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The Realm #2
The Realm, Volume 2
Rook and Ben hunt orcs while the rest of the team embarks on a desperate mission to rescue Will from the lair of The Spider King. Plus, meet the monstrous Red Mother and her "children."
Collects THE REALM #6-10
Collects THE REALM #6-10
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2018
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59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 22, 2022
I did not realize we were dealing with orcs and other fantasy shit when I read The Realm, Volume 1. I was thinking this was some kind of demon-alien thing.
It wasn't the 1st and it won't be the last time I missed something obvious like that, so it's lucky
I'm not easily embarrassed.
I gotta say, I really liked this more than I was expecting.
The kid who looks like a ringer for Justin Beiber during his tweenage years is still all mysterious, as is the other kid who I don't trust for a second but I still really like. And I want to find out why our main character is still alive even though he's been infected by whatever orc juice is flowing through his veins.
I don't know what's going on but I like the way all of the characters are written. Especially the bad guy who turns out to be an ex-football payer or something? Love it.
It's just nutty and different enough to hold my attention.
Looking forward to the next volume.
It wasn't the 1st and it won't be the last time I missed something obvious like that, so it's lucky
I'm not easily embarrassed.
I gotta say, I really liked this more than I was expecting.
The kid who looks like a ringer for Justin Beiber during his tweenage years is still all mysterious, as is the other kid who I don't trust for a second but I still really like. And I want to find out why our main character is still alive even though he's been infected by whatever orc juice is flowing through his veins.
I don't know what's going on but I like the way all of the characters are written. Especially the bad guy who turns out to be an ex-football payer or something? Love it.
It's just nutty and different enough to hold my attention.
Looking forward to the next volume.
October 15, 2022
Will and the Rook separate from the rest of the group to go after the orcs that set up the last arc's ambush. Eventually everyone gets sidetracked underground where they fight some spider-people, gelatinous cubes and other creatures. Eventually everyone gets back together without finding out more about how they are being hunted. With only one arc left, I imagine this series is going to finish without everything getting answered unfortunately. It' was a good series.
July 31, 2022
Not much of a dungeon crawl, honestly. Linear, lacking in traps and trickery. Would not run for my group.
March 3, 2019
Not a whole lot happens this time out. Ben, the red-bearded guy, and the Rook are off on a sidequest that takes them up against a bunch of "methed-up hillbillies" guarding a fortified bridge, while the rest of the group stumbles on some sort of dungeon filled with spider-creatures. And then there's the sorcerer Johnny Eldritch and sorceress Neera doing who knows what in the background. At this pace, it's going to take forever for something significant to happen, so it's a good thing that what does happen is pretty fun. Still, I'm hoping things pick up a bit in subsequent volumes.
December 1, 2018
Felt like this was just walking dead with orcs etc (fantasy style magic etc) instead of zombies.
October 18, 2022
Maybe I'm getting blase on "Dark Swear-y Fantasy" but this follow up didn't grab me very much, probably in part because I had a hard time recollecting who the "good guys" even were and what exactly their quest entailed. At least the baddies were entertaining.
October 23, 2019
The Realm is not a bad series but it’s hard for me to find enough reasons to continue reading it...
This is the second book and I still can’t remember the name of main character. I really don’t know what is going on aside of the fact that 15 years ago there was an incident and now the Earth is flooded with orcs, dragons and other creatures from D&D and people are trying to survive in this kind of world.
I have no idea what is the motivation of characters and I don’t really care about any of them (maybe about Rook cause I am wondering how does she looks like under the helmet).
The art is great, the D&D tropes are mostly cool, Rook and the bearded guy (see, can’t remember another name!) looks badass. Not sure if the series is still in “world building” phase or this is it. I’ll give vol. 3 a shot and we will see.
Anyways if you like postapo stories and high fantasy, this is something you might enjoy.
This is the second book and I still can’t remember the name of main character. I really don’t know what is going on aside of the fact that 15 years ago there was an incident and now the Earth is flooded with orcs, dragons and other creatures from D&D and people are trying to survive in this kind of world.
I have no idea what is the motivation of characters and I don’t really care about any of them (maybe about Rook cause I am wondering how does she looks like under the helmet).
