What do you think?
Rate this book
The Adventure Zone Graphic Novels #7
The Adventure Zone: Story and Song
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26The triumphant final installment in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Adventure Zone graphic novel series, a meta-fictional D&D adventure story based on the smash hit podcast.
After six beloved and bestselling installments, The Adventure Zone series returns one final time for a grand Story and Song. Our heroes—Taako, Magnus, and Merle—are about to discover the long-lost truths about themselves, their shared history, and the nature of the threat they’ve been facing since they first agreed to join the Bureau of Balance. But just as their eyes are opened to the truth—mere moments after being reunited with long-lost loved ones—the forces that have hunted them for all these years catch up in a spectacularly horrifying fashion.
After six beloved and bestselling installments, The Adventure Zone series returns one final time for a grand Story and Song. Our heroes—Taako, Magnus, and Merle—are about to discover the long-lost truths about themselves, their shared history, and the nature of the threat they’ve been facing since they first agreed to join the Bureau of Balance. But just as their eyes are opened to the truth—mere moments after being reunited with long-lost loved ones—the forces that have hunted them for all these years catch up in a spectacularly horrifying fashion.
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Griffin McElroy
26 books345 followersGriffin McElroy is a podcaster, video producer, composer and writer living in Austin, TX.
He does a comedy podcast called My Brother, My Brother and Me, which was adapted into a TV show for Seeso in 2017.
He also does a bunch of other podcasts with my friends and family.
He was chosen as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 for the Media category in 2017, which he's still kind of in shock about.
He was a Senior Editorial Producer over at Polygon, which is a long-winded way of saying he made goofy videos for them full time. He also occasionally does a bit of writing.
He does a comedy podcast called My Brother, My Brother and Me, which was adapted into a TV show for Seeso in 2017.
He also does a bunch of other podcasts with my friends and family.
He was chosen as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 for the Media category in 2017, which he's still kind of in shock about.
He was a Senior Editorial Producer over at Polygon, which is a long-winded way of saying he made goofy videos for them full time. He also occasionally does a bit of writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2025
I can’t Waitttt 🥺
March 24, 2026
The Adventure Zone: Story and Song by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, and illustrated by Carey Pietsch brings the saga to a vibrant and emotionally charged close.
This final installment reveals the hidden past of Taako, Magnus, and Merle while bringing their long battle with a mysterious, relentless force to its climax. As buried truths come to light and lost connections resurface, the story builds toward a dramatic and high stakes confrontation.
What stands out most is how much depth this volume adds to the overarching narrative. The extensive backstory is full of imaginative ideas and genuinely enriches the world, even if its retelling nature makes parts feel a bit slower compared to the more immediate, adventure driven energy of earlier volumes. Still, the variety of experiences keeps things engaging, and longtime readers will appreciate the many callbacks to beloved characters encountered along the way.
The antagonist is a highlight, offering compelling interactions that add tension and emotional weight. All of this culminates in a resolution that feels both epic and well earned, delivering a satisfying payoff to the journey.
Carey Pietsch’s artwork once again shines throughout. The illustrations are bold, expressive, and bursting with color, perfectly matching the tone of the story and elevating every moment. As a whole, this volume serves as an epic conclusion that celebrates everything that made the series memorable.
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher First Second Books and 23rd St. for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This final installment reveals the hidden past of Taako, Magnus, and Merle while bringing their long battle with a mysterious, relentless force to its climax. As buried truths come to light and lost connections resurface, the story builds toward a dramatic and high stakes confrontation.
What stands out most is how much depth this volume adds to the overarching narrative. The extensive backstory is full of imaginative ideas and genuinely enriches the world, even if its retelling nature makes parts feel a bit slower compared to the more immediate, adventure driven energy of earlier volumes. Still, the variety of experiences keeps things engaging, and longtime readers will appreciate the many callbacks to beloved characters encountered along the way.
The antagonist is a highlight, offering compelling interactions that add tension and emotional weight. All of this culminates in a resolution that feels both epic and well earned, delivering a satisfying payoff to the journey.
Carey Pietsch’s artwork once again shines throughout. The illustrations are bold, expressive, and bursting with color, perfectly matching the tone of the story and elevating every moment. As a whole, this volume serves as an epic conclusion that celebrates everything that made the series memorable.
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher First Second Books and 23rd St. for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2026
“I have magic powers.”
An incredibly iconic line from Taako, one that may seem simple but holds a lot of weight. It’s also unironically one of my favorites. Not the only one amongst dozens that live rent free in my head and of which I think of on the regular.
It’s amazing to get chills over a story you’ve heard before—in this case one I’ve literally heard at least three or four times before. This was an iconic end when I listened to Balance for the first time and it’s still an iconic end reading it here. I love TAZ, I love this story and these characters. I LOVE getting to see Lup here at last—she’s such a fun and important character to the overall story.
It’s sometimes hard to compare something that is strictly audio to a different media of paper and no speaking whatsoever, but I do think the team has done well, especially with any changes to the original story to make everything more cohesive. Meandering storylines and confusion can sometimes go hand in hand with an improve storytelling format, even when the end result is spectacular, so I do like and agree with changing things up a bit.
I can’t leave here without shouting out Carrie for the incredible art. I’m so excited to see it in person and have all those boys on my shelf in one place. I still love the character designs, they all look so perfect to how I imagined and I simply cannot improve upon her designs. Brava.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an early arc of one of my most anticipated reads of the last 5 years honestly. I’m so sad it’s over, but ready for a new story from the hoys
An incredibly iconic line from Taako, one that may seem simple but holds a lot of weight. It’s also unironically one of my favorites. Not the only one amongst dozens that live rent free in my head and of which I think of on the regular.
It’s amazing to get chills over a story you’ve heard before—in this case one I’ve literally heard at least three or four times before. This was an iconic end when I listened to Balance for the first time and it’s still an iconic end reading it here. I love TAZ, I love this story and these characters. I LOVE getting to see Lup here at last—she’s such a fun and important character to the overall story.
It’s sometimes hard to compare something that is strictly audio to a different media of paper and no speaking whatsoever, but I do think the team has done well, especially with any changes to the original story to make everything more cohesive. Meandering storylines and confusion can sometimes go hand in hand with an improve storytelling format, even when the end result is spectacular, so I do like and agree with changing things up a bit.
I can’t leave here without shouting out Carrie for the incredible art. I’m so excited to see it in person and have all those boys on my shelf in one place. I still love the character designs, they all look so perfect to how I imagined and I simply cannot improve upon her designs. Brava.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an early arc of one of my most anticipated reads of the last 5 years honestly. I’m so sad it’s over, but ready for a new story from the hoys
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars
So, disclaimer. The Adventure Zone podcast was a huge part of my life when the Balance arc, which these graphic novels are based on, was being released. I loved it so much that I actually have a tattoo of the Bulwark Staff and a quote about Lucretia. So I suppose it’s no surprise that I’ve been deeply excited for these books. It’s hard for things to stand up to the hype that happens when you love the original source material so much, but I gotta say. This stood up and made me feel all the same emotions all over again.
Genuinely, I have no notes, besides the fact that I’m sad they cut the actual encounter with the Stone Judges during the stolen century, because that year in particular was so impactful and so cool. But! With so much to adapt, not everyone’s favorite bits get in, and that’s such a tiny quibble. The art is phenomenal- I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job than Cary Pietsch. Everything about the adaptation is so, so good.
For those who listened to the podcast, it’s an incredible experience that will bring back those memories. You’ll hear the most memorable lines in the actual voices and feel the same emotions. For those who are experiencing it for the first time… buckle up, because holy shit is it a wonderful ride.
5/5 stars
So, disclaimer. The Adventure Zone podcast was a huge part of my life when the Balance arc, which these graphic novels are based on, was being released. I loved it so much that I actually have a tattoo of the Bulwark Staff and a quote about Lucretia. So I suppose it’s no surprise that I’ve been deeply excited for these books. It’s hard for things to stand up to the hype that happens when you love the original source material so much, but I gotta say. This stood up and made me feel all the same emotions all over again.
