Fables 25

Our Right to Assemble Issue: Chapter Six, March of the Wooden Soldiers
Published	July 2004
Writer	Bill Willingham
Penciler	Mark Buckingham
Inker	Steve Leialoha
Colourist	Daniel Vozzo
Letterer	Todd Klein
Cover artist	James Jean
Assistant editor	Mariah Huehner
Editor	Shelly Bond
Preceded by	"Fables 24"
Followed by	"Fables 26"

“	I'm no military commander. I've no special wisdom to impart, except that which others have said so many times before. We don't have any particular country to defend. Ours were lost to us long ago. And we've no flag to fight for. Fabletown has no formal status except as it exists in our minds and hearts. No, when we fight tonight, if we do, it will only be for each other -- for those standing here beside us. Like every soldier in every battle in history.	„
	~ Snow White

"Our Right to Assemble Issue: Chapter Six, March of the Wooden Soldiers" is the twenty-fifth issue of Fables.

Synopsis

In the penultimate issue of "March of the Wooden Soldiers," Bigby arrives at the farm in upstate New York only to be greeted gun-first by an army of wooden soldiers. Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, the fate of Fabletown hangs in the balance as a very pregnant Snow White encounters a nasty surprise of her own.

Plot

Fabletown is preparing for battle. Barrels of cement are stacked up, blocking off each side of the street. Prince Charming deals with the police who come over to investigate, telling them it is a simple block party and send them back on their way. Afterwards, he meets up with Flycatcher to give him further advice on strategic placement of barriers.

Down by the warehouse district, the wooden men are assembling, quite literally, their army of soldiers. Arms and legs are attached to torsos, heads are placed atop. Each soldier is given a black suit and tie, and a hairpiece to cover their bald heads. Finally they are given guns.

Boy Blue sits moping at the Knights of Malta hospital. Dr. Swineheart fixed him up pretty good, but his hands are still a mess. He doesn't know if he'll ever play the trumpet again. Swineheart comforts that through a few more surgeries, he can make his hands good as new. But Boy Blue doesn't have time to wait, he stands up and walks out of the room, intending to join his friends in the fight.

Snow White talks to the witches and wizards of the 13th floor. For the duration of the battle, she'll need them to cast their enchantments to prevent the mundys from taking notice or remembering anything afterward. Frau Totenkinder says such spells will be very expensive. Snow retaliates, reminding her of the charter signed long ago, and as this is declared a Fabletown Emergency, they are required to do their part for the community...free of charge. Hesitantly, Frau agrees to help.

Rose Red arrives in a pickup loaded with supplies, followed by a convoy of trucks being ridden by all the Farm Fables who want to help. Prince Charming tells them they can unload over in the Woodland's courtyard, where Trusty John had his garden. Charming's sure he won't mind, still being in the hospital and all.

Snow stands outside, in front of all the Fables, speaking to them, reminding them what they are fighting for. Boy Blue is there, a sword bandaged to his mangled hands for better grasp. Rose Red and Weyland Smith stand together in the crowd. Even the Three Bears are present, showing their renewed support after being ousted as part of the Farm revolt...

The same thing is happening over at the warehouses. The wooden army stand at attention, as their brother tells them what to expect. Once the "meatheads" see how many there are, they're likely to surrender. Once they do, there is to be no killing of the masses. Except maybe one or two... a couple, certainly not all of them, anyway...

Jack checks his gun magazines again, while Pinocchio watches with disdain. They are in Pinocchio's apartment, where Jack was given specific instructions to keep an eye on him. Pinocchio's only real concern is getting out there where his friends are going to fight, but Jack won't allow it. He tells Jack that the wooden army isn't coming to hurt him. They said it themselves, he's their beloved "elder brother", they just want him back. And besides, Pinocchio adds, does he honestly believe bullets will stop a person made out of wood? Jack corrects Pinocchio right there, the gun isn't meant for the soldiers. There is absolutely no way they will ever let Pinocchio get taken back to the Homelands, where he could potentially reveal their secrets to the Adversary. If it did look like he is about to fall into the hands of his "brothers", Jack will use the gun on him. Pinocchio gulps and falls silent.

The army approaches. Mundys look out their windows at the sight, as the wooden soldiers march in formation. Above, the Farmland sky patrol fly back to report. Everyone there feels grim when the news reaches them. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, coming their way...

Appearing in "Our Right to Assemble"

Featured Characters:

• Prince Charming
• Rose Red
• Snow White

Supporting Characters:

• Boy Blue
• Clara
• Dr. Swineheart
• Flycatcher
• Frau Totenkinder
• Jack Horner
• King Cole
• Lady Beauty
• Lord Beast
• Pinocchio
• Stinky
• Weyland Smith

Antagonists:

• Baba Yaga
• Wooden Soldiers

Other Characters:

• Bufkin
• Grimble
• Hobbes
• Mouse Police
• Mr. Toad
• 13th Floor Witches (First full appearance)
  • Master Kadabra (First appearance)
  • Mrs. Green (First appearance)
  • Mr. Grandours
  • Mrs. Someone (First appearance)
  • Ozma (First appearance)
  • Maddy (First appearance)
  • Prospero (First appearance)
  • The Great Fairy Witch
• The Three Bears
  • Papa Bear
  • Mama Bear
  • Boo Bear

Locations:

• New York
  • New York City
    • Manhattan
      • Fabletown
        • Woodland Luxury Apartments

Items:

• Vorpal Sword

Trivia

A tiny doll dangling from Rose Red's rearview mirror is named "Irma." This is the name of Fables penciller Mark Buckingham's wife, who is the main inspiration behind Rose Red's appearance in the series.