The art is great, the D&D tropes are mostly cool, Rook and the bearded guy (see, can’t remember another name!) looks badass. Not sure if the series is still in “world building” phase or this is it. I’ll give vol. 3 a shot and we will see.
Anyways if you like postapo stories and high fantasy, this is something you might enjoy.
April 14, 2020
Well things keep getting worse for them, enemies mounting, new powers showing, and evil lurking in mysteries as they deepen. I can’t wait to find out more!
The group wants to get where they are going, and maybe what they carry will mean something. Do they even know what they have?
Unfortunately they keep getting sidelined by creepy spider people and hillbillies on a bridge while the mistress of the dark takes over the hunt. Oh boy.
The art is fantastic. I wish there was a little more character building. There are definitely intriguing things about them but the secret of the Walking Dead’s success was in flashbacks about who they were to broaden who they are now and why they do what they do. This is missing that depth.
I want more. It seems there’s only one more trade and no more issues after #15 so I hope it wraps up nicely. I can’t see how!!
The group wants to get where they are going, and maybe what they carry will mean something. Do they even know what they have?
Unfortunately they keep getting sidelined by creepy spider people and hillbillies on a bridge while the mistress of the dark takes over the hunt. Oh boy.
The art is fantastic. I wish there was a little more character building. There are definitely intriguing things about them but the secret of the Walking Dead’s success was in flashbacks about who they were to broaden who they are now and why they do what they do. This is missing that depth.
I want more. It seems there’s only one more trade and no more issues after #15 so I hope it wraps up nicely. I can’t see how!!
October 16, 2022
It's been a long time since I read the first volume, so I have to admit I was completely lost for an issue or more. And even once I started remembering pieces, the individual characters didn't really stand out much, but the adventures they went through were pretty interesting. There's a definite lean in to some classic D&D monsters and some good action sequences, but the villains got as much page time as the protagonists.
So it was an enjoyable enough read that probably would have rated higher if I had read the previous volume more recently.
So it was an enjoyable enough read that probably would have rated higher if I had read the previous volume more recently.
December 5, 2018
Well damn, this is just right up my alley! Loved it to bits ^^
'Nuff said, just go enjoy it ;)
'Nuff said, just go enjoy it ;)
April 25, 2019
Great second volume that expands the world a bit, but still keeps quite a bit shrouded in mystery. Oddly, the most memorable moments in this volume for me was “quiet moments” with the villains. The Big Bad of the moment is Johnny Eldrich, who has a Negan-Esque vibe without being quite as over the top as Negan. I also really liked when the story followed the Orc’s for a bit. Otherwise, there are about a half dozen mysteries all bubbling along in the story at this point, and I’m impressed with how the writer is juggling all the threads.
The art continues to be spot-on. Very detailed and dark, without being TOO dark. The colorist helps out here by giving it just enough color to “pop”, while still maintaining the mood. The pencils convey emotion very well, and action panels are easy to follow.
Things did slow down a smidge in this volume, hopefully the pace with pick up a bit in volume 3.
This comic is a underrated gem. I’m still convinced this could be the premise for an amazing TV series if someone picks up the rites and does it justice. C’mon Netflix, this could be your Game of Thrones! ;-)
The art continues to be spot-on. Very detailed and dark, without being TOO dark. The colorist helps out here by giving it just enough color to “pop”, while still maintaining the mood. The pencils convey emotion very well, and action panels are easy to follow.
Things did slow down a smidge in this volume, hopefully the pace with pick up a bit in volume 3.
This comic is a underrated gem. I’m still convinced this could be the premise for an amazing TV series if someone picks up the rites and does it justice. C’mon Netflix, this could be your Game of Thrones! ;-)
December 18, 2018
The first volume was pretty promising in its world building. This continues the journey with some of our characters as we learn a little more about the world they are in.
Art work continues to be handled very well.
Art work continues to be handled very well.
February 18, 2023
I could give a regular review going over the characters, art, pacing, etc. but there are many other reviewers that can do that for this book and better. Instead, this review is to get my opinions out and the thoughts on elements of the book I feel like reviewer's do not mention or are seen less in the review section.
