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Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins--Caduceus Clay
Death is never truly the end.
Follow the origin story of the Mighty Nein’s Caduceus Clay in this beautiful hardcover graphic novel written by Kendra Wells (Tell No Tales), illustrated by Gus Allen (Lumberjanes), with colors by Eren Angiolini and letters by Ariana Maher. Created in consultation with the cast of Critical Role!
Generations of the Clay family have tended to the careful rituals in the Blooming Grove. But when corruption begins to creep in on their sacred space, the Clays depart one by one to seek answers. Soon young Caduceus and Clarabelle are the only ones left, and when a dangerous burial quest falls to Caduceus, he must leave the Grove to do the family’s work.
Follow the origin story of the Mighty Nein’s Caduceus Clay in this beautiful hardcover graphic novel written by Kendra Wells (Tell No Tales), illustrated by Gus Allen (Lumberjanes), with colors by Eren Angiolini and letters by Ariana Maher. Created in consultation with the cast of Critical Role!
Generations of the Clay family have tended to the careful rituals in the Blooming Grove. But when corruption begins to creep in on their sacred space, the Clays depart one by one to seek answers. Soon young Caduceus and Clarabelle are the only ones left, and when a dangerous burial quest falls to Caduceus, he must leave the Grove to do the family’s work.
Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 16, 2024
"Do you regret that love?"
OK, thanks for making me CRY.
I've loved Caduceus from the moment he joined the campaign, and getting to see his home life and that isolation he's faced for the sake of the Grove was beautiful. Its easy to see his motivations, the loss of his family as they search for a cure that lead him to join the Might Nein. It was no easy choice for him, but a necessary one.
The art in the story was absolutely phenomenonal. Such attention to detail on every single page to bring Caduceus' story to life.
I'm sad the origins comics are over, but I'm forever grateful for the love and care each one gave to honour their character and their humble beginnings.
OK, thanks for making me CRY.
I've loved Caduceus from the moment he joined the campaign, and getting to see his home life and that isolation he's faced for the sake of the Grove was beautiful. Its easy to see his motivations, the loss of his family as they search for a cure that lead him to join the Might Nein. It was no easy choice for him, but a necessary one.
The art in the story was absolutely phenomenonal. Such attention to detail on every single page to bring Caduceus' story to life.
I'm sad the origins comics are over, but I'm forever grateful for the love and care each one gave to honour their character and their humble beginnings.
July 7, 2024
The Origins comics have been a bit hit or miss for me, but I really liked this one! The art is gorgeous, and I loved getting a closer look at the Blooming Grove and the Clays' home. The breaking the fourth wall moment was perfect. I think the Origin story works well for Caduceus because it didn't need a self-contained plot; I just enjoyed getting to spend more time with this character.
June 24, 2024
Out of all of the Critical Role characzmters, Caduceus is one of my absolute favorites and this comic provides a beautiful look at his backstory.
September 9, 2024
Without doubt, the best of the origin comics! Beautifully drawn, coloured and Well written <3
January 2, 2025
I feel so unbelievably melancholy right now writing this review because I have finally finished all the M9 Origins. I have read each volume as it has been published, with many accolades and many criticisms to boot. Despite this wide range of emotions throughout the experience, I am pleased to say that we ended here with one of the higher notes. If you could not tell based on the stellar average rating, Cad's story is one of beauty and authenticity.
I was initially unsure if the projected story would truly feel like the other origins because the corpse quest did not seem significant enough, but I do feel as though it all came together by the end. Similarly, I was not sure if I would like or connect with the characters as much because Cad is not one of my top M9 characters (even though I still like him), but the character facet proved to be pretty smoothly done. I felt invested in the family, the grove - which was drawn exactly like I imagined it - and all of the other creatures on the premises.
There are some M9 volumes that are probably skippable, but I would recommend this one 100%! I think it marks an amazing endpoint to the series, and it elicits countless emotions from beginning to end.
I was initially unsure if the projected story would truly feel like the other origins because the corpse quest did not seem significant enough, but I do feel as though it all came together by the end. Similarly, I was not sure if I would like or connect with the characters as much because Cad is not one of my top M9 characters (even though I still like him), but the character facet proved to be pretty smoothly done. I felt invested in the family, the grove - which was drawn exactly like I imagined it - and all of the other creatures on the premises.
