Until We Sleep

Dragon Age Universe

by David Gaider, Chad Hardin, Alexander Freed

The lead writer of BioWare's hit Dragon Age games concludes King Alistair's epic quest - in a journey beyond reality itself! Fans around the world have recognized the Dragon Age comics to be an integral addition to the videogame saga. Now, series writer David Gaider pits King Alistair and his noble companions Varric and Isabela against their most nefarious foe - the twisted blood mage Aurelian Titus! Don't miss what critics are calling "wonderful, exciting examples of the fantasy genre in comic book form!"

Genres: Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Video Games, Fiction, High Fantasy, Dragons

72 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

David Gaider lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and has worked for video game developer BioWare since 1999. He is the lead writer on the upcoming Dragon Age: Origins role-playing game and has previously worked on such titles as Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Neverwinter Nights.

Reviews

[Sean Barrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m determined to read more graphic novels this year. Beyond Neil Gaiman’s remarkable Sandman series I barely read any in 2017. There was a time when I used to read one a week every week. Starting with this, I’m going to revive that former tradition of mine. I've got a few interesting bits on the horizon.

Well, anyway, on with Untill We Sleep. The thing I enjoyed most about this series was its use of a different narrator per book; it really kept things lively and entertaining. And Varric, the loveable yet sarcastically witty dwarf rogue, is the best yet. He sees the world in a different way to most people. His gaze cuts through all the bullshit and pretences most people put out there: he sees things as they actually are quicker than most people. He knows when he is being played and he knows exactly how to react, and it isn't always with words:



He’s tough when he needs to be. So like all good comic books, this was full of action. It brought together all the individual strands from The Silent Grove and Those Who Speak and released them in one rather splendid final display of action; it was bloody; it was entertaining, and it was everything you’d expect from a Dragon Age story. I’ve said it before, and I will gladly say it again, the Dragon Age universe is one of my favourites in fantasy simply because how complex the situations become. I want to see so much more of it, and these comics have helped tremendously.

This was the conclusion the series so desperately needed. It fits rather smoothly in with the rest of the Dragon Age universe, and it’s rather emotional: it’s a touching moment when Alistair finally reconnects with his past and understands completely who he is. And this is exactly what has always made the series so compelling for me: the characters are dense individuals with huge personalities.

Dragon Age Graphic Novel Trilogy
1. The Silent Grove- A cool four stars
2. Those Who Speak- A strong four stars
3. Until We Sleep - A bloody four stars

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best of the original trilogy of Dragon Age comics. Alistair finally encounters Titus and finds his father. Varric takes over the narration and makes things much more interesting.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the final series of the trilogy, Dragon Age 's King Alistair continues the search for his father Maric, accompanied by the pirate queen Isabela and the storytelling dwarf merchant, Varric. They are aided by the Tevinter mage, Maevaris, as they track down the evil Titus who has captured Maric for the dragon's blood that runs within the Theirin veins.

I love this story. I hate this story.

There are so many secrets revealed, ideas introduced and of course the presence of some of my beloved characters from Dragon Age:Origins and Dragon Age II. But even with the combined twelve issues, including Dragon Age: The Silent Grove and Dragon Age Volume 2: Those Who Speak , there was simply not enough room to fit everything in. In other words, despite the excellent artwork, I really wish this had been written as a novel instead.

Gaider does such a fabulous job with character development in hisn ovels but, while the characters here had some powerful moments, I felt that the limitations of the comic book format didn't allow the writing to go far enough with them. Moreover, the time that was spent with them seemed to cut into the plotting, causing the adventure to skim along like point form notes. I was disappointed with how abruptly certain elements, such as Yavana, the witch of the wilds, and the Qunari, were handled.

I am reasonably content with what I learned from the series and appreciate that the conclusion brought closure to the mystery of Maric's disappearance and his promise to Flemeth. It also gave some interesting insight into Isabela, the character some would write off as merely a sex-crazed thief, and answered a question about Varric and his beloved Bianca thanks to a trip into the glorious Fade.

And even though I'm claiming disappointment with the format, there was still enough here for my imagination to set to work on my headcanon. And damn Gaider and his bittersweet endings. I'll just be quietly sobbing in the corner while I wait for Dragon Age: Inquisition.

See more reviews at
The BiblioSanctum

[Federico DN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than ok.

King Alistair adventures with Isabela and Varric come to an end.

This was better. Can't remember why though.

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PERSONAL NOTE :
[2013] [72p] [Comics] [Not Recommendable]
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★★☆☆☆ 1. The Silent Grove
★★☆☆☆ 2. Those Who Speak
★★★☆☆ 3. Until We Sleep

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Mejor que ok.

Las aventuras del Rey Alistair junto a Isabela y Varric llegan a su final.

Esto estuvo mejor. Aunque no recuerdo por qué.

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NOTA PERSONAL :
[2013] [72p] [Comics] [No Recomendable]
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[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This finishes the Dragon Age graphic novel series, and it does so very strongly. Alistair's quest reaches its end, and much of the story takes place in the Fade, from Varric's point of view, which makes for a very interesting story. Here more than the other books, Varric's penchant for narrating himself is used, to very good effect. What it says about his feelings toward Isabela is nearly poetic. The conflict and resolution plays out well, and the ending is powerful and poignant. All told, I'd say this book by itself justifies reading the entire trilogy. They're still not vital to the Dragon Age world, but they do add a nice bit of color.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Varric's naked butt almost, but not entirely, made up for the massive amount of lady t+a in this comic series.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power these characters have to break my heart is unfair... Alistair is probably one of the most tormented characters I've ever encountered, but he remains so optimistic that when ANOTHER bad thing happens to him, I feel my heart actually break for a fictional character.
Just incredible...

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more from the ending tbh

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Sad, but great. And adds quite a bit to the main story of the games and the whole lore.

[Noctvrnal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying ending to the story and we get to learn what after all happened to King Marric. The Fade segment was also lovely and the artwork was definitely satisfying and nice to look at. To summarize - I'm a big fan of Gaider's storytelling and this definitely scratched an itch for more DA lore from the man himself. Good read.

[Simen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wraps up the graphic novel trilogy (The Silent Grove -> Those Who Speak -> Until We Sleep) and brings the Alistair-Varric-Isabela storyline to its conclusion. It leans heavily into action, with a lot of big fantasy moments: dragons, dark magic, and a final confrontation that ties together the previous volumes.

It’s entertaining, but still feels a bit rushed. There's not much time to breathe or reflect, and some potentially big emotional beats don’t get the weight they deserve. Alistair’s personal arc (while interesting) doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could, partly because the story’s pacing sacrifices depth for momentum.

The artwork is consistent, and seeing these beloved characters interact again is definitely a highlight. But overall, Until We Sleep (like the rest of the trilogy) is more of a nice bonus for hardcore fans than essential reading.

Cool ride, but don’t expect it to reach the storytelling heights of the novels.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

End felt really rushed, but I really did like Varric as narrator.

[Eldin Stråth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's a terrible thing, to live as someone else's story"

AJJJ mitt hjärta, nu mer än någonsin behöver Alistair en kram och daglig terapi

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay short read but jesus christ, i feel like i've been shot. i thought the last book was emotionally charged but this... ow.

i can't believe i'm giving it 5 stars. fuck it we ball. on to the next! i plan on finishing this series today

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75

A nice conclusion to the arc, and ultimately if this three part arc had been one full volume it probably would've been better. Split apart it feels a little manic.

But this particular volume was very dragon age-y in a good way. The writing nor the art was spectacular though, but decent for sure

[Sara Portela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I think this was a good ending to this trio story. And i think it was a great idea to end it with Varric's point of view, seeing his talent for storytelling.

I love how they made this sincerely. And now I understand some events better!

Definitely recommend.

[Bree H. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The had maybe the best narration out of the three volumes. It was the most unique narration between the three POV characters and really leant to Varric’s profession as an author. It did a really good job at establishing his character and giving insight into who he is.

I think this was a really solid end to the story. The character arcs felt really well done, especially in this volume. The main setting of the comic really allowed for the reader to get insight to their characters and how they’re progressing. Varric’s was a good look into his history and personal struggles. Isabela’s was a good way to confront her fears and see how she’s handling things after the last volume. Finally, Alistair’s continues his trend of holding on that will need to be confronted by the end of the comic. I also appreciated that even as the arcs came to a close there were still hints at a struggle within the characters. They’ve grown and changed, but still something left for them to potentially fall back into. It felt realistic.

My only issues were the usual. The layout struggles in a digital format, though that’s not the comic’s fault and not enough for me to dock points. However, I grow tired of seeing Isabela sexualised in just about every single panel. While she’s meant to be an alluring character she doesn’t need to be sexualised ALL the time.

Overall great conclusion to the story and I really enjoyed reading it!

[ur didact · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh, an acceptable conclusion to an overall lacklustre and incredibly unnecessary trilogy. didn't enjoy the first 2 graphic novels in this, and the 3rd is not gonna make me fall in love suddenly with a wholly unneeded special snowflake dragon blood alistair plot (varric even says this - sorry, but being self-aware doesn't make it forgivable), as well as a conclusion to maric, a character we've already seen multiple times in the series in writing. the fade setting is at least marginally better, and we get to see a bit more backstory of isabela, and mae, a trans character whose addition is certainly welcome. nothing much else to say of something so terribly unexciting. just happy this plot is finally done.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I said previously about the Mass Effect comic series, the Dragon Age ones (specifically this final collection) seem to suffer for time. I would have liked to see more story and perhaps less of a trip into the fade. It also made me feel a little sad. I'd read the novels The Stolen Throne and The Calling and felt Maric deserved a better ending.

