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Review of IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons Comic (Issue #1)
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<blockquote data-quote="Neuroglyph" data-source="post: 5385810" data-attributes="member: 85633"><p><strong>Review of IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons Comic (Issue #1)</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">“<em>On the bright side, they’re orphan zombies… so nobody’s gonna miss ‘em.</em>” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">It’s hard not to be a little exhilarated by a comic book which opens with such a grimly-humorous line on the first page, but that’s just a taste of <em>Issue #1</em> of the new <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic</em></strong>. As with previous editions, <strong>D&D 4E</strong> has inspired a new line of <em>Dungeons & Dragons</em> comics, which is being produced by <strong>IDW Publishing</strong>, who has brought forth notable comic series such as <em>Doctor Who</em>, <em>G.I. Joe</em>, <em>Star Trek</em>, and <em>Transformers</em>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">[align=right]http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/rpgblogs/home/neurogly/public_html/rpgblogs/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dnd-comic-cover-reynolds.jpg[/align]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px">However, this new series differs somewhat from previous comics inspired by older editions such as the <strong>DC Comic’s</strong> <em>Advanced Dungeons & Dragons</em>, <em>Forgotten Realms</em>, and <em>Dragonlance</em> (AD&D /2nd Edition), and <strong>KenzerCo’s</strong><em>Tempest’s Gate</em> (3rd Edition). These earlier comic series drew upon well-established D&D settings, notably Oerth of the <em>World of Greyhawk</em> setting, Toril (and beyond) in the <em>Forgotten Realms</em> and <em>Spelljammer</em> settings, and Krynn from <em>Dragonlance</em> . But <strong>IDW’s</strong> new comic series is being set in the D&D Core World, a world setting which has yet to be fully released, and is only familiar to 4E gamers using the Nentir Vale content in the <strong><em>Dungeon Masters Guide</em></strong>.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>So just how good can a D&D comic book be from only a partially completed world setting?</em></span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons Comic - Issue #1 </strong></span></p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Writer: John Rogers</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Artist: Andrea DiVito</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Cover Illustrator: Tyler Walpoole (Cover A) / Wayne Reynolds (Cover B)</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Publisher: IDW Publishing</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Year: 2010</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Media: Comic Book (28 pages)</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Retail Cost: $3.99</span></li> </ul><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong> is the first comic in the new monthly D&D 4E comic book series by <strong>IDW Publishing</strong>. This comic features the first episode, entitled “Part One: Bad Day” of the <em>Shadowplague</em> storyline, which introduces the adventuring party called the Rumrunners. Other features of the comic include a letters to the editor, Denton J. Tipton, called Notes from the Underdark, and a D&D Essentials character sheet of main character and leader of the heroic band, Adric Fell.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Production Quality</u></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">The production quality of <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong> is really very good, with some very glib and snazzy dialogue, an intriguing plotline, and fast-paced action one would expect from a comic book. The artwork really works for me, both in the portrayal of the characters, as well as in the “special effects” of their various powers – although admittedly it is a little harder to identify a <em>combat stance</em> than it is a <em>wall of force</em>!</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">It should also be mentioned that there are five different covers to this first issue, and so collectors may need to do some searching to find the ones they want to keep mint!</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>The Art</u></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Andrea DiVito</strong> drew the exquisite panels for <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong>, and although he typically draws Marvel Comic book heroes, I’m sure he found his background of drawing <strong><em>Thor</em></strong> to be helpful when creating the look of the heroes. Each character is readily identifiable, not only from close-ups of their faces, but also in the styles of their clothing and their unique gear. I really enjoyed the attention to detail, such as metalwork and hairstyles, which is particularly on the dwarven character’s hammer and face. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">While I am not much of an art critic, I have to say I really like the style the characters are drawn in, and it conveys a lot of action in those panels. However for a more detailed critique of the artwork, you might want to check out the Neuroglyph Games site, where Tizzbin, artist of the <em>Passive Perceptions</em> webcomic, has guest-blogged his own <a href="http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/review-of-dnd-comic-issue-1" target="_blank">Review of <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong></a>!