Part of an ongoing series revisiting graphic novels and collected editions from days gone by....

Mowgli continues his quest for the missing Bigby (Big Bad) Wolf, eventually realizing that people might not be able to point him in the right direction, but wolves might. Raised by wolves as he was, Mowgli has a certain amount of wilderness cred with the packs he encounters, although not always enough to ensure his safety. (Alaskan wolves, it turns out, are far more suspicious of strangers than their Russian counterparts.) At least he is able to communicate with them fairly easily and, when necessary, can fight.

When he finally finds him, Mowgli immediately sends Bigby off on a vital mission into the sky, via beanstalk, and into the closely guarded environs of Emperor Geppetto himself. Cinderella, the spy, will aid his journey. Once there, he will issue threats, commit some arson and try to rescue a lost friend.

It's a truly dangerous mission, but Bigby has a reward in mind for his efforts. In the process, he manages to deal a devastating blow to the Emperor's plans.

Meanwhile, back at the Farm where nonhuman Fables make their home, Snow White is trying to train her willful cubs (which she had with absent father Bigby) not to fly or shapeshift into wolves at the slightest whim or provocation ... which ain't an easy task. It gets harder when their beloved grandfather, the aloof North Wind, abruptly takes his leave.

What else? Well, there are some murders. A nervous reaction to heights. Giants. Awkward diplomacy. An infected ear. Questionable medical practices. Rapid construction of a wilderness retreat.

And a wedding. Grand, beautiful, and a long time coming. Something suitable for the ongoing series' 50th issue, and perhaps a hint of those "happily ever after" endings for which so many fables are famous.

Wolves is by no means the end of the story, but it does provide some satisfying conclusions. There is a tangible power shift at play, and it remains to be seen how that affects the stories yet to come.

Can't wait. Knowing Bill Willingham, it's going to be good.