I found this dungeon crawling arc to be okay. It felt a bit too linear almost like you could see the plot diagram the author was using. I don't think that is a bad thing though as this arc seems to be focused on building up the dealio with the MC's arm. And is also probably an excuse to draw the incredibly awesome monster designs which blow Volume 1's tentacle thing out of the water in comparison. But things do happen kinda predictably. The story progresses how you think the story will progress. There wasn't any real shocks. It was a good story, just a kinda not anything special one.
Now that we have some more time with the character's I think the emotional peaks are hitting harder. I still can't say the emotional moments are super strong but they're better than the ones in volume 1.
I also don't like how the volume splits itself between a first half and second half. Part of the reason the dungeon crawl felt so linear is that it takes half a volume to even get to it. The first half is devoted to (very poorly) explaining how the party split up. We spend too much time with the other half of the party when they do very little. I appreciate that its giving downtime but it takes up too much page space when they don't really have their own arc other than the bridge scene (which admittedly was fucking good). It also splits up time with Johnny Eldritch and his whole deal. I didn't mind since I found Eldritch's story interesting what with him having so much power but still having ot navigate that he himself is pretty far down on the totem pole while trying to leap above with actions like hiring a mercenary squad. But again, it digs into that page time for the dungeon crawl making it feel too linear and weak considering how hyped up and interesting it was at the dungeon crawl's start.
Overall, I can't knock on The Realm Volume 2. It has good elements. Its building up overarching plot threads. It's setting up the characters and what they will be doing. But I just wish it did more. Maybe it could have something mor ehappening with the overarchingplot threads in the now? Maybe it could do something more with the characters rather than setting up what they'll be dealing with and facing in volumes from now?
I just feel like this could be more. It's alright but it needs a bit more extra "oomph." Hopefully some of the more overarching plot threads are touched upon in the next volume.
I found this dungeon crawling arc to be okay. It felt a bit too linear almost like you could see the plot diagram the author was using. I don't think that is a bad thing though as this arc seems to be focused on building up the dealio with the MC's arm. And is also probably an excuse to draw the incredibly awesome monster designs which blow Volume 1's tentacle thing out of the water in comparison. But things do happen kinda predictably. The story progresses how you think the story will progress. There wasn't any real shocks. It was a good story, just a kinda not anything special one.
Now that we have some more time with the character's I think the emotional peaks are hitting harder. I still can't say the emotional moments are super strong but they're better than the ones in volume 1.
I also don't like how the volume splits itself between a first half and second half. Part of the reason the dungeon crawl felt so linear is that it takes half a volume to even get to it. The first half is devoted to (very poorly) explaining how the party split up. We spend too much time with the other half of the party when they do very little. I appreciate that its giving downtime but it takes up too much page space when they don't really have their own arc other than the bridge scene (which admittedly was fucking good). It also splits up time with Johnny Eldritch and his whole deal. I didn't mind since I found Eldritch's story interesting what with him having so much power but still having ot navigate that he himself is pretty far down on the totem pole while trying to leap above with actions like hiring a mercenary squad. But again, it digs into that page time for the dungeon crawl making it feel too linear and weak considering how hyped up and interesting it was at the dungeon crawl's start.
Overall, I can't knock on The Realm Volume 2. It has good elements. Its building up overarching plot threads. It's setting up the characters and what they will be doing. But I just wish it did more. Maybe it could have something mor ehappening with the overarchingplot threads in the now? Maybe it could do something more with the characters rather than setting up what they'll be dealing with and facing in volumes from now?
I just feel like this could be more. It's alright but it needs a bit more extra "oomph." Hopefully some of the more overarching plot threads are touched upon in the next volume.
January 7, 2024
Volume two jumps right in with Rook, Ben the warrior, and a scout from the settlement attacked at the end of V1 all chasing the last of the attacking orcs and dealing with opportunistic humans along the way. Eldritch, the antagonist sorcerer, has his power threatened when the entity he serves sends a more powerful sorcerer to him to take charge. The rest of the group deal with the aftermath of the settlement attack and deaths of two of the original party. The last scientist experiments with his new-found magical abilities.
Some cool set piece action moments and an exploration of Nolan’s secret affliction/power when held by a unique set of creatures. The creature design is great, and the two literal Dungeons and Dragons creature Easter eggs were excellent.
Some cool set piece action moments and an exploration of Nolan’s secret affliction/power when held by a unique set of creatures. The creature design is great, and the two literal Dungeons and Dragons creature Easter eggs were excellent.
