IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Jim Zub
Illustrated by Nelson Daniel
Lettered by Neil Uyetake
The heroes of Baldur's Gate have been pulled into the Realm of Terror known as Ravenloft. The key to their salvation may be close at hand, a magical locket in their possession, but undead forces are hunting for it and danger looms around every darkened corner of this cursed land where the sun does not rise…
If you aren’t reading this you are missing out on some excellent stuff. I mean a team built of strangers banded together by circumstance and bonded by action and forged friendship under hardship is exactly what any team is built upon. They have their own skills and powers that aid them in their battles and diverse personalities that make them more unique. The way Jim writes this series blends the feeling of being in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with a traditional superhero adventure so that it’s literally for everyone to enjoy!
We open this issue as our heroes arrive in Barovia. A town much too close the darkness and death where it’s citizens live in constant fear and are weary of strangers as they’ve heard the proclamations of freedom from them in the past. Those proclamations always proved to be boastful and ineffective.
The characterization is superb, I love how Jim constantly shows off their personalities through the dialogue here. Minsc is just the most loveable oaf ever created as his childlike intuition and thirst for battle and play are unrivaled. The evolution of our cleric and her acceptance of her fellow travelers is great to see as well in the midst of battle. Speaking of I love good battles and Jim can do those incredible well.
The story pacing is fantastic as shortly after arriving in town our band of heroes who’ve been tracked for days are attacked. The townsfolk of course run and cower in fear and don’t want them to win if they are to survive. They have no idea that this band of heroes are unlike any they’ve known before. From another land and tested like none other this band even without a connection to this land can fight and win. The real question is what cost is their victory and to whom?
I like Nelson’s interiors. They remind of an animated movie and honestly they make me with these were made into animated dvd movies. His use of angles and perspective to showcase the flow of the battle and the story itself is incredibly well done. I love the individuality he brings to the characters and the strategic use of backgrounds, though i’d love to see more of those used. He does an excellent job though of bringing this to life and making it enjoyable for anyone of any age.
This is the series that proves it’s not just for gamers it’s for fans of team books and heroes. With a great premise, interesting characters, dynamic characterization and strong interiors this is one that will thrill anyone who reads it.