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">[SPOILER WARNING: Reading beyond this point will reveal key story elements! You have been warned!]</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>The Story</u></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">The writer for <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong> is <strong>John Rogers</strong>, who created the first draft of the script for the <em>Transformers</em> movie, and has recently created the TNT television series <em>Leverage</em>, so there is little doubt that the author can spin out a good yarn. There is definitely a good sense of timing and humor in the bantering dialogue between the characters, and not surprisingly, there is a bit of a feeling one could almost be watching a TV action-adventure show while reading this comic.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">The story is set in the Nentir Vale, part of the still-to-be-fully-released D&D Core World, in the city of Fallcrest. We are quickly introduced to the main characters as they revel in a local bar, while signing on a new member, a wary and canny tiefling warlock named Tisha. As for the rest of the main crew of the adventuring band, you have:</span><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Adric Fell – a human Fighter, who also narrates the adventure</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Khal Khalundurrin – a dwarf Paladin of Moradin</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Varis – an elf Ranger</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Bree Three-Hands – a Halfling Rogue</span></li> </ul><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">They are later assisted by a potent gnome wizard named Copernicus Jinx, and his protégé, a human named Juliana. Both Jinx and Juliana have had dealings with Adric in the past – the gnome was his commanding officer in a border war, and Juliana was Adric’s lover – but it is unclear from the first issue if they are part of Adric’s band of adventurers, or simply plot points.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">It takes very little time for the action to get underway, and the heroes are thrust into a barroom battle, then arrested, then off to more battle as they try and resolve a mysterious ailment turning folks into zombies. The heroes end up dashing off to find the source of the ailment, a magical “leak” from the Shadowfell, which Jinx had been investigating and Juliana had been sent into danger to scout out the cause.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">As with any beginning, whether it is the first issue of comic book or the pilot of a television show, some characters seem more developed than others. And not surprisingly, it is the leader of the adventurers, Adric, which has the bulk of the pre-story elements swirling around him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">By the time you read the final page of <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong>, you know that Adric: </span></p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Leads the adventurers and gets a double share of treasure</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">May have been a pirate</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Served in a border war under a gnome wizard</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Is the one-time lover of Juliana the wizard’s apprentice</span></li> </ul><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">Comparing that to what we know of the other adventurers, it’s quite a list! For instance, all we end up knowing about the other characters is that the rogue cannot be trusted but is somehow cute about it, the tiefling is dangerous and suspected of being evil, and the elf enjoys taking snarky cheap shots at the dour dwarf. However, the dwarf has every right to be a little dour, as the story opens with him receiveing a “Dear Khal” letter from his wife back home, and she appears to be dumping him. I do suspect that the characters will continue to be developed more over the course of the comic series, but in <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong> most appear a little one-dimensional and even a little cliché. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">Ironically, despite Adric’s seeming abundance of backstory, I could not help but raise an eyebrow at his similarity to another mighty-thewed hero of pulp and comics – Conan! Not only does Adric possess similar physical characteristics to the famed Cimmerian – a well-muscled swordsman with long black hair – but even his past exploits have a certain familiarity to them. Conan was definitely a leader as well as a soldier (and later King), and once captained a pirate band, always seems to get the biggest share of the gold, and always seemed to be involved with the fairest damsel in the story. Sound familiar?</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Personality-wise, however, Adric does not seem to have much in common with Conan's "what's in it for me?" style of swashbucking, and seems to be the "cynical heroic adventurer with a dark past" type. I certainly hope the other characters have as much potential in them as Adric appears to have.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Overall Grade</strong>: A-</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Conclusions</u></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">Despite a little bit of cliché, <strong><em>Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1</em></strong> is still a darned good comic book to read. The writing was fun to read, and told a good tale, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the artist portrayed these D&D characters. And as I was engaged by the storyline, and grew to like the characters well enough in the first issue, I’m definitely want to find out how they get on in the next issue. