Review by Frank Plowright

As The Fulminate Blade begins Jack’s not in great condition. That’s probably understating the case. He’s been transformed into a dragon jealously guarding the riches that have tumbled from his magical briefcase. However, that’s a problem held over for The End, as here it’s the secondary Jack, Jack Frost who’s the lead character.

He’s accompanied by his wooden owl MacDuff in a blending of fantasy and science fiction from Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges, and after the disappointing New Adventures of Jack and Jack, this is the writers enjoying themselves less indulgently. As ever, it’s a sardonic take on fairy tales and legends, and it’s not only the writers who’re back on form as over the first couple of chapters Tony Akins supplies his best art of the entire series. The layouts are ambitious and decorative, and the action cinematic. It’s quite the surprise, and obviously time-consuming as Jim Fern has to fill in a fair bit, and as the story continues Akins’ pages become less attractive and more functional. Fern uses the same style of page designs as Akins to provide as close a fit as possible.

The Fulminate Blade is an ancient mystical weapon Jack acquires with the help of a witch, and unlike his father’s egotistical boasting he’s genuinely well intentioned and taken aback by deceit. It means that when he hears of a kingdom where every village has to supply gold and a maiden as tribute each year he can’t help but intervene. The result is an enjoyable romp. Some twists are signposted, but others surprise, and it’s a real change to have a likeable leading character.

This story can also be found in the third Jack of Fables Deluxe Edition.