Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1

Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1 begins in blood as those transporting a haul from a mining excavation, a large stone of the mystical gem Chardalyn, go into murderous rage leaving only a single survivor for Runa to find. The first issue slowly builds the campaign, adding characters one by one. First we see the injured warlock Amos, the sole survivor, and to his assistance comes the barbarian Runa and ranger Saarvin helping to dispatch an angry Remorhaz. The nearby town, having their own troubles, adds the young druid Belvyre his protector Patience, along with the idea for a quest that might just save the town.

While I've played my share of Dungeons & Dragons, I'll admit my real interest in the comic was more about the writers than the subject matter. Lucifer's Aimee Garcia and WWE's AJ Mendez make for a great combination here kicking off the four-issue mini-series with several intriguing characters, introducing mysteries to be solved, offering up a lost city to be found, and teasing a malevolent force working behind the scenes. I'm curious to see where this journey will lead. [IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1 (of 4)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Aimee Garcia, AJ Mendez
• Artist: Martin Coccolo