I know many of you out there are spending a lot of time these days playing Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) on Roll20, Discord, or even Zoom. You might be playing The Witcher 3 on your Nintendo Switch, or revisiting the tundra of Skyrim on your Xbox One. Maybe you’re even going to your local comic shop for curbside pickup of the newest Magic: The Gathering release. Whether you enjoy classic Sword and Sorcery adventures, can’t get enough of political machinations, or you prefer slice-of-life tales of magic users, I have some great fantasy comics recommendations for you!
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins by Matt Mercer, Matthew Colville, Olivia Samson, and Chris Northrop
You may have noticed that Dungeons & Dragons is really popular at the moment, as are most tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). One of the most popular streaming campaigns is Critical Role. This comic is a prequel to their first campaign (yes, you’re hundreds of hours and a campaign behind), and reveals how our group of adventurers, known as Vox Machina, came together in the first place, long before they were remotely competent or legendary. Come join this band of level 1 adventurers as they investigate, perceive, and even try to intimidate the shady swamp settlement of Stilben.
Head Lopper: The Island or A Plague of Beasts by Andrew MacLean
Head Lopper is a fantasy comic turned up to 11. Distinct line art, bold colors, wide vistas, and plenty of action; Head Lopper lives up to its title. If you decide to visit this island, you’ll find yourself an oversized head lopping warrior, an accompanying talking head, political intrigue, plenty of fantastical creatures, and all the exploration into swamps and atop mountains you could ever want.
Mooncakes by Wendy Xu, Suzanne Walker, and Joamette Gil
Mooncakes is the story of Nova Huang, a teen witch working at her grandmas’ bookshop. One day, she wanders into the woods after hearing a report of a white wolf (as one does?), and runs into her childhood crush Tam Lang, battling a horse demon (the best demon). After finding out that Tam has been wandering for years pursued by dark forces looking to acquire his wolf magic, Nova decides to help out. Adorable character design, beautifully vibrant art, rekindling romance, occult activities, and food all in one comic!
Sleepless by Sarah Vaughan, Leila Del Duca, and Alissa Sallah
Sleepless is the tale of Poppy, the daughter of the recently deceased king, whose position is threatened after her uncle’s ascendance to the throne. She is protected by Cyrenic, a knight who has taken the sleepless vow, magically unable to sleep. Come for the pattern designs, stay for the court intrigue.
The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag
In Aster’s community, boys become shapeshifters, and girls become witches. Aster has been fascinated by witchcraft his entire life, but he’s approaching the age where he’ll be expected to give up his dreams, conform, and become a shapeshifter. Around this time, Aster accidentally makes a new friend, Charlie, a non-magical person from outside his community, who encourages him to embrace himself, and challenge the traditions of his family.
Click here for even more comics that will appeal to the RPG in you!
~Posted by Mychal L.
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