Pathfinder: Dark Water Rising vol. 1 by Jim Zub (author) and Andrew Huerta (artist)Publication Date: May 28, 2013
I don't play the Pathfinder RPG - or any table top RPG for that matter - but I loved this book. To appreciate it fully, it does require some understanding of RPGs, in which case, I at least understand enough through my video game experience. I caught all the inside jokes, enjoyed the party banter and chuckled at the team dynamics - particularly with the fighter snarking at the mage for giving combat orders from the back row. I've quite often been that mage - but I do understand battle strategy thank you very much! Hmph.
Huerta's art is extremely detailed and expressive. I love the lines and the feeling that he's not afraid to let the characters get dirty and "ugly." One of the things that troubles me about a lot of mainstream superhero artistry is that the women in particular are always posed perfectly and their inexpressive faces never show a wrinkle or smudge to mar their complexion. Huerta, on the other hand, understands that a face can convey so much emotion and works his lines accordingly, with a lot of the panels focusing very specifically on the character' facial expressions.
The forward explains why the team at Paizo chose to create a comic based in their RPG fantasy world. They wanted to add depth to that world with these particular characters. That immediately got me interested since I am a huge fan of character-driven stories. The main characters are (from the book description): Valeros the warrior can rely on his sword arm and his friends - the mysterious and beautiful sorcerer Seoni, the quick-witted elven rogue Merisiel, knowledgeable and powerful wizard Ezren, the well-traveled dwarven ranger Harsk, and courageous cleric Kyra. Each slips comfortably into their fantasy tropes, as does the overall story, but I don't consider that a flaw here. I was looking for a fun adventure and that's exactly what I got.
Merisiel immediately became a favourite. Witty, flirty and deadly, but also sad and lonely. The idea of immortal beings having to constantly suffer through the loss of the ones they love isn't often addressed and I really liked the idea that Merisiel fears being alone and is fiercely loyal to this "family," even though she knows she will eventually lose them as she has all the others.
The book is completed with a cute short featuring a little goblin seeking to avenge his fallen comrades and several pages of artwork. For the Pathfinder players, the town of Sandpoint is described and mapped out, with details for important inhabitants and surrounding areas. A bestiary is also included for the area, as well as character sheets. In its hardcover format, I imagine Dark Water Rising would be the perfect addition to a Pathfinder's bookshelf.
4 of 5 stars
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