1001 Nights of Snowfall: Fables    by Bill Willingham & Todd Klein Order:  USA  Can Vertigo, 2006 (2006) Hardcover      Reviewed by Alex Telander Whether this is the first time you've looked upon the world of the Fables comic book series, or you're an issue to issue addict (like me); 1001 Nights of Snowfall is a graphic novel that anyone can read and enjoy; Bill Willingham says exactly this in his introduction. Working with a host of different artists, including Mark Buckingham (who illustrates the series), John Bolton (Harlequin Valentine), Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) and Charles Vess (Stardust, Ladies of Grace Adieu); 1001 Nights of Snowfall is one graphic novel you will want to own and show off to friends. Featuring a collection of stories, the book is framed by Snow White's meeting with a misogynistic Sultan who intends to kill her when he is through with her. Snow White must tell a new story to him each night to stay his lethal hand. From her stories we find out about Bigby's (the big bad wolf of Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs fame) birth, his youth, and how he felt being the outcast of the family. We hear an unusual story of a woman's learning to defend herself with a sword, coupled with the mysterious deaths of seven dwarfs. We learn about the life of a frog who was magically transformed into a prince, but then turned himself back into a frog to save himself when his wife and family were slaughtered. Then there is the tale of Hansel and Gretel, showing in detail what really happened when the witch tried to cook them. The final story is about the animals of Fable banding together with Old King Cole to protect their realm. With lots more stories to tell, 1001 Nights of Snowfall is the book you want for cold winter nights by the fire, when you can lose yourself in a world where the many characters you grew up reading about live everyday lives. And if, after this, you are looking for more, you might just want to start the Fables series from the beginning with Fables: Legends in Exile, available wherever graphic novels are sold. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews