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The Order of the Stick #1
Order Of The Stick Volume 1: Dungeon Crawlin' Fools: Dungeon Crawlin' Fools v. 1 by Burlew, Rich (2006) Paperback
This book follows the comic strip adventures of 6 stick figure heroes as they brave the perils of your favorite fantasy role playing game. It lampoons role playing games and the fantasy genre itself in hilarious fashion weekly on the internet, and now even the echnophobic can enjoy their antics in convenient book format.
Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 12, 2015
It's kinda ridiculous how many times I've read this book.
I've loved Order of the Stick for years, and it's one of the 20 or so comics that I read religiously online.
And I'll admit it, I mostly bought the books as a gesture of support for the creator. I like giving money to the people who create things I enjoy.
But since then I bet I've read this book... 30 times? 50? I flip through it a lot before I go to bed, and it relaxes my brain. It's not a nice mix of overarcing plot, and payoff at the end of each strip, so I can start wherever, and even if I just read 20-30 pages, it's entertaining.
If you haven't read his comic, you should really try it. Well worth your time.
Link for those of you that need one:
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots00...
I've loved Order of the Stick for years, and it's one of the 20 or so comics that I read religiously online.
And I'll admit it, I mostly bought the books as a gesture of support for the creator. I like giving money to the people who create things I enjoy.
But since then I bet I've read this book... 30 times? 50? I flip through it a lot before I go to bed, and it relaxes my brain. It's not a nice mix of overarcing plot, and payoff at the end of each strip, so I can start wherever, and even if I just read 20-30 pages, it's entertaining.
If you haven't read his comic, you should really try it. Well worth your time.
Link for those of you that need one:
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots00...
October 28, 2014
The first collection of Order of the Stick comics. Starting even before the website.
In universe, that is. He added new strips to make it start as a story, instead of beginning with the gag-a-day comics that he intended to lure people to his site with, in hopes they would go on to the important stuff, the gaming articles. (Best-laid plans there.) Now it starts out with the explanation that it is not just a third-rate Lord of The Rings rip-off (though, yes, of course, it's that).
He has commentary explaining that, and the transition to the plot-based stories that really kicked in with the Linear Guild. And how he came up with the character types when it was just the gag-a-day one, for the jokes he wanted to tell and the straight man to them all.
But in the classic style, we have the band of adventurers running through an underground complex killing things and taking their treasure, leading up to the big challenges of the dungeons -- and setting up a more complex campaign to follow. Cheerful, adventurous, full of surprising twists.
In universe, that is. He added new strips to make it start as a story, instead of beginning with the gag-a-day comics that he intended to lure people to his site with, in hopes they would go on to the important stuff, the gaming articles. (Best-laid plans there.) Now it starts out with the explanation that it is not just a third-rate Lord of The Rings rip-off (though, yes, of course, it's that).
He has commentary explaining that, and the transition to the plot-based stories that really kicked in with the Linear Guild. And how he came up with the character types when it was just the gag-a-day one, for the jokes he wanted to tell and the straight man to them all.
But in the classic style, we have the band of adventurers running through an underground complex killing things and taking their treasure, leading up to the big challenges of the dungeons -- and setting up a more complex campaign to follow. Cheerful, adventurous, full of surprising twists.
June 25, 2016
Order of the Stick is the best D&D comic that exists. If you're a fan of D&D and comics, you need to read this series. It is available online for free in its original form as a webcomic, or you can get in print, which has some bonus comics and other material.
March 14, 2020
This is a very funny book, made the moreso by the fact that the characters are living in a 3.5e D&D world, and they love joking about that. I also enjoy Rich's organization of these books, complete with nice writer's notes about the story.
With that said, it doesn't entirely hold up. I don't know if that would have been the case from just reading it again, but it's definitely the case when reading Rich's later work, which is so much deeper and richer. This is now clearly the funny prologue without the heft of the later works. Still, it's fun.
