Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms, Vol. 1
Written by Ed Greenwood
Art by Lee Ferguson
Inks by Sal Buscema and Marc Deering
Colors by Len O’Grady and Dee Cunniffe
Lettering by Shawn Lee, Tom B. Long, and Neil Uyetake
Cover by Tyler Walpole
IDW Publishing
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Cover Price: $24.99

As a long time player of RPGs, I’ve borne witness to a lot of books and comics based on these games. Many are great additions to their franchise, while others are laughable and contribute nothing to the genre. IDW Publishing’s Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms is one of those that falls in between. With decent art and a mediocre story, it is entertaining but nothing remarkable when compared to others of its ilk.

The story starts off in Waterdeep, one of the dirtiest and most corrupt of all cities in the Realms. Two local thieves become involved in what appears to be a simple kidnapping but turns out to be more of a political scandal, though little is truly explained to justify the actions undertaken by the enemies of House Roaringhorn. Much magic and deceit follow closely on the heels of our two ruffians as they are forced into one calamity after another…even a rescue attempt. All in all, it’s a fun read, but definitely not memorable.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a fan of Ed Greenwood and his contributions to the Dungeons & Dragons empire for as long as I can remember. But while his books are exciting and well written, this comic pales in comparison. It’s a fun romp through bits and pieces of Faerun, but it just doesn’t seem to flow correctly…almost as if there are parts of the story that have been left out. I did like the art from Lee Ferguson, it is reminiscent of the drawings and sketches from the old Advanced Dungeons & Dragons books that I hauled around as a teen. Call me nostalgic, but I think a lot of that style and I was pleased to see it again.

Having said all of this, I really don’t have any hate for this graphic novel, though I have no love for the book, either. Visually, the book was obviously a product of IDW. But again, the story was slightly disappointing. Therefore, I can only advise you to think carefully before investing your hard earned money in this comic. If you are a completest, then obviously you’re going to buy this regardless of what I wrote. If not, then maybe flip through it before you purchase. Either way, don’t hold my opinion against Ed Greenwood, as he really is the Father of the Forgotten Realms and his other works are magnificent.