Pathfinder: Origins #1 (of 6): Digital Exclusive Edition

by Erik Mona, Tom Garcia (Artist)

The Origin of many of the Pathfinder's in this special series! An exciting new Pathfinder adventure begins! To prove themselves to the Pathfinder Society, Valeros the fighter and his companions must recount tales of their early exploits in a world beset by magic and evil. In this issue, Valeros crosses swords with the brazen barbarian Amiri when both serve as hired guards escorting a doomed caravan through the treacherous Bloodsworn Vale. Sword and sorcery thrills from Pathfinder publisher Erik Mona (Pathfinder: Goblins!) and art from rising star Tom Garcia (Mercy Thompson)! Contains pull-out poster map and official Pathfinder RPG bonus encounter! This issue features bonus content exclusively on comiXology!

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Role Playing Games

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2014

Reviews

[Jonathan Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the Pathfinder comics up to yet and this series is a nice new angle on the heroes I’ve come to enjoy. I’d say it’s a better starting point for newcomers to Golarion as it gets to the bones of the antagonists and serves as an introduction, not just to the characters but to the world as a whole. There’s plenty of references to places and events that non-Pathfinder readers won’t recognise, but this adds background and flavour to the story and it isn’t necessary to know the world inside out. Erik Mona’s writing shows his deep knowledge of the Pathfinder world without alienating newcomers, so it’s a crisp, enjoyable read for everyone.

The story itself is interesting and filled with adventure, but I can’t help but feel that the introduction is a bit too long and the dialogue throughout can feel a lot like exposition, and I didn’t feel as though I got to know the characters as well as I would have liked – sure, I know them from the previous comics but it would have been nice to know a little more about them as people rather than just read about what they got up to in their early years. In fact, we learn more about the character of Amiri, and I ended up wanting to follow her story more than the comic’s title character Valeros. Still, it’s an imaginary world so exposition is almost a given, and it’s the first of 6 issues so we’ll no doubt learn more as we go on.

Tom Garcia’s splendid artwork, highlighted by the atmospheric colouring by Mohan and the clean, functional lettering by Marshall Dillon is what shines in this comic. Garcia’s illustrations are dynamic and he renders the iconic heroes well, and in spite of a particularly gruesome image of someone being cleaved in two, which I felt was somewhat out of place and gratuitous, the imagery is wonderful and captures the action, adventure and danger of the setting really well.

Pathfinder Origins issue 1 is action packed and will please Pathfinder players as well as general sword ‘n sorcery fans. It’s a good solid read and the extras that you get in the comic – the map and the RPG encounter – are a welcome bonus. Recommended.

[John Trent · Rating 1 out of 5]

A group of adventurers has gathered to begin their next quest, but first they regale their quest giver with their credentials. Is it good?

The premise for the origin story of Valeros feels too forced. Writer Erik Mona creates a scenario where a group of adventurers has already accomplished what appears to be a great feat in defeating The Gallowed Gang, but they are forced to defend themselves and their characters when attempting to obtain another job.

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[Solace Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know absolutely nothing about Pathfinder. A friend bought this and I read it since it was sitting around. I was intrigued, and happily so. The artwork is a style I enjoy and the story itself was simple, and yet complex enough not to be bland. Valeros, the origin story in question, is regaling a time of heroism to prove himself, while at the same time admitting that he doesn't fight just for the heart of fighting. He's not a perfect person, but he's a good warrior. I find it more fascinating to meet a character who is real than a character who is doing what they should be because it's what the audience is expecting.

[Chris Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. The background story was entertaining. The art style was good. It certainly made me want to keep reading.