It’s time to step into a world of fantasy and mystery this New Comic Book Day!
Let’s talk Dungeons & Dragons #1 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Ibraim Roberson, Arabson Oliveira, Dan Brown & Haley Rose-Lyon (Dark Horse Comics)!
Dungeons & Dragons #1 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Ibraim Roberson, Arabson Oliveira, Dan Brown & Haley Rose-Lyon (Dark Horse Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
There’s something familiar and exciting about the beginning of a new Dungeons & Dragons adventure, and this issue captures that feeling quite well. Much like starting a new campaign, we follow Mordenkainen as he begins assembling a team, whether by choice or circumstance. Each character has their own personality and potentially their own agenda, but for now, their paths are aligned and a shared adventure awaits.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was how much we learn about Mordenkainen throughout the issue. We get a good sense of what drives him, but I suspect there’s still plenty more to discover as the other adventurers become part of his journey.
The developing party dynamic is easily one of my favorite aspects of this issue. Volo brings a questionable nature and some welcome comic relief, while an old rival adds another layer of history and intrigue to Mordenkainen’s journey. The issue even delivers a final surprise that leaves us wondering whether someone new might eventually join the party or become an adversary. There’s plenty of personality here, and I’m excited to see how these relationships develop.
The writing team of Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly does a nice job bringing these different personalities together. Team-up stories have always had an appealing quality, and D&D is particularly well suited to this kind of storytelling. Watching different personalities interact, clash, and eventually find common ground is something that’s easy to buy into, even when the setting is firmly rooted in fantasy. It’s a dynamic that feels surprisingly close to real life.
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The artwork is another major highlight. Ibraim Roberson’s pencils, Arabson Oliveira’s inks, and Dan Brown’s colors come together beautifully. The panel layouts are easy to follow, the action is communicated effectively, and there’s some fantastic detail throughout the issue. The use of color helps establish the atmosphere and gives the story a visual identity that is absolutely stunning.
The pacing is understandably accelerated to accommodate the comic format, but the issue still manages to capture something that makes D&D so enjoyable: the formation of a party. Mordenkainen may be reluctant to embark on an adventure with these newfound companions, but there’s one little problem with that approach. It’s Dungeons & Dragons. You need a party!
There’s also some additional D&D material at the back of the issue, which is a nice bonus for readers, even if the main attraction remains the story itself.
One of the things I appreciate about D&D as a storytelling property is the freedom it offers. There’s always room for new characters, new adventures, and entirely new stories. Unlike some established legacy properties, you’re not necessarily bound by decades of existing continuity to enjoy what’s being presented. This issue feels like an invitation to join a new adventure, and you don’t need to know everything about the world to come along for the ride.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Overall, I really enjoyed this first issue and would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and D&D. If fantasy isn’t really your thing, this might not be the comic that changes your mind, but there’s an opportunity here to discover a new adventure and perhaps find yourself wanting more. I’m certainly interested in seeing where this party goes next.
Let me know your thoughts on Dungeons & Dragons #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!