Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins is an ongoing graphic novel series published by Dark Horse Comics. Each issue focuses on the backstory of a member of the Mighty Nein before their adventures as a party.[1] While the first three books were originally slated for a mid-late 2021 release, the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread supply and labor shortages across the publishing industry, which delayed releases across the series. [2][3]
Synopsis[]
Home[]
For Free Comic Book Day 2021, Dark Horse Comics released a Critical Role/The Witcher issue on August 14, 2021 at local comic shops. "Explore a small but important corner from the adventures of the Mighty Nein. This world-building short story is brought to life by seasoned Critical Role writer Jody Houser and new to the series artist Tyler Walpole."[4] A digital version was made available on Dark Horse's Website on August 25, 2021.[5]
Jester Lavorre[]
The first issue of the series is written by Sam Maggs with art by Hunter Severn Bonyun, colors by Cathy Le, lettering by Ariana Maher, with direction by Laura Bailey and Matthew Mercer. It will focus on Jester's childhood.[6] It was released in comic shops on November 3, 2021 and at major retailers on December 7, 2021.[3]
Summary:
Jester Lavorre had an unconventional upbringing, even for one born in cosmopolitan Nicodranas. Daughter of the famed Ruby of the Sea, she had many opportunities for mischief as a small child, of which she took full advantage! Dive into the mystery of Jester’s early years, her first meeting with the Traveler, and the fateful events that set her on a path to eventually join the Mighty Nein.
Caleb Widogast[]
The second issue was written by Jody Houser with line art by Selina Espiritu, colors Diana Sousa, lettering by Ariana Maher, with direction by Liam O'Brien and Matthew Mercer. It will focus on Caleb's time at the Soltryce Academy.[7] It was released in comic shops on February 2, 2022 and at major retailers on February 8, 2022.[3]
Summary:
In The Mighty Nein Origins: Caleb Widogast, Bren Aldric Ermendrud is chosen to attend the exclusive Soltryce Academy, preparing for an important future in service to the Empire. But nobody––least of all Bren himself––can foresee the cruelty he will endure, and the ways in which it will break and remake him. Witness the events that transform Bren into the Mighty Nein’s Caleb Widogast, and how they inform the path he’ll take in the future.
Yasha Nydoorin[]
The third issue released on August 17, 2022. It was written by Cecil Castellucci with line art by William Kirkby, color by Diana Sousa, and lettering by Ariana Maher, developed with direction by Ashley Johnson and Matthew Mercer.[8][3]
Summary:
For Yasha, there has always been a storm on the horizon. Maybe it formed with her adoption by the Dolorav people in the harsh lands of Xhorhas. Or perhaps when she fell for her first love, Zuala. Or still later, when grief and madness drove her from her village and out into—somewhere else. Maybe, on the other hand, Yasha IS the storm.[9]
Fjord Stone[]
The fourth issue released through comic shops on December 13, 2022, and through other book sellers on January 10, 2023. It written by Kevin Burke and Chris Wyatt, with direction from Matthew Mercer and Travis Willingham. Art is by Selina Espiritu with colors by Diana Sousa. [10][11]
Summary:
Growing up in an orphanage on the Menagerie Coast, Fjord Stone has never been comfortable with the assumptions people draw from his half-orc heritage. His sweet, sensitive nature will do him no favors in Port Damali. Luckily, a chance meeting lands Fjord with a job, a mentor, and more adventure than he could ever dream of on the path that will eventually lead him to the rest of the Mighty Nein!
Nott the Brave[]
The fifth issue released on January 18, 2023. It written by Sam Maggs with art by William Kirkby, color by Eren Angiolini, and lettering by Ariana Maher. It was developed with direction by Sam Riegel and Matthew Mercer.[12]
Summary:
Veth Brenatto doesn't have an exciting life, but she likes it that way. Unlike her childhood, it's safe. Predictable. And her husband and son love her as fiercely as she loves them. But Veth's cozy existence is turned on its head when she and her family are captured by raiders. In order to save them, Veth will commit an atrocity that will sever her from all that she loves—maybe forever—and lead her to become Nott the Brave of the Mighty Nein.
