| “ | I don't want Geppetto running things. I took part in the war to defeat him, and I don't want that effort wasted. | „ |
| ~ Joel Crow to Rose Red, Fables #98 — "Red Dawn, Chapter Five of Rose Red" |
Joel Crow is a Fable who lives in Fabletown in New York City, who debuts in Fables: The Last Castle. He fought in battle with the Adversary, and he and his brothers Vulco and Ephram were the only ones of their family to make it out alive.
History
The exodus
Joel and his eleven brothers[2] were known collectively as the Crow Brothers,[2][3] because of their ability to transform into crows. This made them the ideal eyes-in-the-sky when they joined the rest of the guard at the keep at world's end. Only Joel and two of his brothers ultimately made it out of the Homelands.[2]
Fabletown
Joel and his two brothers spend the anniversary of the final escape every year with Boy Blue and the rest of the survivors at the local pub.[2] In Fabletown, Joel works as the personal haircutter of Rapunzel: Due to her fast-growing hair, she is given three haircuts each day, at eight in the morning, four P.M. and at midnight. Part of Joel's job is selling the hair to mundy wig makers, using the guise of the hair coming from many girls.[1]
The Hidden Kingdom
Joel is part of the Fairest story arc titled "The Hidden Kingdom," which takes place in the time of King Cole's term as mayor and Rose Red's infatuation with Jack Horner. He has become Rapunzel's most trustworthy friend as he is responsible for cutting her hair; maybe even choosing who to sell it to, as he tells her that they have to look for a new buyer since the previous one is becoming suspicious. He is also present when Rapunzel receives an unexpected message in Japanese that alludes to her children being alive.[4]
Joel tags along with Rapunzel and Jack Horner on their journey to Tokyo in search of her children, though it's uncertain if he truly believes her or is just being a supportive friend. Unfortunately, Joel doesn't have the best time during the plane ride; he quickly gets airsick. Eventually they meet up with[4] Rapunzel's ex, Tomoko, who turns out to be a kitsune and part of the Yakuza. She is the leader of a hidden Fable community in Tokyo and refers to it as her "Fabletown."[5]
As Rapunzel and Tomoko catch up with each other, Jack pullw Joel into his own wild celebration. The evening featurew karaoke and a lot of alcohol. After drinking too much, it seems as if Joel wants to admit his feelings for Rapunzel, but he can never quite find the right words to say.[5]
Rapunzel has come to the realization that they aren't safe with Tomoko and her entourage. To make an escape, Rapunzel lures Joel in with a seduction and sleeps with him. In hindsight, Joel realizes it was only done so her hair could grow back. As the two descend the building by rappelling down Rapunzel's long hair, she confides in him that simply walking out would be impossiblr, as there are security cameras and yokai posted at all exits.[5]
Tomoko views Joel as a threat to her relationship with Rapunzel and promptly tells the ghost assassin Mayumi to take him out. At the subway station, Rapunzel argues that sleeping together had more meaning than just sex, but Joel rejects this angrily, pointing out his loyalty while she keeps him in the dark about her affairs. He soon tells her that he is sick of cleaning up after her and transforms into a crow and flies off.[6]
Eventually, Joel and Rapunzel meet at Nara, and they stumble upon a well. It is then that Rapunzel tells him her message meant something else than her daughters; it is about revenge. Just then, Mayumi appears ready to attack as what seems like strands of Rapunzel's hair coming out from the well.[6] Fortunately, Rapunzel fends off Mayumi with her bezoars, and they leave to prepare for the final battle against Tomoko's group.[7]
Rapunzel begs Tomoko to stop the altercation and explains how her bezoars had been created from a time when she was trapped in the well. She pleads with her for them to go home, but Tomoko will have none of it. She quickly throws bleach over Rapunzel's hair to prevent the bezoars from attacking. Joel is the first one at her side, quickly splashing water onto her head to quench the burning.[8]
Upon seeing the battle between Jack and Tomoko, Jack makes an attempt to snatch the foxfire away from her. But Rapunzel pleads for Joel to save it before he is shot by one of Tomoko's men and left severely injured yet alive. Visibly distressed, she begs her "children" to spare him from his fall. Later, Bigby, Joel, and Frau Totenkinder observe as the Japanese fables travel back to their home.[8]
After observing the two squabble, Joel addresses Frau Totenkinder about Rapunzel's offspring. She admits she has known all along who was keeping them; most likely referring to the Fairy Godmother. The enemy plans to use Rapunzel for a sinister purpose - to extinguish her and all of Fabletown. So, she convinces him to use a potion that will make Rapunzel forget every detail from the recent events: her daughters, the Hidden Kingdom, even Tomoko. Joel yields to her request and drops the elixir into her drink as they leave for America.[8]
Life contines
The three Crow brothers gather with a group of Fables in the Business Office to strategize on capturing the Arabian Fable visitors who have a d'jinn bottle in their possession.[9]
When Clara catches the bouquet at Snow White and Bigby's wedding, Joel jokingly tells his brother Vulco he'll have to stop seeing Fair Katrinelje and marry Clara.[10]
He also aids Red Riding Hood in updating her look to attract Flycatcher.[3]
Joel later approaches Rose Red to warn her about the theft of gold coins at the Farm and expresses his concern about Geppetto gaining control there. He reminds her that he fought in the war to defeat Geppetto and is not willing to let him take over again.[11]
Joel also expresses interest in courting Princess Alder, but is intimidated by her brother and stays away.[12]
Appearances
Fables
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Fairest
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References
See also
| Fabletown | |
|---|---|
| Governing body | King Cole • Snow White (formerly) • Prince Charming (formerly) • Beauty • Ichabod Crane (formerly) |
| Inhabitants | Beast • Bigby Wolf (formerly) • Flycatcher (formerly) • Trusty John • Grimble • Bufkin • Cinderella • Mowgli • Hobbes • Pinocchio • Briar Rose • Doctor Swineheart • Rapunzel • Kay • Edmond Dantès • Crispin Cordwainer • Thrushbeard • Fairy Witch • Frau Totenkinder • Ozma • Fairy Witch • Morgan le Fay |
| Places | Grand Green Florist Shop • Chateau d'If Fencing Academy • Edward Bear's Candies • Ford Laundry • Nod's Books • Lewis Antiques • I Am the Eggman Diner • Yellowbrick Roadhouse • Web 'n' Muffet Market • The Woodland Luxury Apartments • The Glass Slipper Shoes • Branstock Tavern |
| Unique items | Magic Mirror |