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

And so the trilogy of unexplored, unexplained daddy issues comes to a conclusion. Why was Varric here? Who knows. What did Alistair gain from doing this? Who knows. Was this even really Alistair? Not in my world state! Hashtag or whatever.

If you view these three books as being about Isabela, they're vastly more interesting and impactful... and there's actual character motivation behind the events. But it's still full of boilerplate dialogue, disconnected scenes, unknown and unknowable characters, unaddressed stakes. What was the point? Why is this canon?

:(

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Until We Sleep but not as much as the earlier installments in the series. Though I love Varric, I didn't enjoy how much of the story is told with his imaginative versions of how events unfolded. When the actual final fight arrived, it felt anti-climactic.

The characters still felt wonderfully authentic to the games, which is something I have really enjoyed about this series. Varric in particular seemed true to character and provided a dose of levity to a dark storyline.

[Monika · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read this series for a single purpose: to see Alistair and Maric reunion. It was dreadful. Empty. And in ANOTHER dream scene in the Fade Alistair is as out of character as he could possibly be.

The art is nice, but not nice enough that I wouldn't be angry at this atrocity of a "canon story".

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but not particularly notable.

Varric makes a great narrator, always. And the setting was interesting. The story progresses and concludes rather quickly, but it still had it's moments (they maybe just didn't have as much weight as they might have with a longer build up).

Also enjoy the characters; they're always the highlight with Dragon Age.

[Ashly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this one finally had the history and lore I was looking for, what with Maric, Tevinter, and the Fade coming into play more prominently! Plus, Varric's narration is, as expected, simply glorious. It is Varric, after all, and you can never go wrong with everyone's favorite dwarf!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I actually own the 3-in-1 of this series, So I FINALLY finished that! And it encouraged me to re-download DA2 because I'd forgotten how much I LOVE these characters!!!

While the ending to the comic series felt a little abrupt, I enjoyed the story overall. :D

[cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good old fade as a literary device to reveal hidden nightmares and desires, except all of those characters had already been in it so well, wouldn't they remember? If the warden was there, Alistair's entire quest would have been over in 5 min.

[Inge · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was better then the second one but it could have been more... more story, more character development. It feels rushed.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making varric the lead this time around was a great choice. Ends too quickly though

[Lexine Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

They really saved the best 'til last! This was such an emotional ending, and one that gives fans closure on the fate of beloved King Maric. It expands on lore and the history of Thedas, and has some really shocking twists that I really didn't see coming.

I liked seeing more of the Qunari in this one, as we've only had a taster of their way of life and their homeland from previous games, and in the comic previous to this one. I also liked seeing more of Mae, an LGBT+ character seen in the end credits of the Trespasser DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition. I had no idea who she was, but she's actually a rather likeable character, and I'm excited to see more of her (hopefully) in Dragon Age 4...whenever it's going to be released!

Normally, I can put a comic down to pause the story and resume it later, but with this one I was utterly hooked. I devoured the pages until the last one, and it left me feeling satisfied. It brought a close to Maric's story, helped push Alistair along into Dragon Age: Inquisition, gave insight into Varric's thoughts and feelings and his secret lady love, pushing him along into DA:I, and gave us even more insight into Isabela's life and what goes on inside that head of hers, as she's a rather secretive person and doesn't like to show her true feelings or thoughts most of the time.

I was afraid that this comic would be a filler story that would have no impact on later games or character development, but now I can see why Alistair and Varric are the way they are in DA:I, how Isabela becomes 'Captain', as Varric calls her in DA:I in Haven, and what in Thedas has happened to the long-lost king that Loghain tried so hard to find.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would’ve given this more than 2 stars but just pretty unhappy with what they did firstly to Maevaris (deeply not necessary to make her body a spectacle, I know you also get to see Varric’s (almost) entire ass but he is not the token trans woman of this franchise, YOU KNOW, like, come on) and secondly, it’s just very abruptly depressing and I don’t know what you’re meant to take from it besides thinking maybe Alistair is the saddest loneliest person in this entire awful canon.

To be positive: Mae otherwise does get a chance to shine a bit, and I guess Hardin does at least seem to fully commit to drawing Varric naked and hairy. He cries like four panels later, though. I don’t know what else to say.