December 7, 2019
After a scattered first volume, The Realm's second volume is much more focused - albeit to its detriment. A handful of our heroes get caught in what amounts to a D&D dungeon (gelatinous cube included) while the evil sorcerer weirdo bickers with a more powerful agent of the mysterious dark lord. It's all quite exciting, but very contained.
At this point, I'm not really sure where the series is going - the main character has a cool black arm, and that seems to be something important, but it's still entirely unclear why he has the arm and what it means. After the first volume, I didn't anticipate The Realm to suddenly become a slow burn, but here we are.
At this point, I'm not really sure where the series is going - the main character has a cool black arm, and that seems to be something important, but it's still entirely unclear why he has the arm and what it means. After the first volume, I didn't anticipate The Realm to suddenly become a slow burn, but here we are.
February 4, 2020
If The Stand had babies with Dungeons and Dragons Basic Rules in a world influenced a bit by Mad Max: Fury Road: Mad Max #1.
September 23, 2024
This second volume is pretty much in line with the first volume when it comes to plot and character development. Once again, the best part of this book is its depiction of the characters. This one also has some good monster development and the introduction of a villain, who is far more interesting than the primary villain from the first volume. There is also a creepy and suspenseful underground adventure and conflict between villains that punch up the story. However, the plot itself still drags and there are no real resolutions in this book.
February 24, 2020
Too Little Plot
I loved the first volume, but this second volume only had two side stories and didn’t do enough to advance the overall plot of the series. As such there really wasn’t enough variation in the art or environments. Other than that the art does maintain the same high quality of the first volume. The paneling and words-to-panel ratio is excellent. Overall, I just didn’t feel satisfied after reading this volume. It was too short.
I loved the first volume, but this second volume only had two side stories and didn’t do enough to advance the overall plot of the series. As such there really wasn’t enough variation in the art or environments. Other than that the art does maintain the same high quality of the first volume. The paneling and words-to-panel ratio is excellent. Overall, I just didn’t feel satisfied after reading this volume. It was too short.
April 4, 2019
With smoother storytelling than vol. 1, the second installment of The Realm delivers even more of the post-apocalyptic high fantasy that caught my attention at the start. The art remains strong, the story is interesting (even if it's still getting started), and the storytelling delivers a dramatic flair that is fun to read.
June 6, 2019
Good follow-up volume in this fantasy post-apocalyptic comic series.
The first volume impressed me and this one continues that opinion as the plot develops between all the different parties, both good and evil. We find out more about the forces at work and encounter new characters and creatures (most unpleasant). Enjoyable and well illustrated. Recommended but read Volume 1 first.
August 4, 2019
Really digging this series... It's basically post-apocalyptic D&D including dungeon crawls, character classes, and without spoiling anything - some pretty iconic monsters. The backstory is slowly unfolding but there is an air of mystery which surrounds this apocalypse and the cause is not immediately clear. I look forward to the next volume.
May 29, 2023
I am willing to give this series a chance, but I am getting a bad feeling about it. It feels like the author got the inspiration for this series from a lot of other series, threw it all together in a sort of potpourri. I doubt he will be able to bring it all together in a grand finale as the next volume is already the last volume in the series.
January 20, 2019
This series is getting better, I look forward to seeing it develop.
April 28, 2019
I am still curious where this leads. So far so good. Quite entertaining.
June 30, 2020
GELATINOUS CUBE!!!!!!!!!
This series is fun as hell. Just the right amount of D&D bullshittery mixed with almost over the top badassery. Love it. Truly hope someone picks this up for a show.
This series is fun as hell. Just the right amount of D&D bullshittery mixed with almost over the top badassery. Love it. Truly hope someone picks this up for a show.
January 7, 2022
DNF. I hated this.
September 28, 2022
Really good stuff. Lots of action and an interesting recurring plot.
December 9, 2022
This was okay. I think it was easier to follow than the first volume; maybe because I already had been introduced to the characters or I had some familiarity with the world.
April 10, 2023
The plot thickens but there are still more mysteries than answers!
October 1, 2023
I have very little idea what is going on here. The unrevealed mysteries are not tantalizing, so I’m not intrigued enough to continue. I’m stopping here with this series.
Art’s quite good, though.
Art’s quite good, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews