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Dragon Age: Magekiller #1

Dragon Age: Magekiller #1

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**Greg Rucka writes Dragon Age!** Greg Rucka begins an all-new story set in the immersive dark-fantasy world of Dragon Age! Tessa and Marius are mercenary partners, eliminating those who use blood magic to hurt others, but when a powerful patron employs them, they realize this next job may be their last . . . The beginning of a new adventure set in the world of Thedas! An essential addition to the Dragon Age canon! Perfect entry point into this epic dark-fantasy world!

24 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2015

10 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Greg Rucka

1,495 books1,924 followers
Greg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.

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5 stars
80 (30%)
4 stars
89 (34%)
3 stars
75 (28%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon.
3,111 reviews2,565 followers
March 25, 2016
I had no idea that this takes place during the Inquisition (either before or after, I'm not sure which but I peaked at the info for issue #4 and practically squealed when I saw Dorian, Leliana, and Skyhold mentioned.)

Also love that Varric's books are still making the rounds. Seems like everyone has a copy, lol.

The story isn't really much beyond "we kill mages" yet and the art isn't anything super spectacular, but I'm still going to read this whole series to the end no matter what.
Profile Image for The Sapphic Nerd.
1,137 reviews47 followers
December 22, 2015
I expected a lot more from Greg Rucka than this. Greg Rucka who writes Kate Kane and Renee Montoya with such mastery... And this? Frankly, I was bored.

Our protagonists are magekillers. The story is narrated by the woman, but the main focus is on the man. Neither character is interesting or charismatic in any way. Similarly, their adventures don't capture my attention.

The art is nice enough. Not much to say about it.

Overall, this first issue is very disappointing. Fingers crossed the next one is vastly improved.
Profile Image for Fábio.
10 reviews85 followers
December 17, 2015
An interesting start. Then again, it's just good to be back in the Dragon Age universe (shhh, the fact that I beat Origins again yesterday has absolutely nothing to do with it). That being said, I'm looking forward to the next issues where we'll actually find out what's going on and maybe learn more about the main characters. Here's hoping that it keeps being interesting.
Profile Image for Solace Winter.
1,880 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2016
As Cinema Sins would denote for this, so must I: Narration. Really? That's how you started the beginning. That's the loss of a star. Also, the plot, so far, in this one, was very predictable. Still, it's a good setting and it will be interesting to see where it goes, but I must admit as of right now I'm hoping for something a little less by the numbers, and a little less narration.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,001 reviews71 followers
October 5, 2018
Show me a mage who doesn't want more power...and I'll show you one of the Tranquil.

Either that, or I'll show you a corpse.


It's hard to admit it, as a fan of mages, but I really like the comic's title character, Marius the Magekiller. He is accompanied by Tessa Forsythia, who is the brains behind his brawn, though she wields a crossbow, herself. The pair of them (relationship as of yet undefined) are bounty hunters who target blood mages. The story in issue #1 of Magekiller takes them from the Free Marches to Tevinter to take on a new and unexpected job. To Marius's chagrin, he'll be working for a mage.

The characters are interesting: Marius, dark and brooding; Tessa, sarcastic and chatty. The art is beautiful. The setting and plot draw you in immediately and the world is familiar (complete with a trashy romance novel by Varric Thethras). I'm hooked already!
Profile Image for Carina.
24 reviews
March 8, 2019
Given the context of the lore, I really love how complex the characters are. As a strongly pro-mage fan, I was worried it would be a bit heavy-handed, but instead found myself delighted. The references to events and characters from the games were a fun nod to those who approach the franchise from multiple directions but like any goof standalone work, the games are not strictly needed to enjoy it.

I definitely recommend this first volume, and look forward to continuing the series. It surprised me in a lot of good ways!
Profile Image for Kaleb Riell.
17 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2019
That was a wonderful three minutes. No points taken off for this, of course, but in general I find comics by the issue to be really unsatisfying for exactly that reason. I'd rather read a whole graphic novel compilation of the whole story.
4,418 reviews37 followers
June 21, 2020
A fantasy about mage hunting.

Good color artwork,dark horse freebie. A couple of mage hunting fighters are being recruited for a dirty job. Dragon age is week developed fantasy world 🌎.
Profile Image for SassieMolassie.
729 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2023
A solid 3.5 for me. Played all the games. Love that it takes place during inquisition. Loved seeing familiar faces and places. The story was fine. Just interesting enough to finish, but not sure if I will continue the series or not.
1,629 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2018
A rare misfire from Rucka. Sets up interesting character dynamics without actually making us care about them. Serviceable art, though.
Profile Image for Andy Hickman.
7,393 reviews51 followers
September 24, 2024
Dragon Age: Magekiller
Very good story ***
#1 - "The problem with magic is that it CHEATS."
Profile Image for Holly.
247 reviews14 followers
August 10, 2016
To start, I'm 100% Dragon Age trash, which is completely why I picked Magekiller up to begin with. Now normally, I'd have waited for a trade to come out, but Greg Rucka writing a Dragon Age comic? Sign me the hell up! I wasn't disappointed, either, because it jumps right into the thick of it and I'm super excited to see where this is going.

It's an intriguing enough beginning and definitely one that's aimed at people already invested in and knowledgeable of the world of Thedas. Marius himself comes courtesy of Calpernia's short story, Paying the Ferryman, which gives some insight into her backstory. While it's not a requirement to understanding Magekiller, it's still something to take into possible consideration and does add some colour and weight to the story.

So, I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of Magekiller! Can't wait to see how it develops Marius and Tessa's characters! (Also, I totally know that Dorian appears in this along with some of the Chargers so.... AWWW YIIIISSS!!)
Profile Image for Otso Rasimus.
118 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2015
Really good start for a new Dragon Age comic series. The characters and the scale of the story were more interesting than the older comics.

I especially liked that unlike the older ones, this one didn't try to establish canonical choices for the games. Instead, it's making the rest of Thedas more alive.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
371 reviews25 followers
December 22, 2015
A promising start to the series for sure, and it's good to feed the Dragon Age obsession something new.
Profile Image for Petra.
Author 4 books75 followers
January 1, 2016
Good first issue, looking forward to the next one. Also, I really want to read some books by Varric! :)
Profile Image for Mike Luna.
4 reviews
January 31, 2016
Loved it!

I'm a huge fan of the Dragon Age games and books, and this comic did not disappoint. Highly recommend it to any DA fan.
Profile Image for Chris Conley.
967 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2016
Waaaaaaaaay too much setup narration here. The story has potential, but the narration nearly killed it for me. I like the art.
Profile Image for Alyson Dickerman.
108 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2016
Decided to check out comics and was pleasantly surprised. The narrative was engaging and the art work very pleasing. Will probably read the rest of the series. Recommended by a student!
Profile Image for Tom Oliver Taylor.
2 reviews
February 25, 2016
Want more

I enjoyed it and the personalities of the characters
It was short but as to be expected from a graphic comic
Look forward to the next instalment
Profile Image for Audra.
63 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2016
Love!!!

So excited about this series! There will never be enough Dragon Age. Art's good and I'm already hooked after this first issue. :)
255 reviews36 followers
August 26, 2016
Quite disappointed with this, I don't want to be so judgmental but I expected far better graphics as well as a more strong plot I guess. Anyhow, this is only the first issue!
Profile Image for Sarah.
887 reviews
September 16, 2016
Beautiful artwork. Compelling introduction of interesting new characters and places within the Dragon Age universe. I'm definitely intrigued and eager to read more.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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