With that said, it doesn't entirely hold up. I don't know if that would have been the case from just reading it again, but it's definitely the case when reading Rich's later work, which is so much deeper and richer. This is now clearly the funny prologue without the heft of the later works. Still, it's fun.
October 5, 2023
It's the world's finest self-aware no-fourth-wall stick-figure fantasy webcomic! And it's not all that great at first. No plot, little characterization, doesn't yet nail the visual style, and the gags aren't at their best. If you don't know anything of 3rd edition D&D - which I fortunately know - there's not a whole lot to be had here.
Not yet, anyway.
It gets better.
Not yet, anyway.
It gets better.
May 22, 2018
Oh, Order of the Stick... quite honestly, this webcomic occupies a role in my literary pantheon roughly on the same level as Discworld or the Vorkosigan Saga -- it's part of the canon, one of the best long-form fictional stories I have ever read, and which I have been following enthusiastically for ten years now.
Now, it has flaws and limitations, of course. It's a gaming comic in its origins, even if the gaming aspects get less and less important as time goes on -- if you've never played D&D or one of its derivatives, quite a lot will go over your head. The treatment of gender could be better, particularly in the early part of the series, although this has improved and Burlew has stated he regrets some of the stereotyping of early strips (Burlew generally means well, but he's also a fifty-something white male who started writing quite a while ago, so there's some biases that weren't examined until recently). And it takes a while for the story to find its feet. When Burlew started drawing it, it was a gag-a-day thing, funny but without the depth it gets later on.
But. But. But.
What makes OotS stand out is dialogue, the plot, the sheer depth and complexity of characterization. On the surface, the story has a slight meta edge to it, as most gaming comics do, but the characterization, the character growth... I honestly find myself at a loss to describe it. I'll put it this way. One of the most interesting recent character arcs has been watching a complete sociopath go twitchy because someone sacrificed their lives for them, and our killer simply doesn't know how to deal with that emotionally. It makes for great reading, both insightful and hilarious in equal measures.
Now, it has flaws and limitations, of course. It's a gaming comic in its origins, even if the gaming aspects get less and less important as time goes on -- if you've never played D&D or one of its derivatives, quite a lot will go over your head. The treatment of gender could be better, particularly in the early part of the series, although this has improved and Burlew has stated he regrets some of the stereotyping of early strips (Burlew generally means well, but he's also a fifty-something white male who started writing quite a while ago, so there's some biases that weren't examined until recently). And it takes a while for the story to find its feet. When Burlew started drawing it, it was a gag-a-day thing, funny but without the depth it gets later on.
But. But. But.
What makes OotS stand out is dialogue, the plot, the sheer depth and complexity of characterization. On the surface, the story has a slight meta edge to it, as most gaming comics do, but the characterization, the character growth... I honestly find myself at a loss to describe it. I'll put it this way. One of the most interesting recent character arcs has been watching a complete sociopath go twitchy because someone sacrificed their lives for them, and our killer simply doesn't know how to deal with that emotionally. It makes for great reading, both insightful and hilarious in equal measures.
July 13, 2012
This web-comic is the perfect blend of D&D nerd humor and serial storytelling. After a few panels, you don't even realize the characters are little more than stick figures.
It's joining my must read web-comics list, along side Questionable Content and XKCD, and ahead of The Oatmeal and Cyanide and Happiness.
I'm very pleasantly surprised to have found out about this due to the Kickstarter hype. I started reading it here, but liked it so much I bought myself a physical copy.
It's joining my must read web-comics list, along side Questionable Content and XKCD, and ahead of The Oatmeal and Cyanide and Happiness.
I'm very pleasantly surprised to have found out about this due to the Kickstarter hype. I started reading it here, but liked it so much I bought myself a physical copy.
August 7, 2022
As a long time OOTS fan, this was pretty great. The book format is really useful as you don't have to keep finding where you had stopped. Also added content fills in the gaps pretty nicely.
Funny, nerdy and compelling.
Funny, nerdy and compelling.
February 9, 2020
The writing is incredible, the characters are loveable and unique. The villains are cunning and the plot is perfectly paced! (And the jokes are funny!)
December 28, 2019
Peak geek humor. Order of the Stick kicks off with meta gags about D&D tropes and rules changes then gradually shifts to complex plotting and character development. It's engrossing, hysterical, and surprisingly challenging after it finds its groove. Who knew stick art could be this expressive? (Besides xkcd, I mean.)
OOTS is a webcomic; this print version contains a few extra strips and a serviceable running commentary by the author about the evolution of the characters, tone, plotting, and art.
Plot points:
OOTS is a webcomic; this print version contains a few extra strips and a serviceable running commentary by the author about the evolution of the characters, tone, plotting, and art.
Plot points:
May 10, 2016
OK, so my husband and I have this deal that we will take turns picking books for each other to read. This was the second one he asked me to read. I really went into reading this feeling like it was going to be torture because there are so many other things I would rather have been reading at that moment. Also, I've never been a huge ran of reading comics, with of course the exception of The Far Side, and those were all single stand alone ones. So here is my synopsis: Some of it was funny. Some of was supposed to be funny, but just didn't make me laugh. Some of it was a little childish. I liked it enough to give it three stars though. I've heard that it gets better after this book, which is a good thing because I have a feeling he's going to pick the next one for me to read too. I will have to sneak in some of those other books I'm dying to read first though or I'll never have the patience to make it through the next one.
July 27, 2011
As mentioned every time I review a graphic novel, said genre isn't my thing due to my skimming technique and the not looking at the pictures that provide a good portion of the action. However, Matt and I read this aloud during our Bike Trip, with each of us taking parts. Matt helpfully put his finger on the frames of the comic that have no words, so I was forced to look at them and comprehend. This worked well and I enjoyed the humor of this Dungeons and Dragons Adventure send up.
January 30, 2012
First, if you're not a fan of D&D style games, you probably won't get a bunch of the jokes. This doesn't mean its not funny or not worth reading - it is! Its just funnier if you get more of the jokes, obvs. :)
Having kept current with the comic online, I found that I liked a lot of the later storylines better, but a lot of the one-off jokes in this book better. the book is worth a read though, and its DEFINITELY worth sticking with as we follow the order on their journey
Having kept current with the comic online, I found that I liked a lot of the later storylines better, but a lot of the one-off jokes in this book better. the book is worth a read though, and its DEFINITELY worth sticking with as we follow the order on their journey
January 23, 2008
Mmmmm....gaming jokes, stick figures, unnecessary violence, a surprisingly intricate plot, similarly impressive well developed characters. Oh, and did I mention it's extremely geeky. What's not to like?
April 25, 2019
This book is just a little too nerdy for me. I guess it's a fun read if you played D&D recently. I haven't played D&D since I was 15-16 years old. The whole concept is a little too far away for me to fully enjoy this book.
December 22, 2019
Webcomics have become so established a medium now that I feel as though they’ve almost lost some of their visibility. I’m sure that isn’t true; it’s probably just that I don’t frenetically share new favorites with friends like I once did, when webcomics were a new frontier and the entire field was buzzing with the energy of creation and discovery, of possibilities, of anticipatory uncertainty. I remember the days when I swapped URLs with a handful of friends on a music message board, some fifteen or more years ago, and we all ravenously devoured the (at that time, relatively short) archives of Penny Arcade, PvP, Sinfest, XKCD, and so many others. My interest in some of those strips has waxed and waned over the years, and sometimes I’ll go a couple years before revisiting and catching up with one, but a strip that I’ve rarely failed to read as soon as it updates is The Order of the Stick.
OOTS began life as a simple gag strip, a loving parody of tabletop gaming that poked fun at common tropes, odd rules logic, character class foibles, and more. I began reading OOTS years before I joined the ranks of tabletop gamers myself, but I enjoyed the strip for several reasons. First, Rich Burlew is funny. Granted, in this first volume, some of the jokes are trite, some of the breaking of the 4th wall too on the nose. But there are also plentiful laugh-out-loud moments that land whether you’ve rolled dice across a character sheet or not. Furthermore, Burlew knows how to write engaging characters. While the main cast of OOTS were certainly formed to represent a stereotypical adventuring party, Burlew invests in each of them, fleshing them out beyond their parodic attributes with a personality, motivations, and a backstory. You quickly end up enjoying the time you spend with the cast, and after a while you care what happens to them and where, ultimately, they are going. And it seems that the same happened to Burlew himself; over the course of these first 120 or so strips, he found a story to tell. By the end of the book, the jokes are still coming at a constant clip, but the strips have a direction. Things Happen, and you get the sense that they are setting up even Bigger Things that will come in the next book, or maybe the one after that.
Sure enough, OOTS became an epic adventure that is still going strong over fifteen years and a thousand strips later, with the brand new sixth volume about to show up on my doorstep any day now. The Order, once a simple band of somewhat hapless low-level adventurers kicking around a nameless dungeon, have found themselves at the crux of an epic struggle in which the fate of the world and all life on it hangs in the balance. You know - the way most tabletop gaming campaigns go. Start here at the beginning of it all; though OOTS displays some growing pains in this first volume, you’ll want to see where this is all headed, too, and you’ll have a lot of happy reading to come.
- - - - -
A few extra thoughts: I give three stars because while there's plenty to enjoy, there is room to grow (and Burlew's writing does grow in further volumes). But I'll also note that Burlew doesn't skimp on the printed product the way some webcomic collections do; these are high quality books with a variety of extra content added.
OOTS began life as a simple gag strip, a loving parody of tabletop gaming that poked fun at common tropes, odd rules logic, character class foibles, and more. I began reading OOTS years before I joined the ranks of tabletop gamers myself, but I enjoyed the strip for several reasons. First, Rich Burlew is funny. Granted, in this first volume, some of the jokes are trite, some of the breaking of the 4th wall too on the nose. But there are also plentiful laugh-out-loud moments that land whether you’ve rolled dice across a character sheet or not. Furthermore, Burlew knows how to write engaging characters. While the main cast of OOTS were certainly formed to represent a stereotypical adventuring party, Burlew invests in each of them, fleshing them out beyond their parodic attributes with a personality, motivations, and a backstory. You quickly end up enjoying the time you spend with the cast, and after a while you care what happens to them and where, ultimately, they are going. And it seems that the same happened to Burlew himself; over the course of these first 120 or so strips, he found a story to tell. By the end of the book, the jokes are still coming at a constant clip, but the strips have a direction. Things Happen, and you get the sense that they are setting up even Bigger Things that will come in the next book, or maybe the one after that.
Sure enough, OOTS became an epic adventure that is still going strong over fifteen years and a thousand strips later, with the brand new sixth volume about to show up on my doorstep any day now. The Order, once a simple band of somewhat hapless low-level adventurers kicking around a nameless dungeon, have found themselves at the crux of an epic struggle in which the fate of the world and all life on it hangs in the balance. You know - the way most tabletop gaming campaigns go. Start here at the beginning of it all; though OOTS displays some growing pains in this first volume, you’ll want to see where this is all headed, too, and you’ll have a lot of happy reading to come.
- - - - -
A few extra thoughts: I give three stars because while there's plenty to enjoy, there is room to grow (and Burlew's writing does grow in further volumes). But I'll also note that Burlew doesn't skimp on the printed product the way some webcomic collections do; these are high quality books with a variety of extra content added.
July 5, 2020
My son has long been a fan of the OOTs comics, and he has long wanted me to read them, but it turns out that I’m kind of an asshole and never wanted to spend the time sitting at a computer clicking through web pages reading a comic, not matter how amusing it might be. This Christmas, my brother got me a collection of the comics in print, which meant that reading them was an actual option, because apparently I’m not only an asshole but a luddite. Now my son is 20 and the bonding opportunity is lot lower than if I read these when he was 16, but oh well, at least I’m here.
