Ever read Fables? Ever watch Once Upon A Time? Chances are you really like one, if not both, of these fairy tale based stories. It’s come to my attention that there are lots of fans of Fables out there that are rioting in the streets, turning over cars, and starting large wild fires in outrage because Once has ripped off Fables. (Or maybe they’re just expressing themselves in public forums…) It’s a heated debate with some intense feelings. I’m not here to jump in the middle of this, I’m simply here to offer some of my own unique views and opinions in today’s article, ‘The Imitation and Inspiration Freestyle’!
now that I’ve seen Once, I’m probably more likely to actually go pick up the first Fables trade.
Fables
Let me start by explaining where I stand with the two tales. About two years ago I received a special free issue of Fables at the Baltimore Comic Con. I have several friends who love the series, so I read the issue. I thought it was interesting, had some cool things going on, but I was not drawn into it as my friends had been. It’s not that I disliked it, don’t misunderstand me! I figured maybe if I read it from the first issue, I’d have more of a bond with it. When Once starting airing on ABC, I thought the previews had looked pretty cool, and it would be worth checking out. After watching the first episode, I was hooked! I loved the way the story was told with pieces of the old and the new intertwined, and how it really added depth and progression to classic stories. I’m sure Fables does the same, and now that I’ve seen Once, I’m probably more likely to actually go pick up the first Fables trade. I think the thing that creates so much controversy is that an actual Fables TV show was proposed to ABC prior to Once.
Most Fables fans got really upset and up in arms about this, convinced there was a giant conspiracy! I think those people might be getting a bit ahead of themselves. I understand there are several common elements between the two stories, but that doesn’t constitute plagiarism! If so, Bram Stoker ( Bram Stoker’s Dracula) would sue Stephenie Meyer (Author of Twilight) for using vampires in her stories! Let’s not forget that ABC is owned by Disney who has made it’s fortune from classic tales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty among so many other now vintage stories. I don’t think it’s too much too say that they could possibly have been trying to find a project like Once for a long time.
“Storytellers get much of their ideas and inspiration from other stories.”
Bill Willingham, the creator of Fables, wasn’t even involved with the Fables TV show proposed to ABC, and wrote an editorial explaining his feelings on the whole situation. (I recommend reading his article if you are really into this subject.) He also sighted that he himself had been inspired subconsciously by several influences throughout his life. He mentioned some specific influences, one being “The Charmings”. The first time I read Fables, it instantly reminded me of this show. It aired in 1988, and the premise was Snow White, Prince Charming, and several other fairy tale characters trying to adapt to modern life in the suburbs after Snow’s wicked stepmother had cast a powerful spell on them. The show aired on ABC, and is arguably the true template for Once’s creation. Bill ultimately lends the benefit of the doubt to Once’s creator’s, and applauds their success in his editorial.
Once Upon A Time
Was he just taking the high road in saying he didn’t think he’d been ripped off? Probably but he mentioned some things along the way that resonated with me. He said ”Storytellers get much of their ideas and inspiration from other stories.” I feel like it’s often overlooked how much we’re inspired by everything around us including other stories! I personally feel like inspiration and imitation in storytelling is how genres are built. Bill said it like this, “Stories aren’t automatically in competition with each other. If I like Batman, it doesn’t mean I have to dislike Captain America. I’d hate for “Fables” to be the only fairy tale-based story out there. If that were the case, I’d have nothing to read or watch for pleasure in this genre I love.” I’m a writer myself, what if someone read one of my stories and was inspired by it? First of all, I would be humbled and would feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Inspiring people is one of the many goals in writing, imitation is the result of that inspiration.
So, here’s what I hope happens after you read this article;
- If you like Fables, give Once a chance, and vice-versa.
- Make love not war.
- If it really still bothers you think of them as alternate universes/dimensions in the the crazy world of possibilities out there.
There are better uses of our time than getting mad at stories for having similar elements. Every story can be enjoyed as long as you allow yourself to enjoy what you like about it, and not dwell on what you didn’t like about it. Enjoy everything, because the world is ours to make Ronin.
-Nick Flair!
