Fairy Tale Comics and Fable Comics

Fairy Tale Comics
Chris Duffy, editor
First Second, 2013 128 pages
Grades 2-Up
Graphic Novel

Seventeen comic book creators re-imagine classic fairy tales ranging from Hansel and Gretel to Baba Yaga. Although heavily Grimm based, a few other tales from other world cultures are included.


Fable Comics
Chris Duffy, editor
First Second, 2015  124 pages
Grades 2-Up
Graphic Novel

Twenty-eight traditional fairy tales are given a fresh retelling by graphic novel creators who specialize in creating works for children. Most of the selected fables are attributed to Aesop, but a few other world cultures are recognized.

Chris Duffy brings traditional fairy tales and fables to a new audience in these kid-friendly editions. The contributors range from the established to rookies and there is a wide range of styles, representing the varied and talented artists within the field of children's graphic novels. Some of the comic creators chose to go with a traditional retelling and setting, while others contemporized the tales, even tweaking details and morals to appeal to a modern audience. In the volume of fables I noticed that some of the contributors chose to spell out the morals, while others left it to the reader to figure out. I see the value in both approaches and love that Duffy left it to the creator to decide how to impart the tale's message. This volume comes in full-color and is slightly over-sized, making it eye-catching and boosting the kid-appeal. Duffy offers a brief note at the back of both volumes explaining what fables/fairy tales are and communicating his selection process. He also offers some suggestions for further reading, should kids chose to turn to the original story. Although both volumes are Grimm/Aesop heavy, other cultures are briefly explored. The country or source of origin is included on the first page of the tale/fable. A great way to spot-light some of the best comic creators currently in the field, all while exposing kids to traditional fairy tales and fables. A third volume is in the series titled Nursery Rhyme Comics (2011), which offers a fresh take on traditional nursery rhymes.