Orie, my son, kept telling me not to expect too much from this first volume. In fact, he says that it all starts paying off in the 6th book, or something like that, which is asking for a lot of investment time. So my expectations were pretty low, and I was thankful for that warning for the first half of this book. Jokes about D&D are as old as the game itself, and jokes about characters interacting with the rules directly is going to pull a smile from me at most, and that’s pretty much what happened for the first half of the book. I smiled some, I groaned some, I did some eye-rolling, pretty much everything you’d predict. The characters each had their gimmick, and it was all fine.
But once the characters started having relationships, and the story started having a drive of its own, my monkey brain did what every monkey brain does once it starts seeing patterns, connections, and purpose: it eagerly followed along to find more patterns, connections, and purposes. At that point, the comic strip somehow became a page turner, parts interesting, parts amusing.
In the end, the strip, currently, is like a painless, sometimes pleasurable, but ultimately meaningless task. At this point, Rich Burlew doesn’t have anything of import to say about life, people, games, or the ways we play. They are a passing form or amusement that asks for little and gives the same. I’ll be sticking with the series for my son and because he has indicated greater things are to come.
Because apparently I’m not only an asshole and a luddite, but also a snob. Go me.
Orie, my son, kept telling me not to expect too much from this first volume. In fact, he says that it all starts paying off in the 6th book, or something like that, which is asking for a lot of investment time. So my expectations were pretty low, and I was thankful for that warning for the first half of this book. Jokes about D&D are as old as the game itself, and jokes about characters interacting with the rules directly is going to pull a smile from me at most, and that’s pretty much what happened for the first half of the book. I smiled some, I groaned some, I did some eye-rolling, pretty much everything you’d predict. The characters each had their gimmick, and it was all fine.
But once the characters started having relationships, and the story started having a drive of its own, my monkey brain did what every monkey brain does once it starts seeing patterns, connections, and purpose: it eagerly followed along to find more patterns, connections, and purposes. At that point, the comic strip somehow became a page turner, parts interesting, parts amusing.
In the end, the strip, currently, is like a painless, sometimes pleasurable, but ultimately meaningless task. At this point, Rich Burlew doesn’t have anything of import to say about life, people, games, or the ways we play. They are a passing form or amusement that asks for little and gives the same. I’ll be sticking with the series for my son and because he has indicated greater things are to come.
Because apparently I’m not only an asshole and a luddite, but also a snob. Go me.
February 5, 2021
My boyfriend is one of those people who goes onto the giant's website daily to check for updates to OOTS. The "daily" part of that always felt a bit excessive to me, but I also enjoy the comic, so this first volume was a birthday present from me to him.
Well, months later, I picked it up myself; boyfriend never felt the need to crack its pages when he could just hit the random button on the site. As I read, he skimmed over my shoulder--until he said, "wait, what?" And then, "that's new."
Turns out he didn't realize there'd be bonus, new comics inserted in a printed version. I, of course, didn't notice at all. He read them three times before letting me turn the page whenever I got to one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Burlew's insights into the story building and character creation of this first volume. I know he writes extensively about character development and motivation for D&D on his website (I haven't DM'd, so haven't looked into it) and I appreciated his explanation of his motivations and choices throughout starting this comic. Those introductions also feel strangely dated, now that he's published, what, 10 volumes? I genuinely adore OOTS and have re-read the entire thing a few times--including in the immediate aftermath of finishing this--so my decision to purchase was at least partially a decision to support an artist whose work I've enjoyed for a number of years. If you've read the online version, I leave it to you whether you'd like to purchase any volumes (I'd encourage whichever storyline is your favorite). If you've never heard of Order of the Stick, well, here's a link to the website. You may need a passing knowledge of D&D to get through the beginning, at least, but at this point it's an epic stick figure fantasy adventure unlike any other. Highly recommend.
Well, months later, I picked it up myself; boyfriend never felt the need to crack its pages when he could just hit the random button on the site. As I read, he skimmed over my shoulder--until he said, "wait, what?" And then, "that's new."