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">And isn’t that just what any reader want from a good comic book?</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>So until next review… I wish you Happy Gaming!</em></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Neuroglyph, post: 5385810, member: 85633"] [b]Review of IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons Comic (Issue #1)[/b] [SIZE=3]“[I]On the bright side, they’re orphan zombies… so nobody’s gonna miss ‘em.[/I]” [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]It’s hard not to be a little exhilarated by a comic book which opens with such a grimly-humorous line on the first page, but that’s just a taste of [I]Issue #1[/I] of the new [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic[/I][/B]. As with previous editions, [B]D&D 4E[/B] has inspired a new line of [I]Dungeons & Dragons[/I] comics, which is being produced by [B]IDW Publishing[/B], who has brought forth notable comic series such as [I]Doctor Who[/I], [I]G.I. Joe[/I], [I]Star Trek[/I], and [I]Transformers[/I].[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][align=right]http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/rpgblogs/home/neurogly/public_html/rpgblogs/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dnd-comic-cover-reynolds.jpg[/align] [/SIZE][SIZE=3]However, this new series differs somewhat from previous comics inspired by older editions such as the [B]DC Comic’s[/B] [I]Advanced Dungeons & Dragons[/I], [I]Forgotten Realms[/I], and [I]Dragonlance[/I] (AD&D /2nd Edition), and [B]KenzerCo’s[/B][I]Tempest’s Gate[/I] (3rd Edition). These earlier comic series drew upon well-established D&D settings, notably Oerth of the [I]World of Greyhawk[/I] setting, Toril (and beyond) in the [I]Forgotten Realms[/I] and [I]Spelljammer[/I] settings, and Krynn from [I]Dragonlance[/I] . But [B]IDW’s[/B] new comic series is being set in the D&D Core World, a world setting which has yet to be fully released, and is only familiar to 4E gamers using the Nentir Vale content in the [B][I]Dungeon Masters Guide[/I][/B].[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]So just how good can a D&D comic book be from only a partially completed world setting?[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]IDW’s Dungeons & Dragons Comic - Issue #1 [/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*][SIZE=3]Writer: John Rogers[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Artist: Andrea DiVito[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Cover Illustrator: Tyler Walpoole (Cover A) / Wayne Reynolds (Cover B)[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Publisher: IDW Publishing[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Year: 2010[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Media: Comic Book (28 pages)[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Retail Cost: $3.99[/SIZE] [/LIST] [SIZE=3][B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B] is the first comic in the new monthly D&D 4E comic book series by [B]IDW Publishing[/B]. This comic features the first episode, entitled “Part One: Bad Day” of the [I]Shadowplague[/I] storyline, which introduces the adventuring party called the Rumrunners. Other features of the comic include a letters to the editor, Denton J. Tipton, called Notes from the Underdark, and a D&D Essentials character sheet of main character and leader of the heroic band, Adric Fell.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]Production Quality[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The production quality of [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B] is really very good, with some very glib and snazzy dialogue, an intriguing plotline, and fast-paced action one would expect from a comic book. The artwork really works for me, both in the portrayal of the characters, as well as in the “special effects” of their various powers – although admittedly it is a little harder to identify a [I]combat stance[/I] than it is a [I]wall of force[/I]![/SIZE] [SIZE=3]It should also be mentioned that there are five different covers to this first issue, and so collectors may need to do some searching to find the ones they want to keep mint![/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]The Art[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Andrea DiVito[/B] drew the exquisite panels for [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B], and although he typically draws Marvel Comic book heroes, I’m sure he found his background of drawing [B][I]Thor[/I][/B] to be helpful when creating the look of the heroes. Each character is readily identifiable, not only from close-ups of their faces, but also in the styles of their clothing and their unique gear. I really enjoyed the attention to detail, such as metalwork and hairstyles, which is particularly on the dwarven character’s hammer and face. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]While I am not much of an art critic, I have to say I really like the style the characters are drawn in, and it conveys a lot of action in those panels. However for a more detailed critique of the artwork, you might want to check out the Neuroglyph Games site, where Tizzbin, artist of the [I]Passive Perceptions[/I] webcomic, has guest-blogged his own [URL="http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/review-of-dnd-comic-issue-1"]Review of [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B][/URL]![/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][SPOILER WARNING: Reading beyond this point will reveal key story elements! You have been warned!][/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]The Story[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The writer for [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B] is [B]John Rogers[/B], who created the first draft of the script for the [I]Transformers[/I] movie, and has recently created the TNT television series [I]Leverage[/I], so there is little doubt that the author can spin out a good yarn. There is definitely a good sense of timing and humor in the bantering dialogue between the characters, and not surprisingly, there is a bit of a feeling one could almost be watching a TV action-adventure show while reading this comic.