Fables & Fairy Tales
by morgan on Jun.09, 2009, under Brandon Sanderson
I’d love to read more fantasy that draws inspiration from classic folk legends and myths: Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Aesop’s Fables and Arabian Nights.
Del Toro has done this as well as anyone with his Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth movies.
The graphic novel that reconnects with those old legends, that any fantasy fan is likely to love, is Fables by Bill Willingham. He features Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White to tell brilliant stories.
So what do you think, does execution trump originality, or are you willing to forgive poor execution if the ideas are fresh and exotic enough?
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June 10th, 2009 on 12:59 am
It’s not what you asked, but my answer has to be “both.” I’m not going to a read a book that doesn’t execute an original idea well. You don’t really need to worry about that, though! The Mistborn series was the most original system of magic I’ve ever seen, the science-guy in me loved it… heck, it was barely even magic! Instead, it was just awesome.
That said, I’d like to see more fantasy novels NOT take place in eras of castles and kings and whatnot. Of course, there’s always a place for these types of stories.
June 10th, 2009 on 2:34 am
On the one hand, poor execution often distracts me. Especially if I’ve noticed the same flaws in my writing (for instance, too many asides, like this one).
On the other, I have managed to read through clunky translations of really good books, and become a big fan of the author. You haven’t seen poor execution until you’ve read a clunky translation.
So, to answer the question, I’m more forgiving of poor execution when I realize it’s not really the author’s fault. But there is a point where it distracts me too much to see the neat-o new creative ideas the writer is putting down on paper.
June 10th, 2009 on 7:07 am
I’m not fussy: If I get any of the two, I’ll continue reading. If I had to choose, I’d probably prefer a good idea with poor execution to the opposite, simply because a good idea is more likely to stay with me for longer than excellent writing.
June 10th, 2009 on 8:12 am
I have to admit, poor writing drives me nuts. But if you’re looking for fresh takes on mythology/folklore, my vote goes to Juliet Marillier - I’m really enjoying the sub-genre of fantasy that is dubbed ‘historic fiction.’ If you’re interested in Irish folklore, that’s the way to go. If you’re looking for something a little more spicy, Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series does an interesting take on some Judeo-Christian themes. As for an interesting magic system - I believe Weis and Hickman’s Deathgate Cycle is the most in-depth I’ve seen a series go.
June 10th, 2009 on 12:39 pm
I’ll take the well-executed story over originality any day. In fact, I love reading endless interpretations of fairy tales and fables; it feels closer to some of the old oral traditions. It’s interesting to explore what it is that connects the story- how many details can you change before it’s no longer Cinderella, and just another Marry-the-Prince fantasy?
June 11th, 2009 on 12:42 am
execution does trump origianality, but a story needs both. An origianal story well executed, is obviously better than, an unorigianal story well executed. on the other hand a well-executed story is better than one that is simply, origianal.
June 11th, 2009 on 2:19 pm
If we’re talking about taking an established idea and twisting it on its’ head, I’d like to point to L.E. Modesitt and the Recluce saga. His concept of Order and Chaos as a system of magic could, in some ways, also serve as a philosophy. I picked up the Magic of Recluce on a whim several years back, simply for the cover, and ended up having to read it three or four times just to wrap my head around the way Modesitt created an entire world so simple and yet so complex at the same time.
Also, big shout out for Fables, one of my favorite series in recent memories. I’ve heard that ABC is looking to adapt this into a show, which scares me.
June 11th, 2009 on 3:02 pm
I can deal with poor execution. Along with my ’suspension of disbelief,’ I seem to have a ’suspension of critical analysis’ mode. It can come in handy. But I super appreciate creative types who can execute a new idea well.