Dungeons & Dragons: Shadows of the Vampire #2

Great adventurers have a tendency to find themselves often in a spot of trouble, so naturally what was supposed to be a simple job ends up turning out to be a lot more complex than our heroes anticipated. 

Publiser: IDW

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Nelson Daniel

Letters: Neil Uyetake

Dragged into the dark realm of Ravenloft, the legendary heroes of Baldur’s Gate may have possibly found themselves in over their heads. Ravenloft is a land essentially synonymous with ‘doom’ and as far as our heroes can tell, they have no way of returning to where they came from, even with a rogue leader, a sharp-shooting archer, a powerful mage, and a well-meaning hunk of muscle (with his hamster side-kick), in the party. 

The story that follows in this issue as the party navigates their way through Ravenloft is true to any D&D adventure. As they try to find more information, along the way they’ll make wrong decisions, and get lost, but eventually there’s a campfire light at the end of the dark forest, literally speaking. Here, they encounter a mysterious fortune teller who shares less than good news, but that doesn’t deter them, they’re heroic adventurers after all! So far it turns out pretty well for them, but what’s happening beyond their knowledge may not bode well. There’s a reason the land is so feared and the vampires in rule are clearly a frightening foe. 

Zub has done a delightful job of capturing the fun essence of the Dungeons and Dragons franchise as well as keep the beloved Baldur’s Gate heroes alive. Their current adventure is teeming with surprises, misfortune, but most all moments of heart. Even in a land of horror, the heroes remain resilient and optimistic. Even the skeptical Nerys who was dragged along with the party finds herself being charmed by them. Of course there’s also plenty of action to keep the reader engaged. Beyond the werewolves we saw last issue there are now, bats, poisonous fog, and ghouls! 

The action shines best naturally through the art. The characters are expressive and diverse and the panels of action are clear in their intent as well as dynamic. The colours as well are bold, fitting for a fantasy setting. 

Overall this series is proving to be a fun romp, not just for fans of D&D but anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story.