by Joe Iconic, Reporter
Tyranny of Dragons
The Story So Far
In the legendary city of Baldur’s Gate, a young moon elf (and wild mage) named Delina teams with the newly revived ranger Minsc; his hamster, Boo; and thieves Krydle and Shandie. To find Delina’s missing brother, Krydle makes a deal with The Fetcher—but in the ensuing action, Delina is captured by a member of a Dragon Cult… who reveals himself to be her brother!
There’s a reason that fantasy comics are dominating my pull-list, and his name is Jim Zub. From Skullkickers to Pathfinder to Conan and Red Sonja, Jim Zub is the go-to guy for fantasy-adventure comics. Jim Zub has mastered a voice which captures the joy of the gaming experience, yet appeals to anyone who smiled at the funny bits during The Hobbit. Legends of Baldur’s Gate #4 fills that sweet spot where the venn diagram of fandoms intersect between comic books, video games, and roleplaying games.
If you are a fan of any version of the Baldur’s Gate video game, this comic is for you. If you are a fan of the Forgotten Realms fantasy setting, this comic is for you. If none of those apply, but you have played Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder roleplaying games, check out this comic. If you liked Skullkickers, Rat Queens, Pathfinder, or The Rogues by Amigo Comics, you will enjoy this comic. And if absolutely none of the above fit, but you enjoy fun with your fantasy-adventure, Legends of Baldur’s Gate #4 is for you.
Minsc yelling “Death by literature!” is my pick for new favorite battlecry, and one of many fantastic one-liners that guarantees that Minsc and Boo, his miniature giant space hamster, will remain fan favorites.
Bioware developed the popular Baldur’s Gate, which was published by Interplay Entertainment in 1988. Minsc, his hamster, and Coran are characters from the game.
Max Dunbar (Red Sonja: Atlantis Rises, the Mocking Dead) on pencils is perfect for this issue, combining just the right mix of realism and fantasy for this story. John-Paul Bove (Transformers, Judge Dredd, Squatters) on colors is incredible. I recommend a second read of Legends of Baldur’s Gate #4 just to appreciate his superb lighting effects.
For background purposes, Legends of Baldur’s Gate is set in The Forgotten Realms fantasy setting. Ever heard of Drizzt Do’Urden? R.A. Salvatore’s drow ranger is set in Forgotten Realms. Ed Greenwood, roleplaying legend and author, invented the Forgotten Realms and gifted it to the roleplaying community starting in Dragon Magazine #30 in 1979. This setting has endured since then to every subsequent edition of Dungeons and Dragons, including the background of 5th edition’s Rise of Tiamat and other modules. The issue ties into the main plot of the fledgling modules of 5th edition, with cultists of the evil five-headed dragon goddess.
From personal experience, the new edition of Dungeons and Dragons has streamlined many of the rules, and makes gathering around the table, generating characters, and rolling dice in adventures easier, and all the more fun. So it is fitting that Legends of Baldur’s Gate captures that spirit of fun.
As comics which are based on games go, Legends of Baldur’s Gate should set the standard. This comic is accessible and enjoyable in its own right. So whether you are looking for a gaming group or not, give this comic a try.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Legends of Baldur’s Gate 4.5 out of 5 miniature giant space hamsters.
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