Genuinely, I have no notes, besides the fact that I’m sad they cut the actual encounter with the Stone Judges during the stolen century, because that year in particular was so impactful and so cool. But! With so much to adapt, not everyone’s favorite bits get in, and that’s such a tiny quibble. The art is phenomenal- I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job than Cary Pietsch. Everything about the adaptation is so, so good.
For those who listened to the podcast, it’s an incredible experience that will bring back those memories. You’ll hear the most memorable lines in the actual voices and feel the same emotions. For those who are experiencing it for the first time… buckle up, because holy shit is it a wonderful ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The phenomenal conclusion to this excellent graphic novel adaptation of a TTRPG podcast classic really delivered. A little personal history, back when TAZ: Balance was airing, was one of the hardest years in my adolescence and I truly credit this podcast and the McElroys in general for giving me hope to get through it all. I listened to them constantly and they continue to be very dear to my heart as an adult. (Fun fact! I did get to appear on their show My Brother, My Brother and Me at a liveshow in Tampa to ask a question about my parent's pheasants! Can't help but plug that since it is one of my finest accomplishments, and 15yr old me would go insane if she knew she got to do this lol Episode 751: Tragic Mike Tour) All that said, it is an absolutely buckwild feeling to be able to ARC read the final installment of the TAZ Graphic Novels.
I truly devoured this edition and the combination of the last two sections was a great idea. While there were a few bits I wished were not cut for time, the story flowed well and the humor and heart jumped off the page. Carey Pietsch's art style fits this story so well and I'm always in love with her designs and panel choices. Such a wonderful ending and I cannot wait to get a copy in July!
Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I truly devoured this edition and the combination of the last two sections was a great idea. While there were a few bits I wished were not cut for time, the story flowed well and the humor and heart jumped off the page. Carey Pietsch's art style fits this story so well and I'm always in love with her designs and panel choices. Such a wonderful ending and I cannot wait to get a copy in July!
Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Adventure Zone: Story and Song is a triumphant and visually stunning conclusion to the "Balance" arc that fans of the McElroy family have cherished for years. Having followed Taako, Magnus, and Merle since the early days of the podcast, seeing their journey from a simple tabletop game into this graphic novel series is nothing short of incredible. The transition to a visual format is particularly effective here. The podcast's finale was chaotic and difficult for me to track in the audio podcast form alone so seeing it in a visual format provided much-needed clarity for me. I especially loved the creative choice to represent Griffin as the DM within the narrative, allowing the characters to interact with their creator in a way that perfectly honors the spirit of the original play sessions. While this is strictly for established fans as the weight of the story is impossible to grasp without the context of the previous volumes or the podcast it is a deeply moving and beautiful wrap-up for these beloved characters. I give this grand finale a well-deserved 4/5 stars for finally bringing the Bureau of Balance's mission to a clear and heart-wrenching close.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the advance reader copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shout out to NetGalley and First Second for this ARC! The Adventure Zone graphic novels adaptions just get better and better. When they announced that Balance would be made into a graphic novel, I was so curious about how they would adapt the last two arcs of the series. It's a hefty, heavy chunk of story that wraps up Balance Campaign so well. The same can be said about the graphic novel. It was such a good move to combine The Stolen Century and Story and Song into one graphic novel. This was incredible. It hits the emotional beats of the podcast while still remaining unique and its own artform. Carey Pietsch has always done an excellent job and Story and Song only hammers her abilities home. One of the reasons I love McElroy Family Universe (MFU) so much is its deep sense of sincerity and the love they have for each other, this really comes across in the final installment of the graphic novel series. Love, love, love those good McElboys!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored The Adventure Zone. It defined my 2017, so getting to return to this story nearly ten years later is such a blast, literally. The art is beautiful and such a wonderful job has been done in adapting the podcast to the graphic novel medium and also in fleshing out the characters. There’s so many iconic scenes from the podcast, too many to name honestly, that have been adapted here and the emotional impact hits just as hard as the original. Incredible fight scenes. I’m crying. This installment makes me want to go back and read through the rest of the graphic novels, to experience TAZ all over again. I’m emotional.
(I also didn’t know that Sloane and Hurley)
Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the ARC.
