yet (why the heck not?) this is pretty good introduction to the series.
May 18, 2011
I loved this. It's so good! It's a simple concept: Cinderella is a spy and is trying to find magical items that could be used as weapons if they got into the hands of mundane humans.
If you're not familiar with the series Fables this is a sort of spin off, but you don't need to have read any of the series to enjoy this. Basically: Fairy Tale characters live in the real world and came from their world into our own because of a war against The Advesary an Evil Overlord that overran the Fairy Tale Kingdoms with Orcs and other monsters. Now magical items of extreme power are coming into the Real World and it's up to Cindy to find them and find out who is getting them into this world.
My favorite thing about the issues is that they open with flashbacks that show Cinderella being a spy through the years and all the types of things she's already done. I love that trick to give her background, it's an easy one but it's pulled off very well here, it's also done with a sort of wink to the audience which can be hard to pull off, but is really well done here.
I look forward to the next Trade Paperback of this series and if my comic shop carried it in issues I'd buy them, but sadly they don't.
If you're not familiar with the series Fables this is a sort of spin off, but you don't need to have read any of the series to enjoy this. Basically: Fairy Tale characters live in the real world and came from their world into our own because of a war against The Advesary an Evil Overlord that overran the Fairy Tale Kingdoms with Orcs and other monsters. Now magical items of extreme power are coming into the Real World and it's up to Cindy to find them and find out who is getting them into this world.
My favorite thing about the issues is that they open with flashbacks that show Cinderella being a spy through the years and all the types of things she's already done. I love that trick to give her background, it's an easy one but it's pulled off very well here, it's also done with a sort of wink to the audience which can be hard to pull off, but is really well done here.
I look forward to the next Trade Paperback of this series and if my comic shop carried it in issues I'd buy them, but sadly they don't.
March 30, 2020
Cinderella, from the Fables comics, is a spin off from the main Fables comics. While it is not really necessary to have read the original series, I do think it would help.
Cinderella is doing a covert operation for Fabletown. She is looking for magical items that may inadvertently end up in the hands of "mundies". This takes her to Dubai where she runs into Alladin, who is doing something similar for the Arabic Fables. The two of them find a trio of Fables are selling these goods and buying weapons with them. This leads to Ultima Thule, where they stumble upon who is really behind all of this nonsense. But no spoilers as the villain was an interesting one, as was the reason for choosing Ultima Thule as the base of operations.
While not to the quality of the normal Fables series, this was an entertaining read. I have always liked the character of Cinderella (the one from the Fables comics) and enjoyed reading about her adventures. Perhaps this falls short only in comparison to the main series, however most readers will enjoy this comic. If you have been a huge fan of the Fables comics then you will likely enjoy it even more.
Cinderella is doing a covert operation for Fabletown. She is looking for magical items that may inadvertently end up in the hands of "mundies". This takes her to Dubai where she runs into Alladin, who is doing something similar for the Arabic Fables. The two of them find a trio of Fables are selling these goods and buying weapons with them. This leads to Ultima Thule, where they stumble upon who is really behind all of this nonsense. But no spoilers as the villain was an interesting one, as was the reason for choosing Ultima Thule as the base of operations.
While not to the quality of the normal Fables series, this was an entertaining read. I have always liked the character of Cinderella (the one from the Fables comics) and enjoyed reading about her adventures. Perhaps this falls short only in comparison to the main series, however most readers will enjoy this comic. If you have been a huge fan of the Fables comics then you will likely enjoy it even more.
April 20, 2012
Bill Willingham's Fables was a runaway success beyond anyone's dreams. It'll go down in comics history with Sandman and Preacher, no doubt, even though it ran its course 60 issues ago. Spin-offs were inevitable but I never expected one to be 'Cinderella'.
It isn't awful. Not completely. But it is altogether too smirking and far too trite. As if it thought it would continue to sell itself based on the popularity of the Fables mythos. That could be the case, could have been the case, but not to me. Not for me. The idea of Cinderella as a spy the likes of James Bond didn't float well, didn't really make a bit of sense, to be honest. Everything about the writing seemed so out of character and rushed that it was distracting. If it had been a brand new series and brand new characters, I could have handled it. I could have liked it.
The covers are gorgeous, though.
