Fairest #17 - Review

Fairest #17

Writer:
Sean E Williams

Pencils:
Stephen Sadowski

Cover:
Adam Hughes

Part Three of 'The Return of the Maharaja'

To recap where we ended at Part Two of this story arc, the Maharaja and Nalayani are forced into the desert by a pack of Dhole and in their hast find themselves far from their camp. To make matters worse, the beautiful Nalayani stumbles across quicksand and finds herself sinking fast...of course that is where issue #16 ends.

So what can you expect?

A story with great consistency and pace. Nothing about this series so far seems rushed or poorly thought through. The first page will have you chuckling at the dialogue between Buldeo and Nathoo. They both show different levels of concern for the missing Maharaja, but what is revealed in this issue is that each know this new Maharaja in different ways. This detail is important and is sort of the point of the entire issue. This Maharaja may not be who he seems.

One of the camp residents (one of the Maharaja's army of women) has contracted some kind of mysterious infection which I will leave you comic book geeks to read about further. Needless to say, much of this aspect of the story remains a mystery.

The feel of this issue takes me back to the Fables series by Willingham. This series is a great demonstration of creativity which can still remain connected to it original roots, the original Fables series, which is a great success even to this day.

The art work by Sadowski is thoughtful of the characters and above all consistent. The art conveys the right level of intensity when it comes to the well being of the Maharaja and Nalayani. What I am trying to say without spoiling everything is that the art work is pretty good when you consider the events of the Maharaja taking on the massive crocodile. It is a sound demonstration of Sadowski's skills.

The point to this issue is revealed once Nalayani and the Maharaja flee the mean crocodile (who talks to them...in the same passive tone as the helpful fox from an earlier issue in this series. It was unexpected, but not uncharacteristic of a Fables-like issue). This issue focuses on the origins of the Maharaja's rise to his position. It is very humorous and in keeping with the type of character this Maharaja is.

What did I think?

Well you have probably guessed by now that I liked this issue and I am really enjoying this series. The pace of this series and this issue are in keeping with what I believe comic readers need in order to be able to take in the story as well as appreciate the great illustration.

The writing by Williams really conveys the values and attitudes of the characters well (whether you like them or not). You grow to like the Maharaja because of his adventure for life (at least I have). As for Nalayani, you come to admire her sense of selflessness throughout this series and this issue. I can't help but think all this will be tested in future issues. I guess we will see.

I look forward every month to Adam Hughes' contribution to the Fairest title with his amazing covers. There have been some real stand-out brilliant covers, and one or two covers I have felt look a bit rushed, but on the whole they are hugely creative. Hughes must take the concepts dealt with in each issue and really think about how he wants to present the issue according to his interpretation of the characters and the story. I know that sounds similar to what all cover artists should do, but what Hughes is creating really stands out for me. The cover pictured above is exceptional, hair that becomes the mean crocodile, henna tattoo on the hands and arm of the pictured woman (who I am guessing is a representation of Nalayani). Either way, it is brilliant and to my thinking Fairest remains one of DC Vertigo's best titles right now.

Every month I take time to read and absorb this title. If you are into comics for mature readers this has to be on your monthly 'buy-list'.

What did others think?

Comics The Gathering has a view that is similar to mine but makes some different observations about the energy levels of this issue...

Comics The Gathering

Nguyen writing for Weekly Comic Book Review is a little more scathing of this issue, but I trust this reviewers judgement. But like all reviewers, it is just their opinion, take it as you will...

Weekly Comic Book Review 

What do I give it?

Well firstly, I'm changing my grading system, and like in school a comic book can score A through to F.

Grade: B+

Enjoy!

n Part 3 of “The Return of the Maharaja,” Nalayani and the Maharaja face a lethal enemy while trapped in the Village of the Dead, and the expedition to rescue Nalayani’s village faces an even deadlier curse that sabotages their attempts to search for their leader (whose mysterious past is finally revealed)! - See more at: http://www.vertigocomics.com/comics/fairest-2012/fairest-17#sthash.DPrnZ1Ft.dpuf

In Part 3 of “The Return of the Maharaja,” Nalayani and the Maharaja face a lethal enemy while trapped in the Village of the Dead, and the expedition to rescue Nalayani’s village faces an even deadlier curse that sabotages their attempts to search for their leader (whose mysterious past is finally revealed)! - See more at: http://www.vertigocomics.com/comics/fairest-2012/fairest-17#sthash.DPrnZ1Ft.dpuf

In Part 3 of “The Return of the Maharaja,” Nalayani and the Maharaja face a lethal enemy while trapped in the Village of the Dead, and the expedition to rescue Nalayani’s village faces an even deadlier curse that sabotages their attempts to search for their leader (whose mysterious past is finally revealed)! - See more at: http://www.vertigocomics.com/comics/fairest-2012/fairest-17#sthash.DPrnZ1Ft.dpuf