(I also didn’t know that Sloane and Hurley)
Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, First Second and the authors for this advanced reader copy
The Adventure Zone: Bureau of Balance is one of my comfort podcast listens, I can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to it, so to be able to read and review the final book in their graphic novel series meant the world to me. They managed to combine two of the most important arcs, Stolen Century and Story and Song, into this last book without losing the heart, humor and joy that made the podcast so amazing. Carey Pietsch’s art added so much to this already amazing story, the emotions and heart of the story are in every facial expression, color, and tiny detail. I cried at the end, and while I’m sad it’s over I’m so grateful they brought this story to life.
The Adventure Zone: Bureau of Balance is one of my comfort podcast listens, I can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to it, so to be able to read and review the final book in their graphic novel series meant the world to me. They managed to combine two of the most important arcs, Stolen Century and Story and Song, into this last book without losing the heart, humor and joy that made the podcast so amazing. Carey Pietsch’s art added so much to this already amazing story, the emotions and heart of the story are in every facial expression, color, and tiny detail. I cried at the end, and while I’m sad it’s over I’m so grateful they brought this story to life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did I almost cry 4 times at work reading this? Yes, I did. Was it worth it? 100%. As someone who listened to the podcast 7 years ago and read the graphic novel a while ago, I thought I had forgotten most of the story. But all the emotional moments hit just as hard. This is a beautiful finale to this story that meant so much to people. It makes me want to re-listen to the podcast again.
As always, the art was beautiful. It is colorful and so expressive. The design of John and The Hunger was a standout. It was a treat to read. The end was satisfying and tied everything together. If you are a fan of the podcast and/or the graphic novels, this book is the perfect conclusion to the epic story.
As always, the art was beautiful. It is colorful and so expressive. The design of John and The Hunger was a standout. It was a treat to read. The end was satisfying and tied everything together. If you are a fan of the podcast and/or the graphic novels, this book is the perfect conclusion to the epic story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to 23rd Street Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
It's rare that an adaptation surpasses the source material, but Story and Song ding dang did it. They captured all of the drama of this final story arc without losing the trademark McElroy humor. The art, the colors, the romance, everything was just spot on. (Needs more Garfield, but I'm not going to complain.) The action scenes were so dynamic, Carey Petsch absolutely killed it on the art. I'm pretty sure she invented at least 7 new colors (not to mention some quite interesting onomatopoeias).
Now I just want to go back and reread the entire series.
It's rare that an adaptation surpasses the source material, but Story and Song ding dang did it. They captured all of the drama of this final story arc without losing the trademark McElroy humor. The art, the colors, the romance, everything was just spot on. (Needs more Garfield, but I'm not going to complain.) The action scenes were so dynamic, Carey Petsch absolutely killed it on the art. I'm pretty sure she invented at least 7 new colors (not to mention some quite interesting onomatopoeias).
Now I just want to go back and reread the entire series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
No matter what reread or listen, Magnus reuniting with Julia never fails to get me. While there are some things I miss from the podcast, I think overall this whole series does a great job as an adaptation, especially capturing the feelings of listening to the podcast and I love that all of the most iconic/memorable lines were preserved in this medium.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can't say how many times I've listened to the Bureau of Balance campaign. It's always bittersweet for it to end, and I still find it moving. This final volume does its best, and what it produces is nothing to dismiss out of hand, but it had big shoes to fill.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
HUGE thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC! I can't believe how lucky I got!
When the end is so good, you have to go back and reread the series to see the entire picture come together. Full RTC closer to release date
When the end is so good, you have to go back and reread the series to see the entire picture come together. Full RTC closer to release date
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.
We learn Takko, Merle, and Magnus's origin story and join them in the battle against The Hunger.#NetGalley #TheAdventureZoneStoryAndSong
We learn Takko, Merle, and Magnus's origin story and join them in the battle against The Hunger.#NetGalley #TheAdventureZoneStoryAndSong
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an ending!! I'm going to miss them all and their wild adventures plus everyone they collected along the way! I was caught by surprise at every turn and I might've cried during one part of the epilogue, well, no, maybe during all of it. They've come a long way!
It's hard to say goodbye!
It's hard to say goodbye!
Want to Read
February 5, 2026I'm so ready to sob my eyes out over my 7 birds
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews