| “ | Merely the far side of the rainbow, my friend. To a land as far away as a dream and as close as a whisper. | „ |
| ― Bungle describing Oz to "Ivan Durak" in Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #4 — "Part Two" |
Bungle is a Fable animal recruited by Dorothy Gale to aid her in her plot for revenge on her archnemesis, Cinderella. He first appears in Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #1 — "Part One." He later becomes part of Bufkin's resistance movement in Oz.
History
Helping Cinderella
Bungle,[1] a male Glass Cat,[2] is recruited by Dorothy Gale, a killer for hire, to aid her in her quest for revenge on her arch nemesis, Cinderella. He and the other helpers are instructed by Dorothy not to engage with Cindy without her express permission. When Dorothy inquires whether they understand, Bungle answers, "Perrrfectly."[5]
Bungle assists in kidnapping Cinderella, and Ivan Durak of Shadow Fabletown, transporting them from the mundane world to the Deadly Desert of Oz via an airship.[1] Ivan seemingly manages to overpower their captors and throw Bungle and the other captors out of the ship, rescuing Cindy and himself. However, Bungle is shown floating down in a parachute, indicating that he is working with Ivan — who turns out to be Dorothy in disguise.[2]
Meeting Bufkin
After parting ways with Dorothy,[2] Bungle is drafted into one of the Nome King's press gangs, who are forced into building a road across the Deadly Desert. He manages to escape with fellow draftees Jack Pumpkinhead and Sawhorse. However, the Nome King's enforcers are on to them right away and pursue them all the way to the neighboring Land of Ev. By the time Bufkin encounters the trio, the pursuers are hot on their trail.[3]
Bufkin accidentally causes the fugitives to be saved when he drops a banana peel from a lunch box tree, causing the two rumble tumble Toms to slip and become separated from the snooker balls they are using for transportation. Bungle notices that one of the Toms has become "unballed," and jokingly comments that it sounds somewhat naughty. One of the balls falls into the ocean, while the other remains on the ground, prompting him, Jack, and Sawhorse to assist in pushing the giant snooker ball into the ocean.[3]
Bungle ponders the reason behind Bufkin's assistance, considering that all the flying monkeys are under the command of the Nome King. However, Bufkin discloses that he is not affiliated with the Nome King's air force. Jack inquires if Bufkin is part of the resistance, but Bungle urges him to remain silent, emphasizing the need to avoid any discussion about the subject. Bungle then proposes that they create some distance between themselves and the Toms, and engage in a private conversation. As they converse quietly near the warmth of the fire, Bungle expresses gratitude towards Bufkin for saving them, acknowledging that without his intervention, they would have undoubtedly been recaptured. The four of them, and Bufkin's tiny companion, Lily Martagon, secretly establish a resistance movement.[3]
Robbing the bunker
Bungle, standing with the others in front of the Deadly Desert, recites the district numbers assigned by the Nome King to various locations in his Pan Ozian Empire. When the group looks at him in surprise, he explains that he is staying informed about current affairs. Jack mentions the existence of roads crossing the Deadly Desert, but Bungle warns Bufkin that these roads are all monitored by the Nome King's enforcers. Suddenly, a flying monkey from the Air Force swoops down towards them. The other three are taken aback as Bufkin murders the monkey in cold blood. They proceed down one of the roads, with Bufkin assuming the role of an Air Force member and pretending that Jack, Bungle, and Sawhorse are his captives.[6]
Upon arriving at a heavily guarded bunker brimming with magic items, the group deliberates on how to infiltrate it. Bufkin proposes tunneling underneath and entering from below, but Sawhorse points out the futility of this plan due to the Nomes' control over the underworld. Bungle then suggests seeking out General Blug, the one Nome who harbors more animosity towards the Nome King than they do. However, their discussion is interrupted when they are discovered by Yoop and two Kalidahs. They all flee for their lives,[7] however, the tension eases when the Kalidahs and Yoop explain that they no longer wish to serve the Nome King, but rather want to support their revolution. The group of rebels find General Blug and attempt to convince him and his troops to join their cause. Unfortunately, Bufkin is discovered and apprehended by the Air Force.[8]
Blug's presence on the team enabled them to infiltrate the bunker and secure all the enchanted weapons. Sawhorse proposes utilizing the Golden Cap to sway the air patrol to their cause, however, Bungle advises waiting until the patrol can be strategically deployed in a surprise assault.[9]
Revolution in Oz
Bungle observes as Lily attempts to convince the others to embark on a mission to save Bufkin, however, Blug argues that they are not adequately prepared to take action at the moment, emphasizing that their cause is greater than the destiny of a single individual. Consequently, he assumes leadership of the resistance movement.[10] Nevertheless, Bufkin successfully manages to flee and rejoins the rest of the group. Upon reuniting with his companions, he inquires if any noteworthy events occurred during his absence. Bungle reveals that they have reached the stereotypical but unavoidable phase of the revolution known as the "falling out."[11]
They proceed with their planning. Upon hearing Sawhorse use the phrase "the cat's out of the bag," Bungle expresses his disdain for that saying. Bufkin proposes the idea of offering a reward for the capture of the Nome King, but Bungle points out that they lack the necessary treasure for the bounty, unless they are willing to part with all the magical items they worked hard to acquire. Eventually, they decide to offer a modest bounty instead, aiming to embarrass and provoke the Nome King.[12] Later, Bungle reports to Bufkin that the Nome King has gone crazy and is killing everyone in the Emerald City.[13]
Following the demise of the Nome King, a jubilant celebration takes place.[4] Bufkin engages in conversation with Bungle and the other founding members of the resistance, and reveals his plans to embark on new and exciting escapades.[14]
Appearances
Original source
Bungle is based on Bungle, the Glass Cat from The Patchwork Girl of Oz and other Oz books; the name of his species is capitalized on this wiki in accordance with the source material. In contrast to the comics, the original Bungle is a female character. Dr. Pipt, the magician, decides to test his Powder of Life by bringing to life an ornamental glass cat figurine. His intention is to have the cat catch mice for his wife Margolotte. However, the Glass Cat turns out to be extremely self-centered and refuses to do any work. Margolotte names the cat Bungle. The Glass Cat is transparent, except for her hard blood-red ruby heart, two large emeralds serving as eyes, and her vibrant pink brains, which resemble a collection of marbles and can be observed working within the cat's head. Additionally, she possesses a tail made of spun-glass.