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The story is set in the Nentir Vale, part of the still-to-be-fully-released D&D Core World, in the city of Fallcrest. We are quickly introduced to the main characters as they revel in a local bar, while signing on a new member, a wary and canny tiefling warlock named Tisha. As for the rest of the main crew of the adventuring band, you have:[/SIZE][SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [LIST] [*][SIZE=3]Adric Fell – a human Fighter, who also narrates the adventure[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Khal Khalundurrin – a dwarf Paladin of Moradin[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Varis – an elf Ranger[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Bree Three-Hands – a Halfling Rogue[/SIZE] [/LIST] [SIZE=3]They are later assisted by a potent gnome wizard named Copernicus Jinx, and his protégé, a human named Juliana. Both Jinx and Juliana have had dealings with Adric in the past – the gnome was his commanding officer in a border war, and Juliana was Adric’s lover – but it is unclear from the first issue if they are part of Adric’s band of adventurers, or simply plot points.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]It takes very little time for the action to get underway, and the heroes are thrust into a barroom battle, then arrested, then off to more battle as they try and resolve a mysterious ailment turning folks into zombies. The heroes end up dashing off to find the source of the ailment, a magical “leak” from the Shadowfell, which Jinx had been investigating and Juliana had been sent into danger to scout out the cause.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]As with any beginning, whether it is the first issue of comic book or the pilot of a television show, some characters seem more developed than others. And not surprisingly, it is the leader of the adventurers, Adric, which has the bulk of the pre-story elements swirling around him. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]By the time you read the final page of [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B], you know that Adric: [/SIZE] [LIST] [*][SIZE=3]Leads the adventurers and gets a double share of treasure[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]May have been a pirate[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Served in a border war under a gnome wizard[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Is the one-time lover of Juliana the wizard’s apprentice[/SIZE] [/LIST] [SIZE=3]Comparing that to what we know of the other adventurers, it’s quite a list! For instance, all we end up knowing about the other characters is that the rogue cannot be trusted but is somehow cute about it, the tiefling is dangerous and suspected of being evil, and the elf enjoys taking snarky cheap shots at the dour dwarf. However, the dwarf has every right to be a little dour, as the story opens with him receiveing a “Dear Khal” letter from his wife back home, and she appears to be dumping him. I do suspect that the characters will continue to be developed more over the course of the comic series, but in [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B] most appear a little one-dimensional and even a little cliché. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Ironically, despite Adric’s seeming abundance of backstory, I could not help but raise an eyebrow at his similarity to another mighty-thewed hero of pulp and comics – Conan! Not only does Adric possess similar physical characteristics to the famed Cimmerian – a well-muscled swordsman with long black hair – but even his past exploits have a certain familiarity to them. Conan was definitely a leader as well as a soldier (and later King), and once captained a pirate band, always seems to get the biggest share of the gold, and always seemed to be involved with the fairest damsel in the story. Sound familiar?[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Personality-wise, however, Adric does not seem to have much in common with Conan's "what's in it for me?" style of swashbucking, and seems to be the "cynical heroic adventurer with a dark past" type. I certainly hope the other characters have as much potential in them as Adric appears to have. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Overall Grade[/B]: A-[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE][SIZE=3][B][U]Conclusions[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Despite a little bit of cliché, [B][I]Dungeons & Dragons Comic Issue #1[/I][/B] is still a darned good comic book to read. The writing was fun to read, and told a good tale, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the artist portrayed these D&D characters. And as I was engaged by the storyline, and grew to like the characters well enough in the first issue, I’m definitely want to find out how they get on in the next issue. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]And isn’t that just what any reader want from a good comic book?[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]So until next review… I wish you Happy Gaming![/I][/SIZE] [/QUOTE]
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