Turns out he didn't realize there'd be bonus, new comics inserted in a printed version. I, of course, didn't notice at all. He read them three times before letting me turn the page whenever I got to one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Burlew's insights into the story building and character creation of this first volume. I know he writes extensively about character development and motivation for D&D on his website (I haven't DM'd, so haven't looked into it) and I appreciated his explanation of his motivations and choices throughout starting this comic. Those introductions also feel strangely dated, now that he's published, what, 10 volumes? I genuinely adore OOTS and have re-read the entire thing a few times--including in the immediate aftermath of finishing this--so my decision to purchase was at least partially a decision to support an artist whose work I've enjoyed for a number of years. If you've read the online version, I leave it to you whether you'd like to purchase any volumes (I'd encourage whichever storyline is your favorite). If you've never heard of Order of the Stick, well, here's a link to the website. You may need a passing knowledge of D&D to get through the beginning, at least, but at this point it's an epic stick figure fantasy adventure unlike any other. Highly recommend.
July 19, 2025
(listing the first book but a review for the series as a whole)
been a while since i've rebinged this one! it's nothing more than a self-aware ttrpg stick figure comic.
at first.
and then, well... things get a lot bigger and a lot more in depth, and we go from six idiots wandering through a dungeon making jokes about "going up a level" (ascending a set of stairs) vs "going down a level" (losing experience and becoming weaker) to an alliance of heroes trying to save the world from its countless cycles of destruction.
and it's got everything. wheels within wheels. numerous villains working against each other. character arcs. romance. treachery. a cypher. recurring bits. dinosaurs. lampshade hanging (literally). brick jokes involving said dinosaurs. metanarrative commentary. all the tropes in the book.
and the incredibly epic speech i'll put in the comments, which is such a wild departure from the up/down a level bit that's it's almost impossible to believe they're from the same source material. (warning: spoilers, but so out of context that you won't know what it's in reference to.)
the only caveat is the glacial pace of updates - it's definitely a long runner at 1300+ strips, running since 2003... with only 15 of those coming this calendar year. but hey, plenty of time to catch up, if you want one of the best gaming comics, one of the best fantasy stories, and one of the best tales i've read in a while.
been a while since i've rebinged this one! it's nothing more than a self-aware ttrpg stick figure comic.
at first.
and then, well... things get a lot bigger and a lot more in depth, and we go from six idiots wandering through a dungeon making jokes about "going up a level" (ascending a set of stairs) vs "going down a level" (losing experience and becoming weaker) to an alliance of heroes trying to save the world from its countless cycles of destruction.
and it's got everything. wheels within wheels. numerous villains working against each other. character arcs. romance. treachery. a cypher. recurring bits. dinosaurs. lampshade hanging (literally). brick jokes involving said dinosaurs. metanarrative commentary. all the tropes in the book.
and the incredibly epic speech i'll put in the comments, which is such a wild departure from the up/down a level bit that's it's almost impossible to believe they're from the same source material. (warning: spoilers, but so out of context that you won't know what it's in reference to.)
the only caveat is the glacial pace of updates - it's definitely a long runner at 1300+ strips, running since 2003... with only 15 of those coming this calendar year. but hey, plenty of time to catch up, if you want one of the best gaming comics, one of the best fantasy stories, and one of the best tales i've read in a while.