Grade: D
It isn't awful. Not completely. But it is altogether too smirking and far too trite. As if it thought it would continue to sell itself based on the popularity of the Fables mythos. That could be the case, could have been the case, but not to me. Not for me. The idea of Cinderella as a spy the likes of James Bond didn't float well, didn't really make a bit of sense, to be honest. Everything about the writing seemed so out of character and rushed that it was distracting. If it had been a brand new series and brand new characters, I could have handled it. I could have liked it.
The covers are gorgeous, though.
Grade: D
March 13, 2013
In this spinoff Cinderella is not the typical Cinderella I have come to known through the years, as it takes place after the whole dealings with the lost glass slipper, marrying this prince etc. Cinderella is now a divorced spy that owns a shoe shop called The Glass Slipper! And get this... her handler is Beast from Beauty and the Beast!
But let me not give everything away. Cinderella goes on one hell of an adventure with a swoon worthy hero (think flying carpets and Arabian nights) and some interesting talking animal sidekicks! And on top of this she has to deal with a shoe sales assistant that thinks he can run her business anyway he wants.
And although I didn't think the illustrations were as good as they could have been, the story more than made up for it. Loved it!
Illustrations: 3.5 stars
Story: 5++ stars
Overall: 5 stars
But let me not give everything away. Cinderella goes on one hell of an adventure with a swoon worthy hero (think flying carpets and Arabian nights) and some interesting talking animal sidekicks! And on top of this she has to deal with a shoe sales assistant that thinks he can run her business anyway he wants.
And although I didn't think the illustrations were as good as they could have been, the story more than made up for it. Loved it!
Illustrations: 3.5 stars
Story: 5++ stars
Overall: 5 stars
September 16, 2010
A spinoff from Billi Willingham's well done and popular Fables series that is a light enjoyable spy tale that hearkens back to the Sean Connery Bond or Flint movies. Cinderella is an off the books operative for Fabletown, and she is tasked with finding out who is selling magical objects to the Mundys (us-the non fables). she ends up teamed with Al_a_din, and the two make a formidable and engaging team. The villain was telegraphed, but I missed it because I was enjoying the escapist tone of the tome.
April 2, 2018
A fun, light read. I enjoyed this spin-off much more than Jack of Fables - mainly because I find Cinderella to be a much more likable character than Jack. The artwork was nothing short of beautiful, particularly the covers by James Jean - I've come to expect nothing less from the Fables series.
Still, the story itself was a bit of a let-down and not much of a page-turner... Also, I found the characters "Puss in Boots" and the "Fairy Godmother" resembled their "Shrek" counterparts too closely for comfort.
Still, the story itself was a bit of a let-down and not much of a page-turner... Also, I found the characters "Puss in Boots" and the "Fairy Godmother" resembled their "Shrek" counterparts too closely for comfort.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
If you haven't read this, it is a lot of fun.
September 15, 2013
Fun. Definitely a tongue in cheek, 007 spy inspired romp through Fabletown. It is the comic relief to the main opus. Still, worthwhile as a quick read.
November 9, 2015
Cindy is so sassy! I love the Fables series and all its spin-offs. For those that love fractured fairytales, I highly recommend but be warned younger readers, there are adult themes.
March 20, 2024
I wasn't sure how this would be without Bill Willingham, but it absolutely has all the humor and cleverness I expect from Fables. Very cute.
March 15, 2024
It's a fun little story following Cinderella and her spy lifestyle, though it could have used a few more issues to give it some time to breathe. Her chemistry with Aladdin was good.
Though the side story set in the shop was mostly annoying.
Though the side story set in the shop was mostly annoying.
August 28, 2010
Although I believe it's the first "Fables" book not to carry Bill Willingham's name on the cover, Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love works as a very natural extension of the Fables universe. In many ways, in fact, it reads more like a regular Fables story than most of "Jack of Fables."
In brief, "Fables" is about the characters from fairy tales and folklore (e.g. Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Pinocchio, etc.) who fled a conquerer in their fictional homelands by escaping to the 'real' world, where they settled in their own secret section of New York City, dubbed 'Fabletown.' Cinderella has had relatively little screentime in the ongoing book, but Willingham established her as Fabletown's international secret agent, dealing with issues of concern to the Fable community. This globe-trotting setup certainly lends itself to an adventurous solo tale, and Chris Roberson was given the job of spinning that tale.