Mollymauk Tealeaf[]
The sixth issue released on May 16, 2023. It was written by Jody Houser with art by Hunter Severn Bonyun, color by Cathy Le, and lettering by Ariana Maher. It was developed with direction by Taliesin Jaffe and Matthew Mercer.[13]
Summary:
What strange events created Mollymauk Tealeaf? Entertainer, fighter, and performer, "Molly" has a knack for hiding his true self behind the shifting color and shape of a personality he seems to wear like his singular coat. But as with every member of the Mighty Nein, his past will eventually catch up with him...and it's a strange one indeed.
Beauregard Lionett[]
The seventh issue is scheduled for release on April 30, 2024, to be written by Mae Catt with art by Guilherme Balbi, color by Diana Sousa, and lettering by Ariana Maher. It will be developed with direction by Marisha Ray and Matthew Mercer.[14]
Summary:
Despite her origins with a “traditional” family, Beauregard Lionett’s penchant for troublemaking was legendary. Outraged by her criminal activity, Beau’s father arranged for her to be kidnapped and turned over to the order of monks known as the Cobalt Soul for some much-needed discipline and direction. But the direction Beau takes--toward the Mighty Nein--isn’t what anyone anticipated.[15]
Caduceus Clay[]
The eighth and final issue was released on June 19, 2024, written by Kendra Wells with art by Selina Espiritu, color by Eren Angiolini, and lettering by Ariana Maher. It was developed with direction by Taliesin Jaffe and Matthew Mercer.[14]
Summary:
Generations of the Clay family have tended to the careful rituals in the Blooming Grove. But when corruption begins to creep in on their sacred space, the Clays depart one by one to seek answers. Soon young Caduceus and Clarabelle are the only ones left, and when a dangerous burial quest falls to Caduceus, he must leave the Grove to do the family’s work.[15]
Collections[]
On January 24, 2023, Dark Horse and Critical Role announced two forthcoming library editions, each collecting four of the individual books into an oversized volume including new cover art and added sections. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1 includes the stories of Jester, Caleb, Yasha, and Nott the Brave,[16] and released on October 11, 2023. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 2 includes the stories of Mollymauk Tealeaf, Beauregard Lionett, Fjord Stone, and Caduceus Clay,[17] and is scheduled to release on December 4, 2024.
References[]
- ↑ See Critical Role's announcement and a Polygon.com article.
- ↑ Widespread issue documented in this NPR Article. See also Tweets from Dark Horse on June 14, 2021, October 18, 2021, and February 2, 2022.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3
Updates from Critical Role and Dark Horse Comics on Dark Horse Comics' official website (backup link)
- ↑ Dark Horse's announcement.
- ↑ Free digital version of the comic book on Darkhorse Comics' Website (login required).
- ↑ Critical Role's announcement
- ↑ Critical Role's announcement
- ↑ Critical Role's announcement
- ↑ Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins--Yasha HC on the Dark Horse website.
- ↑ The next Critical Role comic tells the story of half-orc Fjord Stone from Polygon.
- ↑ The next Critical Role comic tells the story of half-orc Fjord Stone from Polygon.
- ↑ Your Guide to Critical Role and Dark Horse's Comic and Art Books on CritRole.com
- ↑ "Mighty Nein Origins: Mollymauk Tealeaf is Critical Role's Next OGN (Exclusive)" (February 3, 2022) by Samantha King at ScreenRant.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Critical Role’s Mighty Nein Origins series to conclude in 2024 with Beauregard and Caduceus’ backstories" (September 14, 2023) by Matt Jarvis at Dicebreaker.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Mighty Nein Origins Library Concludes with Two Final Graphic Novels, Arriving 2024 on Dark Horse Comics' official website .
- ↑ Dark Horse's announcement on January 24, 2023.
- ↑ Dark Horse's announcement on July 3, 2024.
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