Scan barcode
elvencurls's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yasmin_raev's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Confinement, Trafficking, and Slavery
fishmaell's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
gilroi's review
3.0
An excellent collection, I recommend this series highly if you're a fan of the Dragon Age universe (less so if you're looking to get into the series in the first place, but then, this comic is the gateway that got my roommate to want to play the game, so who knows). Not only does the comic itself clear up some mysteries that have been hanging in the background since the beginning of Origins, it also has gorgeous, colorful art. The writing is full of character-- no wonder, David Gaider had a direct role in the writing-- and so is the art, with expressive faces and a wonderful handle on rendering action that feels both naturalistic to a static illustrative medium while still holding true to the interactive world of video game physics.
As for this edition in particular, it has something nothing else has: commentary. I'm a giant sucker for DVD commentary, so I absolutely adored getting to hear the behind-the-scenes tidbits the artists and writers were willing to leak. All of it revealed how much thought and care went into the making of this volume, which really made me appreciate it even more. I can't speak highly enough of this comic. I didn't expect tie-in material to be high quality, and yet my expectations have been exceeded in every way.
As for this edition in particular, it has something nothing else has: commentary. I'm a giant sucker for DVD commentary, so I absolutely adored getting to hear the behind-the-scenes tidbits the artists and writers were willing to leak. All of it revealed how much thought and care went into the making of this volume, which really made me appreciate it even more. I can't speak highly enough of this comic. I didn't expect tie-in material to be high quality, and yet my expectations have been exceeded in every way.
moto1480's review
5.0
This volume collects the first three Dark Horse Dragon Age comics: The Silent Grove, Those Who Speak, and Until We Sleep. Alistair is the King of Ferelden, yes he has secretly left his throne unattended to take care of private business. Accompanying him? Isabela, a Rivaini pirate captain, and Varric, a sarcastic crossbow-wielding dwarf. They don't really get into why Alistair would choose these two to accompany him (Alistair was one of the companions in Dragon Age: Origins, Isabela was an NPC in Dragon Age: Origins and a companion in Dragon Age 2, and Varric was a companion in Dragon Age 2), but it's understood that Varric and Isabela are thieves and therefore were paid for their protection.
I'm going to avoid spoilers, but in my opinion, the reason for Alistair's mission, while sad, seemed pretty far-fetched. However, the real strength of the stories is in learning more about the backgrounds of Varric and Isabela, and learning about what happened to the world after the Fifth Blight (a catastrophic event that happens due to ancient gods, magic, etc; it's hard to explain and you should really play Dragon Age: Origins if you want to know more). We also learn what has become of Sten (a Qunari swordsman who was a companion in Dragon Age: Origins), see a little more of Tevinter (a place referenced in the games, but never seen), and meet a delightful magister named Maevaris Tilani. She was truly a highlight for me: strong-willed and sassy without be overbearingly so. In addition, she is Bioware's first transgender character, and I thought the writers handled her character elegantly.
Of course, the REAL question is "do you need to have played the games to enjoy the comics?" Sort of. As noted, the stories are excellent on their own, but a lot of the events and incidents that take place within the comics reference characters and mythos from Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakenings, and Dragon Age 2 (as they should). Therefore, a reader unfamiliar with the games may find themselves at a bit of a loss at the beginning, since the three main characters seem incredibly disparate.
I LOVED this collection. As a Dragon Age gamer, anything that adds to the canon is already favorable to me. The art and the storylines were great and I loved that in the Library Edition, there were tons of notations from the writers and the illustrator. The collections also provide more information regarding plots in the forthcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition. If you love Dragon Age, you NEED to own this.
I'm going to avoid spoilers, but in my opinion, the reason for Alistair's mission, while sad, seemed pretty far-fetched. However, the real strength of the stories is in learning more about the backgrounds of Varric and Isabela, and learning about what happened to the world after the Fifth Blight (a catastrophic event that happens due to ancient gods, magic, etc; it's hard to explain and you should really play Dragon Age: Origins if you want to know more). We also learn what has become of Sten (a Qunari swordsman who was a companion in Dragon Age: Origins), see a little more of Tevinter (a place referenced in the games, but never seen), and meet a delightful magister named Maevaris Tilani. She was truly a highlight for me: strong-willed and sassy without be overbearingly so. In addition, she is Bioware's first transgender character, and I thought the writers handled her character elegantly.
Of course, the REAL question is "do you need to have played the games to enjoy the comics?" Sort of. As noted, the stories are excellent on their own, but a lot of the events and incidents that take place within the comics reference characters and mythos from Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakenings, and Dragon Age 2 (as they should). Therefore, a reader unfamiliar with the games may find themselves at a bit of a loss at the beginning, since the three main characters seem incredibly disparate.
I LOVED this collection. As a Dragon Age gamer, anything that adds to the canon is already favorable to me. The art and the storylines were great and I loved that in the Library Edition, there were tons of notations from the writers and the illustrator. The collections also provide more information regarding plots in the forthcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition. If you love Dragon Age, you NEED to own this.
xphile's review
4.0
I enjoyed each of the stories presented in these comics. One of the best thing is that you learned new things about each character and discovered new secrets. I feel like I saw each character grow from the last time I saw them in the video games.
oliviamunrow's review
5.0
LOVE THIS. Gaider is at his best when he's writing character dialogue and it shows here, while also adding some interesting context to the world of Dragon Age. The Library Edition is particularly excellent because Gaider and others involved in the book (artist, I believe inker and/or letterer, etc.) provide interesting behind-the-scenes notes, seen in the margins of this gorgeous hardbound edition. Definitely recommended, especially if you love Alistar, Varric, and/or Isabela (and who doesn't?). Or Qunari, who get a little light shed on them here.
bethandhertea's review
5.0
This is a great companion to the video game series! :D Love this edition, there is commentary from the authors and artists that was great fun to read.
vylotte's review
3.0
Alistair takes Isabela and Varric on a mission to rescue his father, King Maric.
I love Isabela and Varric, and this story does them justice. There is quite a lot of character arc for Isabela specifically, and my lord is she fierce in this. The addition of the transgender character is handled well, and hey, naked Varric.
I love Isabela and Varric, and this story does them justice. There is quite a lot of character arc for Isabela specifically, and my lord is she fierce in this. The addition of the transgender character is handled well, and hey, naked Varric.