There are some M9 volumes that are probably skippable, but I would recommend this one 100%! I think it marks an amazing endpoint to the series, and it elicits countless emotions from beginning to end.
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August 22, 2024drawn in solely by its lovely cover, the story is just as beautiful, even though I don’t know the whole context behind it. I have a feeling that had I, this man would’ve been my favorite character.
August 11, 2024
this was my favorite of the critical role mighty nein origin comics
it shows the back story of Caduceus before he meets the Mighty Nein
it had beautiful artwork
it was sweet
it was cozy
it had tea and plants
And there was even an underline sadness and hope
it was an amazing addition to the world of critical role. This comic made me miss Caduceus , i hope to see him more in future comics, tv shows or in critical role podcasts.
it shows the back story of Caduceus before he meets the Mighty Nein
it had beautiful artwork
it was sweet
it was cozy
it had tea and plants
And there was even an underline sadness and hope
it was an amazing addition to the world of critical role. This comic made me miss Caduceus , i hope to see him more in future comics, tv shows or in critical role podcasts.
June 15, 2024
Caduceus Clay was such a breath of fresh air from campaign two of Critical Role, arriving on the tail end of a major tragedy for the adventuring party known as The Mighty Nein. His wisdom and calm energy was incredibly important to their adventure and it was so cool to see a bit of his story and how he came to be with the group.
July 22, 2024
Cad is SUCH a cutie. This comic is so wholesome and honestly just shows the story behind why Cad acted the way that he did. The colours in this comic were beautiful, as was the art. *chefs kiss* great stuff.
June 17, 2024
Caduceus never fails to make me cry :')
December 22, 2024
Oooh this was very fun!
There was a certain magic to this graphic novel that I missed from the other ones? Perhaps because the backstory of Caduceus is something that really speaks to me. I recently discovered that I absolutely love stories which have plants or fungi in them, especially if these plants or fungi are some sort of "disease" or even "rot" in this case. It's fascinating and feels so real!
I've also been thinking about death quite a lot as of last year and I've been trying to work on my relationship with it. Death is something that I would like to become more comfortable with. I would love to be able to fully embrace it one day. Hard work, but worth it. And how Cadiceus' family sees death is exactly how I would love to experience it. The acceptance and the welcoming. But also the gratitude and the knowing that it's all part of a circle. It doesn't end.
The illustrations were also breathtaking!! It was just so beautiful. So many colours and details. I wouldn't mind having a few art prints of this incredible book.
Thank you to my friend who let me borrow this one (and all the other graphic novels) ❤️
There was a certain magic to this graphic novel that I missed from the other ones? Perhaps because the backstory of Caduceus is something that really speaks to me. I recently discovered that I absolutely love stories which have plants or fungi in them, especially if these plants or fungi are some sort of "disease" or even "rot" in this case. It's fascinating and feels so real!
I've also been thinking about death quite a lot as of last year and I've been trying to work on my relationship with it. Death is something that I would like to become more comfortable with. I would love to be able to fully embrace it one day. Hard work, but worth it. And how Cadiceus' family sees death is exactly how I would love to experience it. The acceptance and the welcoming. But also the gratitude and the knowing that it's all part of a circle. It doesn't end.
The illustrations were also breathtaking!! It was just so beautiful. So many colours and details. I wouldn't mind having a few art prints of this incredible book.
Thank you to my friend who let me borrow this one (and all the other graphic novels) ❤️
December 30, 2024
“Even when we didn’t know how to say it, there was love.”
Gorgeous art and beautifully written. I’m really pleasantly surprised by this one.
Gorgeous art and beautifully written. I’m really pleasantly surprised by this one.
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July 20, 2025tam ihtiyacım olan bi anda gelen bi hikaye oldu. kısacık bi çizgi roman zaten ve orman çizimleri o kadar güzel ki. metroda okudum az kalsın ağlıyodum. tabi ben bu karalteri çok sevdiğim için de bu kadar etkilenmiş olabilirim elbet. ama iyi gene.
September 27, 2024
4.5 stars.
I must say I was never very connected to the characters in the series. I always felt like he was so well out and together that he wasn't a 'conplex' character perse.
I'm happy to say that I was wrong about that notion, I think this book is my favourite out of them all so far.
It's art is not only beautiful and colourful, but the story is well said and explained.
While it has its obvious motivation and sadness it is told so beautifully I found myself smiling more often than not.
