Dragon Age #1
Story by David Gaider
Script by Alexander Freed
Art by Chad Hardin
Dark Horse
Release Date: February 22, 2012
Cover Price: 99¢

Dragon Age #1 is the first in a line of six, 12-page comics being released through the Dark Horse digital exclusive comic program. With a 99-cent price tag and digital distribution, purchasing this issue comes down to whether or not the fantasy genre interests you. I personally play and enjoy Bioware’s Dragon Age games, so I came into this comic with a sense of the world and history behind the franchise. People unfamiliar with Dragon Age shouldn’t be discouraged though, Dragon Age #1 is still a great start to what could be a good digital fantasy epic.

Writers David Gaider and Alexander Freed know the importance of not alienating their audience. Dragon Age #1 could have been full of history and lore only known to fans of the video game. Instead, the writing team created something that can easily be understood and appreciated by any fantasy connoisseur. This issue is only 12 pages, yet Gaider and Freed fill it with as much story and dialogue as possible. Dragon Age #1 is small, yet it packs a big punch.

Artist Chad Hardin is able to capture the specific medieval fantasy design that is synonymous with the Dragon Age franchise. It’s not all knights in heavy armor. Character design is creatively approached, even when working with the busty pirate princess and wise-cracking dwarf that are so commonly found in fantasy books.

Dragon Age #1 has more content in 12 short pages then some comics have in an entire book. It left me wanting more of the comic, which to me is a good sign as far as digital releases go. With the comic at such a small cost, it should make its way into any fantasy fans download queue.