Tragedy strikes the renowned de Rolo family of Whitestone when they’re massacred by the vicious Briarwoods. Luckily for Dr. Anna Ripley, the bloodshed and regime change presents the perfect opportunity for her to further her own dark plans in service to Whitestone’s new ruling family. But just how much of her loyalty lies with the family, when compared to her work? Fans of The Legend of Vox Machina, the record-breaking animated series from Critical Role and Amazon Studios, won’t want to miss this sampler of the upcoming graphic novels written by written by Marieke Nijkamp (Critical Vox Machina Kith and Kin) with art by Tyler Walpole and in collaboration with the cast of Critical Role!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview offers fans of the Critical Role universe an engaging dive into a familiar world. At the same time this preview serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the backstory of one of the series’ more enigmatic characters, Dr. Anna Ripley.

From the outset of this preview, the storytelling in this preview captures the essence of Ripley, exploring her motivations and complexities with depth and nuance. Fans of Critical Role will appreciate the attention to detail and the way the narrative expands on the character’s lore. The story is well-paced, balancing action with introspection, allowing readers to understand Ripley’s cunning and ambition.

The narrative in this preview is set against the backdrop of Whitestone, a location rich with history and intrigue. The creators of this preview does an excellent job weaving elements of the setting into the story, creating an atmosphere that is both tense and immersive. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable, making it a compelling read for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.

The character development is a standout aspect of this preview. Ripley is portrayed with a complexity that makes her both relatable and intimidating. Her intellect and strategic mind are on full display, offering insights into her actions and decisions. The supporting characters also contribute meaningfully to the narrative, providing a well-rounded cast that enhances the story’s depth.

The artwork in this preview is a significant asset to this preview. Because it is bringing the world of Exandria to life with vibrant and detailed illustrations. The character designs are faithful to their original depictions, yet Walpole adds his unique flair, making them visually striking. The action sequences are dynamic and fluid, capturing the intensity of the narrative and complementing Nijkamp’s writing beautifully.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5