Great read, definitely recommend it.
I must say I was never very connected to the characters in the series. I always felt like he was so well out and together that he wasn't a 'conplex' character perse.
I'm happy to say that I was wrong about that notion, I think this book is my favourite out of them all so far.
It's art is not only beautiful and colourful, but the story is well said and explained.
While it has its obvious motivation and sadness it is told so beautifully I found myself smiling more often than not.
Great read, definitely recommend it.
September 25, 2024
Based on a d&d campaign getting turned into a series - this was the origin story of one of the characters. He seems like a good egg.
Stunning artwork and a sweet gentle story of him performing death rites before meeting some members of the group.
Stunning artwork and a sweet gentle story of him performing death rites before meeting some members of the group.
July 26, 2024
Stunning art
December 9, 2025
my beautiful baby boy
December 31, 2025
The artwork in this graphic novel?? The most breathtaking fever dream.
June 12, 2024
EVERYTHING I WANTED AND MORE. Love love love love.
August 18, 2024
Gorgeous gorgeous art, my favorite of the series yet
April 19, 2025
Love it. Very meditative but also tragic, which fits perfectly for the character this comic book is based on
October 17, 2024
quiet and sweet and kinda beetlejuicey
that’s caduceus clay!
that’s caduceus clay!
June 22, 2024
this was so pretty and sad and gorgeous and lonely
absolutely loved it
absolutely loved it
August 2, 2025
This is the third The Mighty Nein Origins I have read and I’m enjoying the series so far. I do think this is the weakest so far in terms of giving background on the character, but it also felt a lot shorter than the others.
What I did really like was that this ends at the exact moment that The Nein meet Caduceus. It was so lovely to see that moment come to life on the page, especially the ‘I think I only have three other cups’ moment.
That was the moment I knew I’d love Caduceus and he’s so cute in this graphic novel. I love him in this art style and how we get to see him at different points in his life. You can’t tell just how tall he is in this though as he spends most of it alone, as I knew he would as that’s the first thing you learn about him.
His family are also really cute. I wish we got just a little longer with them during this graphic novel, but for the sake of consistency of his character background, it makes sense. Caduceus is a lonely guy and it makes him so endearing. I’ll never forget him trying milk for the first time.
The Blooming Grove is so beautiful. The colour palette and style of this instalment almost rival that of the Jester one, but not quite. The slightly toned down hues make sense for a graphic novel about Caduceus as he is a walking pastel, other than his bright pink hair I suppose, but it really brought the cosy vibes that I expect from his character.
While this hasn’t been my favourite so far, it is still a very enjoyable read. I still don’t think these graphic novels will be entertaining for those that know nothing about The Mighty Nein but they are a lovely companion for those that love the characters.
What I did really like was that this ends at the exact moment that The Nein meet Caduceus. It was so lovely to see that moment come to life on the page, especially the ‘I think I only have three other cups’ moment.
That was the moment I knew I’d love Caduceus and he’s so cute in this graphic novel. I love him in this art style and how we get to see him at different points in his life. You can’t tell just how tall he is in this though as he spends most of it alone, as I knew he would as that’s the first thing you learn about him.
His family are also really cute. I wish we got just a little longer with them during this graphic novel, but for the sake of consistency of his character background, it makes sense. Caduceus is a lonely guy and it makes him so endearing. I’ll never forget him trying milk for the first time.
The Blooming Grove is so beautiful. The colour palette and style of this instalment almost rival that of the Jester one, but not quite. The slightly toned down hues make sense for a graphic novel about Caduceus as he is a walking pastel, other than his bright pink hair I suppose, but it really brought the cosy vibes that I expect from his character.
While this hasn’t been my favourite so far, it is still a very enjoyable read. I still don’t think these graphic novels will be entertaining for those that know nothing about The Mighty Nein but they are a lovely companion for those that love the characters.
January 16, 2025
If you haven't watched The Mighty Nein, this book won't land the same. That doesn't mean I don't recommend it, but the impact it has as someone who was familiar with the source material was immense. Author Kendra Wells struck just the right tone, kudos to Matt and Taliesin for (I would assume) guiding the ship in the right direction. The stars of this volume though have to be the artist, Selina Espiritu, and colorist Eren Angiolini. Maybe more so than any other character from the MN, Caduceus was (literally) a colorful character and so much of his story and characteristics were tied back to colors and themes. This book does a wonderful job capturing his essence and the feel of his home. The Grove is beautifully depicted and it was really satisfying to see it made real.