November 24, 2020
I don't think I'd ever read OotS in 2020 if I were reading it for the first time, but the fact of the matter is that one of my friends told me to read this (instead of telling me to read Homestuck tbh which thank God I dodged that bullet lmao) back in like 2011. And I read it and didn't get 70% of the jokes and now I've played (5th edition) DnD and consumed a fair amount more DnD-related content, and every few years I remember the existence of this web comic and I go back and casually skim the first few strips and get a few more of the jokes than I did last time, and end up a few hundred comic strips in bc "I remember this plot line... but not this one... oh idk I bet I'm close to where I dropped off years ago"
And so I figured you know What? If I'm gonna add 17776 to my Reading Challenge, I sure as hell can add this too. It's big Early 2000s Man Geek Humor in a lot of ways which I can't Stand, but the fact that I have a history w it and the fact that it does actually hold up for the most part means I can still read through like..... most of the strips..... and not wanna die too bad lol
And so I figured you know What? If I'm gonna add 17776 to my Reading Challenge, I sure as hell can add this too. It's big Early 2000s Man Geek Humor in a lot of ways which I can't Stand, but the fact that I have a history w it and the fact that it does actually hold up for the most part means I can still read through like..... most of the strips..... and not wanna die too bad lol
November 1, 2017
It's hard to believe how old this stuff is now. But the original OotS book is still really funny, even if some of the rules minutiae is a bit lost in the jobs for new people. The most interesting thing about this book is how downright grateful and happy Rich seems about people noticing his Little Webcomic That Could. The tone of his commentary sure has changed over time. (That's not a criticism, he's had a ton on his plate, it's just something I noticed.)
November 15, 2024
this started out as a quick little reread/revisit to the comic while i was suffering from uni procrastination, and is turning into an entire reread of the series. not too mad about it.
i really liked the reflective commentaries that burlew provided at each portion of the strip, as it really bolstered what was otherwise a decent collection of running gags. good, but i definitely am looking forward to the plot/character development of later story arcs.
i really liked the reflective commentaries that burlew provided at each portion of the strip, as it really bolstered what was otherwise a decent collection of running gags. good, but i definitely am looking forward to the plot/character development of later story arcs.
August 18, 2017
I've been following the webcomic for years and it's done an amazing job of taking a metagaming funny webcomic (drawn using stick figures...) and making a "serious" work of it while keeping its funny tone. I look forward to every new comic and reading them in the book format, with the comment and a better flow as I do not have days (weeks) between panels, makes me appreciate them anew.
July 9, 2019
So much fun if you're a D&D nerd. This comic is a great mixture of stats-and-dice inside jokes and thoughtful characters and plot. Haley the rogue is my favorite character, followed by sweet stupid Elan.
On this reread, I made plenty of frowny faces at the frequent use of words like "slut" and "whore."
On this reread, I made plenty of frowny faces at the frequent use of words like "slut" and "whore."
February 5, 2020
What can I say about OotS that hasn't already been said? It's just plain amazing. Funny, dramatic, insightful, with a cast of well crafted characters and a great plot. While the first bit of this book might be a bit tough to read if you're unfamiliar with gaming, stick with it (pun absolutely intended). Soon the main plot takes over and you'll get pulled in.
March 8, 2020
Reviewing all comics/volumes up to current, but there's no "total" entry.
Just and excellent comic. Great characters, amazing humour, even art fits awesomely. Just the right amount of everything. And even all the 4th wall breaking doesn't ruin immersion. I am honestly realyl impressed by how well it pulls it off, considering is a stick figure comic.
Just and excellent comic. Great characters, amazing humour, even art fits awesomely. Just the right amount of everything. And even all the 4th wall breaking doesn't ruin immersion. I am honestly realyl impressed by how well it pulls it off, considering is a stick figure comic.
August 15, 2020
Excellent humor. Very amusing. For anyone familiar with DND, this is a fun story to read! My only complaint is that there isn't much of an overarching story. I understand that's because it started as a webcomic and also this is the first book in a series, but hey, I had to knock it for the work it is now.
March 3, 2025
I’ve read and reread this book like three times, it’s just that much fun. Love seeing the Order of the Stick when they first started out in a 3.5 edition world. There’s just something that makes me think of some of those great days of gaming all night, eating junk food and chugging sodas!
November 23, 2018
An extremely funny take on the weaknesses of D&D. The art-style is simplistic, but expressive and serve its purpose and the characters are typical, except maybe from the leader and well thought out!
December 3, 2018
Very entertaining, great story, as a D&D player I absolutely loved those comics.
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