More often than not, I judge the quality of a book by my visceral reaction.  Are there panels that command me to speak aloud, whether it be be "Ouch", "Wow", or "Oh my God"?  Are there moments that make me laugh or cry?  Can the best of books make me do all of these things?  It can when the book is Fables.  "Ouch" for Blue's speech to Rose Red on his deathbed, concluding with him stating that he finally realized he deserves better.  A dying man's candor, indeed.  "Wow" for the mere strength of presence possessed by so many characters here, time and time again.  Bigby, Flycatcher, Mr Dark.  All excellent and somehow chilling and resonant.  And, of course "Oh my God" came along with that first depiction of Blue, which tore my heart out... only later to be stomped on with the final image of a grave overlooking the baseball field.  The truly amazing part is that we knew all of this was coming.  Blue's death was neither subtle nor a surprise.  And yet we allowed ourselves to hope.  Hope that someone... Flycatcher, Swineheart, anyone or any inexplicable force, would come through and save him at the last second.  Of course, if that had happened, we would have never felt the gravity of this loss, presented in such and amazing and emotional way as it was in this issue.  Bravo.  If you are not reading this series, please correct your life.