Bioware and EA continue their quest to keep the Dragon Age series, considered by many to be the best fantasy RPG in 10 years, at the forefront of the minds of both new and locked-in fans. Their latest foray into expanding the Dragon Age universe (aside from the just released expansion Awakening), is the addition of the Dragon Age comic series, published by comics veterans IDW Publishing (Transformers, Doctor Who, G.I. Joe, Star Trek — the A-Team).
The new series, which will is now available in comics stores everywhere, is co-written by acclaimed fantasy and science fiction writer Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game, Hidden Empire).
Hit the jump for a quick review of the first issue.
How well does it fit in with the rest of the series?
Readers are greeted immediately by the familiar locale of the Circle Tower in Ferelden and find the pages soon graced by the equally familiar character of Gregoir, leader of the Tower’s Templars. This somewhat younger version of the taciturn head mage-watchdog is, if it can be imagined, much less nice — and a sight more prejudiced as well. It is likely that Gregoir will be the first of many such character cameos and references in the issues to come, as they help connect and engage DA:O fans.
How’s the story? Is it good? What about the art?
So far, the story is both engaging and fun, keeping with the dark and gritty tone, turmoil and emotional intrigues set by the game. The art in the comic is a bit cartoony in nature, however, and may be a bit distracting for those who are more used to the realistic graphics style of Dragon Age: Origins and Awakening. Have no fear, though! The theme has been well translated into the modern comics genre, with no shying away from the less kid-friendly aspects of the original game.
All in all the series’ release, which was surrounded by false rumours of delays, should match up to its anticipation quite well. The first book, at least, is a good and quick read that sets the scene well for a larger saga; sparking both satisfaction for those wishing to remain engrossed in Bioware’s new world, and curiousity for where the next chapters will lead.
A Dragon Age Comic Book? Seriously??
If you still aren’t sure if it’s for you, you can check out a sneak peak .pdf of the first six pages here, or you can pick it up now for your iPhone or iPod Touch on the iTunes app store for $1.99 (the paper publication will set you back $3.99). The book is also available digitally on the PSP for the same price as on iTunes.
Issue two is due out in June, though, so get yourself prepared for a bit of a wait to see what happens next.
Will you pick up the new dragon age comic? What’s your favourite part of the dragon age expanded universe? Let us know in the comments.
Twitter: kaliawarcry.com
on Tuesday 30, 2010
I found a few niggling things that bugged me in the comic but, overall, I really liked it.
Going for pure aesthetics, I love the quality of the paper on which the comic is printed. It’s heavy gauge and glossy. This gives it a classy feel right from the get go.
The story is very good and I do want to know more, that’s for sure. The artists leave a lot of clues about what’s coming up. I like that and it certainly makes me a definite YES for buying the next issue.
Yet as much as I like the story, I don’t like the art style. It is, as you mention, way to “cartoony” feeling for me. The expressions on the faces of the characters at the beginning of the book look like they’ve just sucked on lemon Warheads complete with pinched up lips and mouths turned askew. That look alone really bothers me. Maybe it’s just me but it really stuck with me even as I became engrossed in the story. Guess I’m just shallow.
And, lastly, the comic story runs 22 pages with 10 pages of ads at the back. WTF? The only good thing about that is that I knew exactly where to stop reading and which pages I should skip.
Heh — Yeah, the ads seem a bit much — but it harkens me back to the olden days of reading comics, when there were 10 pages of ads for Charles Atlas and his wimp workout kit.
Overall, do you feel the quality of the paper and the aesthetic you mention makes for a reasonable $4 pricetag? I will personally (probably) never buy the paper version when I can read it digitally for $2 — and without ads…
As for the art. Yeah. I can see where they were going with it and all, but I would have preferred something that was more painted-looking or grittier. Like some of the Batman and Batman-Superman graphic novels — or Sandman… The story seems pretty cool though, as we both have said!
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