Review: Modern Fantasy #1

Sometimes you find yourself dropped into the world of a new comic and everything feels all too familiar. You meet characters who work in an office, live paycheck to paycheck, have crazy roommates, and although generally good people, they feel very nervous around folks they have a crush on. The fact that each of the people happen to be characters in a real-world RPG style game can sometimes get lost in the background with all the previously mentioned similarities. The new Dark Horse Comic, Modern Fantasy, finds its genius by creating an entertaining mash-up between Office Space and an ultra-realistic episode of Critical Role.

Sage of the Riverlands hates her mind numbingly boring job. She seems to struggle with relating to any of her coworkers, and longs for adventure to find its way into her life. After her roommate Lizard Wizard, (yes people, her roommate is actually a lizard, who is a drug dealing wizard) throws a party, she soon finds that adventure is much closer than she imagined.

Writer Rafer Roberts has found a way to mash-up the monotony of modern-day office work, and the escapism of RPG fantasy. The way they make the story work, is by creating relatable characters you want to root for. Sage feels like the person most of us see ourselves as. Her best friend Gondra, is the one you trust and will tell anything. Her roommate Lizard Wizard is the care free loveable jerk we want to cut loose, but can“t find the heart to kick out. Finally, the co-worker Bock-Darr, is the odd, religious zealot at the office who tells unfunny jokes and is likable in their awkwardness.

Artist Kristen Gudsnuk makes the book almost feel like an animated series over a monthly book. The art came across more like something I would see on Adult Swim than a traditional fantasy comic. This is another fun point to make about the book. We“re dealing with fantasy characters in the modern world, but artistically, you get something that feels more like working class anime. In other words, you will find the best parts of several things you love, and find that they work well together in a way you didn“t expect.

First issues of new comics normally feel like introductions. With Modern Fantasy #1, I felt like I was already part of this world, and simply was reading about old friends. The book is new, but this world, being well-built, already feels familiar. It“s humorous and fun, with the potential to have a nice long run that will keep us interested for the foreseeable future.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Rafer Roberts (A/CA) Kristen Gudsnuk

In Shops: Jun 27, 2018
DIAMOND CODE:Â APR180030

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.