“ | Look at the buildings, and the people, and the automated carriages. Did you ever imagine in your entire life to see so many people in one place? | „ |
~ Mrs. Bear exploring New York City with Jack in the Green in Fables #155 — "The Black Forest Chapter Five: Unboxing Day" |
Mrs. Bear is an animal Fable from world of the Hesse, who is an old friend of Jack in the Green, the Protector of the Forest; and later becomes her companion. She first appears in Fables #151 — "The Black Forest Chapter One: Greenjack."
Biography
Meeting Jack in the Green

Mrs. Bear is reunited with Jack in the Green
As Jack in the Green makes her way through the Black Forest towards the Last Story Home, she suddenly hears a strange noise. With her bow drawn and poised to shoot, she prepares to defend herself as a massive brown bear charges at her. But then, she recognizes the familiar face of her old friend Mrs. Bear from her childhood. And as for Mrs. Bear, she can barely recognize Jack, who has grown up significantly since they last saw each other[4]
The two have a joyous reunion, and Mrs. Bear inquires about Jack's mother's well-being. Jack reveals that her mother passed away within the past two years, and Mrs. Bear admits that it was a blessing, as no one should endure such a "withering" experience. As Mrs. Bear calls her by her old name Gwen, Jack proudly declares that she is now known as the Jack in the Green, a title she rightfully earned. Mrs. Bear acknowledges that this was inevitable, stating that "anyone could see it." But she has some concerns, worrying about the toll that such a busy lifestyle might have on Jack. She kindly directs Jack towards the Last Story Home. Before they part ways, she cautions Jack about the dangerous creatures that have recently arrived in the area.[4]
The big quest
As Jack diligently studies one evening, her predecessor, the previous Jack in the Green, reflects on her progress and decides it's time for her first quest. He suggests she consider who she wants to bring with her as a companion, since Jack in the Green always has one[5]
Jack chooses Mrs. Bear as her companion, and together they set off on their journey. With the power bestowed upon her, Jack harnesses the communal strength of the Black Forest to aid their journey. Jack draws upon the communal power of the Black Forest to open up a portal, and the two find themselves transported through a portal to New York City in the mundane world. To their amazement, Mrs. Bear appears as a human when they emerge.[2]

Mrs. Bear in human form, with one of her beloved honey jars
The two find lodging in a hotel. Mrs. Bear quickly grows to love this new wonderful world, and gets food from a local grocery store. Jack wonders how she managed to pay for that, but Mrs. Bear states that the store let her start a tab that one can pay once one gets a job. She confesses that she attempted dumpster diving, based on recommendations from some kids, but it didn't suit her. Another person suggested shoplifting, but she wasn't comfortable with the idea. Mrs. Bear excitedly displays to Jack some jars of honey she purchased — they're shaped like bears. She never would have expected such a treat.[6]
Tracking Pan
The two go outside into the city streets, where Jack is intent on identifying the grave threat to their woods. However, she admits that she has no idea how to identify that threat. Mrs. Bear is fascinated by the bustling city, with its towering buildings and constant flow of autocarriages and people. But Jack reminds her that they must return home once she has identified the threat at hand.[6]
Jack manages to track down the mysterious threat at a restaurant at 241 West Broadway, where Peter Pan is dining. However, when she draws her bow, the police are swiftly summoned and Jack is arrested. Mrs. Bear can do nothing but watch as Jack is forcefully pulled into a police car and driven off to an unknown destination.[7]
Stuck on Earth
When twelve cops are brutally slaughtered by Tinker Bell on Peter Pan's orders shortly afterward,[7] the authorities, needing someone to blame, imprisons Jack in Ryker's Island Penitentiary.[8] Mrs. Bear chooses to stay behind instead of abandoning Jack in her time of need. She makes multiple attempts to forcefully enter the office of Cinderella, a fellow Fable, who is in the employ of the American government, in hopes of freeing Jack. After five years, Cinderella gets Jack out of prison, on the condition that she never returns to this world.[8]
Jack and Mrs. Bear are happily reunited at the docks of the island. Cinderella admits that Mrs. Bear's daily attempts to storm her office were among the many reasons Cinderella was motivated to intervene in Jack's case.[8] Jack sets up a traveling spell to take her and Mrs. Bear to wherever the villain is.[1]
Return to the Hesse

Jack and Mrs. Bear crash land in the Hesse
The two of them are transported through a portal back to the Hesse and land with a thud on the ground below, Mrs. Bear restored to her original form. She accidentally lands on top of Jack, who kindly asks her to move off her. Mrs. Bear is relieved that the honey jars she brought with her did not burst open, and praises the alien invention of plastic.[1]
After discovering a mass slaughter of animal Fables in the forest, Bigby Wolf inspects the bodies, when Jack and Mrs. Bear appear before him. Mrs. Bear watches as Jack proclaims that she is the Protector of the Forest, but Bigby argues that it is actually him who holds that title. Unexpectedly, the forest god Herne appears before them and declares that they are both mistaken, for he is the one and only Protector of the Black Forest.[1]
As tensions rise, Bigby's friend Sam points out that none of them were there to stop the recent slaughter, and Mrs. Bear backs Jack up when the latter states that the two of them weren't there, because they were in an alien world. Mrs. Bear proposes a practical solution to the situation: why not compete to solve the crime, and whoever does it first wins? The three of them decide to go with this plan.[9]
Facing Peter Pan
Mrs. Bear accompanies Jack to the Last Story Home, where Jack discovers her predecessor, the previous Jack in the Green, has been mercilessly killed[3] by Peter Pan.[10] As they stumble upon the lifeless body, Mrs. Bear lets out a mournful wail, proclaiming it to be a heinous murder. Jack somberly declares his death will be avenged.[3]
Mrs. Bear expresses concern about Gwen's recent thoughts, warning her that it could lead down a dark path. She implies that this is something better suited for the grander powers in their world to handle. Jack retrieves a Thanatos Arrow, a lethal weapon of immense power. Teaming up with Mrs. Bear, and the elder Jack's companion, Iago Warduck, Jack finally locates Pan and Tinker Bell.[3]

Mrs. Bear and Jack, after Pan is defeated
Jack releases the Thanatos Arrow, which shatters the magical constraints that force Tinker Bell to do Pan's bidding, and breaks the fairy free from Pan's control. Mrs. Bear watches as Tinker Bell grows into a giant and kidnaps Pan and makes a swift escape. The she-bear inquires about Jack's foreknowledge of the situation; Jack responds that she didn't know for sure, but it was a calculated guess based on her observation that people who enjoy talking about themselves often reveal their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.[11]
Appearances
Fables
- Fables #151 (first appearance)
- Fables #154
- Fables #155
- Fables #156
- Fables #157
- Fables #158
- Fables #159
- Fables #161
- Fables #162
References