One shortcoming in Cinderella's 'secret agent' treatment is that it's not exactly a natural outgrowth of any aspect of her original story. Apart from giving her a bit of a shoe theme, the character might as well be an original creation, an author working from a blank slate. (Part of this is due to the Cinderella story simply not providing much character-based material for its own protagonist; she's poor, and then with some magical help, she meets a prince who falls in love with her. The End. This is also why Disney's "Cinderella II" was such an atrociously bad idea.) Roberson tackles this problem in two ways. One is a spoiler, but the other is simply to play up the shoe aspect, by devoting a couple of pages an issue to a subplot about her shoe store ("The Glass Slipper"), and a magic-related scheme by her store manager (Crispin Cordwainer, the eponymous shoemaker of "The Elves and the Shoemaker"). The combined effect of this is that Roberson succeeds in making this a singularly Cinderella story, rather than just an espionage story featuring someone called Cinderella.
Roberson also partners Cindy with a character who's more of a natural fit in an adventure tale, in the form of Aladdin, and gives small but valuable roles to a few other Fable characters. He even has one plot point that spins out of the regular Fables book, from a setup of Willingham's that always did seem underdeveloped.
Roberson introduces a couple of his own plot points that never quite pay off, too. One involving the deal made by Crispin the shoemaker, and another with some underexplained villainous henchmen (who at one point he establishes as poisonous, only to never make that detail relevant).
I'm no more familiar with the art of Shawn McManus than I was with the writing of Chris Roberson, but his work here is very much in the Fables house style. I'm sure the colors of Lee Loughridge and the lettering of Todd Klein are a great assist in that level of consistency, and their work is excellent as always. Faces occasionally look off (particularly in one scene where Cindy and Al appear inexplicably angry with each other), but it's mostly solid.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and knocked out most of it in one sitting. It's a fine extension of Willingham's work, and could easily serve as an introduction to a new reader unfamiliar with the Fables universe.
In brief, "Fables" is about the characters from fairy tales and folklore (e.g. Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Pinocchio, etc.) who fled a conquerer in their fictional homelands by escaping to the 'real' world, where they settled in their own secret section of New York City, dubbed 'Fabletown.' Cinderella has had relatively little screentime in the ongoing book, but Willingham established her as Fabletown's international secret agent, dealing with issues of concern to the Fable community. This globe-trotting setup certainly lends itself to an adventurous solo tale, and Chris Roberson was given the job of spinning that tale.
One shortcoming in Cinderella's 'secret agent' treatment is that it's not exactly a natural outgrowth of any aspect of her original story. Apart from giving her a bit of a shoe theme, the character might as well be an original creation, an author working from a blank slate. (Part of this is due to the Cinderella story simply not providing much character-based material for its own protagonist; she's poor, and then with some magical help, she meets a prince who falls in love with her. The End. This is also why Disney's "Cinderella II" was such an atrociously bad idea.) Roberson tackles this problem in two ways. One is a spoiler, but the other is simply to play up the shoe aspect, by devoting a couple of pages an issue to a subplot about her shoe store ("The Glass Slipper"), and a magic-related scheme by her store manager (Crispin Cordwainer, the eponymous shoemaker of "The Elves and the Shoemaker"). The combined effect of this is that Roberson succeeds in making this a singularly Cinderella story, rather than just an espionage story featuring someone called Cinderella.
Roberson also partners Cindy with a character who's more of a natural fit in an adventure tale, in the form of Aladdin, and gives small but valuable roles to a few other Fable characters. He even has one plot point that spins out of the regular Fables book, from a setup of Willingham's that always did seem underdeveloped.
Roberson introduces a couple of his own plot points that never quite pay off, too. One involving the deal made by Crispin the shoemaker, and another with some underexplained villainous henchmen (who at one point he establishes as poisonous, only to never make that detail relevant).
I'm no more familiar with the art of Shawn McManus than I was with the writing of Chris Roberson, but his work here is very much in the Fables house style. I'm sure the colors of Lee Loughridge and the lettering of Todd Klein are a great assist in that level of consistency, and their work is excellent as always. Faces occasionally look off (particularly in one scene where Cindy and Al appear inexplicably angry with each other), but it's mostly solid.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and knocked out most of it in one sitting. It's a fine extension of Willingham's work, and could easily serve as an introduction to a new reader unfamiliar with the Fables universe.
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