You don't have to be a Critical Role watcher to enjoy this story, it is still a good intro to the character, his family and their wonderful home.
You don't have to be a Critical Role watcher to enjoy this story, it is still a good intro to the character, his family and their wonderful home.
July 13, 2024
I liked this one a lot! It was super quick to read, even more than the others, because so much of it is taken up in Caduceus's customary contemplative silences. But the art was beautiful - bright and distinct, with such a lovely color palette.
This story felt like it would be more of a challenge than many of the others, because the point of Cad as a character is that he's the one who's been left behind, while his family goes off on their adventures. It would make sense in most stories to follow Clarabelle, the restless sister who goes off on a quest. But instead we stay with Caduceus. I really liked the little quest to give the dead woman a proper traditional burial, too - the right mixture of creepy and funny and genuinely sweet.
I thought this was the perfect little accompaniment to honor Caduceus Clay as a character!
This story felt like it would be more of a challenge than many of the others, because the point of Cad as a character is that he's the one who's been left behind, while his family goes off on their adventures. It would make sense in most stories to follow Clarabelle, the restless sister who goes off on a quest. But instead we stay with Caduceus. I really liked the little quest to give the dead woman a proper traditional burial, too - the right mixture of creepy and funny and genuinely sweet.
I thought this was the perfect little accompaniment to honor Caduceus Clay as a character!
August 24, 2024
I've been enjoying these origins of the various characters of the Might Nein, and I was surprised that Caduceus was one of those that they announced for. This story did a lot more visual storytelling rather than dialogue, which is both a reflection of Caduceus' simple wisdom and outlook on life and a detriment to readers who wanted to learn more about this part of his life. I would've liked to have seen more of his family and how much love he had for them before they one-by-one left his home, leaving him alone to take care of the graveyard and the difficulty of staying so long as he waited for them, unknown as to their fate.
Another point of interest are the corrupted animals, which I don't remember if that was ever pointed out or brought up in the campaign. The design of the bear and wolf looks like the type of creature corruption that was in the movie, Annihilation.
Another point of interest are the corrupted animals, which I don't remember if that was ever pointed out or brought up in the campaign. The design of the bear and wolf looks like the type of creature corruption that was in the movie, Annihilation.
February 5, 2024
Independent of Caduceus playing a larger role as part of the Mighty Nein campaign, this origin story was simply beautiful. The Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins series has been incredibly well done across all the graphic novels, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I have also been very prone to saying "this was the best one yet" several times. Again, it's the truth though. The writing was incredibly beautiful and insightful, and the art captured the world around the characters so very well. I can't recommend it enough.
Special Thanks to Dark Horse Comics and Edelweiss Plus for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to Dark Horse Comics and Edelweiss Plus for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
September 25, 2024
It’s not a perfect story but it’s pretty close. My only problem is that it’s so short. Though that might be because I loved Cad as a character and have always wanted more.
All the positive things I could say about previous Mighty Nein books can be said here. The art is amazing which helps draw you into to the spaces Caduceus lives and works in, making the nature around him beautiful, even while rot and decay sweep through the area. So I have to applaud Selina Espiritu and Eren Angiolini for that.
All the positive things I could say about previous Mighty Nein books can be said here. The art is amazing which helps draw you into to the spaces Caduceus lives and works in, making the nature around him beautiful, even while rot and decay sweep through the area. So I have to applaud Selina Espiritu and Eren Angiolini for that.
September 28, 2024
I think this one has become my favorite Mighty Nein Origins comic out of the series.
The art style was beautiful and very detailed and colorful; it really fits with Cad and his entire family and view of the world.
Cad's backstory is one of the more simple ones, so that was definitely an advantage with the small and limited number of pages available. It managed to get his personality across pretty well, in my opinion, as well as showing his resolution and termination.
Overall I really enjoyed this one!
The art style was beautiful and very detailed and colorful; it really fits with Cad and his entire family and view of the world.
Cad's backstory is one of the more simple ones, so that was definitely an advantage with the small and limited number of pages available. It managed to get his personality across pretty well, in my opinion, as well as showing his resolution and termination.
Overall I really enjoyed this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews