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Dark Souls: The Age of Fire #1-4
Dark Souls: The Age of Fire
Titan Comics returns to the very beginnings of the Dark Souls story with a dramatic retelling of the legends of Gwyn - Lord of Cinder and Knight Artotias!
In a world where ancient Lords wield god-like powers and Everlasting Dragons soar the skies, what place is there for mortal men? Join Silver Knight Arkon, a powerful warrior in Lord Gwyn's army, on a quest for redemption and survival, as we journey to age before the undead curse blighted the land of Lordran.
Collects issues #1-4.
In a world where ancient Lords wield god-like powers and Everlasting Dragons soar the skies, what place is there for mortal men? Join Silver Knight Arkon, a powerful warrior in Lord Gwyn's army, on a quest for redemption and survival, as we journey to age before the undead curse blighted the land of Lordran.
Collects issues #1-4.
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2018
13 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Ryan O'Sullivan
53 books35 followersRyan O'Sullivan is a comic book writer from the North of England. Best known for original works such as A Dark Interlude, Fearscape, Void Trip, and Turncoat; Ryan has also written for licensed properties such as Dark Souls, Warhammer 40,000, and The Evil Within; as well as music industry professionals such as RZA of the Wutang Clan, Yungblud, and Abbey Road Studios. His original graphic novel, Fearscape, was one of only two comics selected for The Guardian newspaper's "Best Books of the Year 2019". He is one quarter of the White Noise comic-writer studio.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 26, 2021
Is this canon?
Anyway, a quick read (around 20 minutes). Pads basic lore about Gwyn and Artorias without really giving anything new to their characters.
Art quality ain’t great and story could definitely be finessed. Still, as a new Dark Souls fan it added to my understanding of the lore (I’m at the stage where I’m willing to consume any bit of supplementary content)
Anyway, a quick read (around 20 minutes). Pads basic lore about Gwyn and Artorias without really giving anything new to their characters.
Art quality ain’t great and story could definitely be finessed. Still, as a new Dark Souls fan it added to my understanding of the lore (I’m at the stage where I’m willing to consume any bit of supplementary content)
October 8, 2019
Quick read for sure. I only recommend this book to fans of the Souls games. Otherwise, a reader would be pretty lost.
The art is nice, but some of the "action" is difficult to follow. The story is short but interesting (for fans at least).
I may or may not read further Dark Souls graphic novels. I honestly have other stories I would like to read more.
The art is nice, but some of the "action" is difficult to follow. The story is short but interesting (for fans at least).
I may or may not read further Dark Souls graphic novels. I honestly have other stories I would like to read more.
August 25, 2022
?
Fazit: Für Kenner der Souls-Lore vielleicht sehr angenehm, für Neueinsteiger absolut nicht zu empfehlen. Nie war "Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof" bedeutungsvoller als hier. Gesamt: 1/5
Inhalt: Ritter und Drachen und Magie und so...ich habe wirklich nichts verstanden.
Bewertung: Nach über 100 Rezensionen habe ich nun endlich eine gefunden, die mir wirklich schwerfällt. Ich habe überlegt, ob ich mich überhaupt äußern soll, habe mich aber letztlich dafür entschieden. Der vierte Sammelband der Dark-Souls-Reihe hat mir einmal bildlich vor Augen geführt, wie wenig Wissen über die Hintergrundgeschichte der Spiele wirklich notwendig ist, um die anderen Comics zu verstehen. Denn dort hatte ich keinerlei Probleme. Wie man an meiner oben stehenden Inhaltsangabe erkennen kann, war das im letzten Band komplett anders. Ich habe wirklich keinerlei Ahnung, was genau die Handlung ist und welche Auswirkungen diese hat. Ich verstehe die Beziehungen zwischen den Charakteren nicht. Alles ist bruchstückhaft und mit großen Lücken erzählt. Letztlich stehe ich als Neueinsteiger vor der klassischen Frage: Was will der Künstler uns mit seinem Werk sagen? Aus diesem Aspekt betrachtet, kann ich Neueinsteigern "Das Zeitalter des Feuers" wirklich nicht empfehlen, woraus auch meine schlechte Bewertung resultiert. Der eine Stern kommt nur durch die Bilder, denn die sind immer wieder wirklich eindrucksvoll und schön. Düster und verschwommen, also genau der Zeichenstil, den ich schätze. Da das hier aber ein Comic und kein Bilderbuch ist, reißen es die Zeichnungen dann auch nicht mehr raus.
Fazit: Für Kenner der Souls-Lore vielleicht sehr angenehm, für Neueinsteiger absolut nicht zu empfehlen. Nie war "Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof" bedeutungsvoller als hier. Gesamt: 1/5
October 19, 2019
I'll admit that I was slightly thrown off by the cover (Four Knights of Gwyn), so my presumption was that the graphic novel would follow their backstories a bit more. To my surprise (minor spoilers incoming), the book covers new characters attached to lore of series, take for instance Arkon (Silver Knights) and Dragon Knight Gravis (Dragon Knights).
While I found Arkon as a worthy protagonist, I wish Gravis had more development as it was their introduction to the series and would make for a great in-game NPC. Gravis reminded me a lot of Lucatiel of Mirrah as they resolve stems from not going hollow due to the curse.
I also wish there were more to how Artorias fit in this story. He was in a few scenes and they were not nearly as impactful as they could have been. In other words, his inclusion felt abrupt at times.
I did enjoy the art, though some action scenes were a tad difficult to follow because of the inherent darker atmosphere which translated to lots of black with muted colors.
Overall, I enjoyed the graphic novel despite my gripes. I would recommend this to a Dark Souls fan who enjoys exploring the lore and universe outside the games. However, I would not consider this a good starting point or means to delve into a lot of backstory. There is some, but I find that this graphic reinforces the understanding of Dark Souls opposed to expanding too much on the series.
While I found Arkon as a worthy protagonist, I wish Gravis had more development as it was their introduction to the series and would make for a great in-game NPC. Gravis reminded me a lot of Lucatiel of Mirrah as they resolve stems from not going hollow due to the curse.
I also wish there were more to how Artorias fit in this story. He was in a few scenes and they were not nearly as impactful as they could have been. In other words, his inclusion felt abrupt at times.
I did enjoy the art, though some action scenes were a tad difficult to follow because of the inherent darker atmosphere which translated to lots of black with muted colors.
Overall, I enjoyed the graphic novel despite my gripes. I would recommend this to a Dark Souls fan who enjoys exploring the lore and universe outside the games. However, I would not consider this a good starting point or means to delve into a lot of backstory. There is some, but I find that this graphic reinforces the understanding of Dark Souls opposed to expanding too much on the series.
August 2, 2023
Extremely weak attempt to adapt a work renowned for subtle, organic storytelling into a medium that doesn't support that. It feels like the basic plot of a Marvel movie retrofitted with Dark Souls' characters and settings. I like some of the art but ultimately this was a waste of twenty minutes and anybody not deeply entrenched in the series already will be entirely lost. There's also a certain humour to the fact that one of the few things that Dark Souls makes absolutely clear () seems to be totally lost on the author of this.
December 27, 2019
Muddy art, low quality and repetitive compositions, and a muted and dull color palate combine to make this a slog to read. Nearly every page is continuous small wide panels that show little action or dynamic movement. When the action does happen - it feels sapped of energy due to the low quality of the art.
It actually becomes hard to follow the story due to the muddy, repetitive compositions. In addition the characters are lifeless and hard to track due to the dark colors and ugly art style.
I love Dark Souls but this does not do the games justice at all.
It actually becomes hard to follow the story due to the muddy, repetitive compositions. In addition the characters are lifeless and hard to track due to the dark colors and ugly art style.
I love Dark Souls but this does not do the games justice at all.
January 8, 2022
(2,4 of 5 for this obnoxious reading)
I must admit - the comic is faithful to the game. Although the visual side is splendid, the reading is painful, tormenting, punishing and not rewarding in any non-masochistic way. George Mann is yet another example that being a book writer doesn't make you a comic author. Maybe more the opposite. To my disappointment, this series has the weakest covers so far. Those before were something to study and admire, these are just generic, one like other, covers. Shame.
I must admit - the comic is faithful to the game. Although the visual side is splendid, the reading is painful, tormenting, punishing and not rewarding in any non-masochistic way. George Mann is yet another example that being a book writer doesn't make you a comic author. Maybe more the opposite. To my disappointment, this series has the weakest covers so far. Those before were something to study and admire, these are just generic, one like other, covers. Shame.
August 2, 2023
I've never liked the Soulsborne franchise. It's the poster child for mediocrity in gaming and has an undeserved reputation of being "difficult" because its publishers market a fucking JRPG towards idiots who have never played one in their lives and don't know what leveling up and reading stat sheets and equipment descriptions are.
One of the few redeeming qualities of Demon's and Dark Souls 1 was that they had a fairly solid plot and decent lore. In the latter's case that was the only reason to even keep playing that poor excuse of a JRPG.
Which is what makes this comic laugh out loud worthy. The premise of Arkon being a hero that was just given his title for political reasons and the potential of seeing how Lordran functioned after the age of fire was established is thrown out the window by issue 2. Arkon and his squad fail hilariously (Garl Vinland is also here for no reason aside from fan service, which had me dying laughing) and Lordran is going to shit in rapid time.
The humans becoming undead is never built up. We are just shown it happens, are presented with some guy saying you should not pity the soulless, only for his friend to tell him he is no saint, and then for him to say basically "ok fuck you man" and then he waddles away and dies from a demon attack.
There is an attempt at a subplot with Seath's Enchanters stealing handmaidens to experiment on. But Seath doesn't care that much when they relay information on the world to him. His chief "ears" even ignores Seath telling him he does not care and COMES BACK AND TELLS HIM ANYWAY. And Seath of course tells him fuck off and that's that.
The ending then panders hard, having Arkon get killed by Oscar and it then sets up DS1. I guess the plot point of Arkon's title being undeserved was really hit home. Cause he sure did fuck all despite being the main character.
There are some decent qualities. The art is passable. With some nice grainy detail in armor and and weighty action scenes. The paneling is also effective though very basic in framing the action and trying to make the bad writing look somewhat dynamic and interesting.
If you want 20 minutes of hilarity, this is worth a read. Or you could exchange it for dozens of hours of mediocrity by playing any of the games instead.
One of the few redeeming qualities of Demon's and Dark Souls 1 was that they had a fairly solid plot and decent lore. In the latter's case that was the only reason to even keep playing that poor excuse of a JRPG.
Which is what makes this comic laugh out loud worthy. The premise of Arkon being a hero that was just given his title for political reasons and the potential of seeing how Lordran functioned after the age of fire was established is thrown out the window by issue 2. Arkon and his squad fail hilariously (Garl Vinland is also here for no reason aside from fan service, which had me dying laughing) and Lordran is going to shit in rapid time.
The humans becoming undead is never built up. We are just shown it happens, are presented with some guy saying you should not pity the soulless, only for his friend to tell him he is no saint, and then for him to say basically "ok fuck you man" and then he waddles away and dies from a demon attack.
There is an attempt at a subplot with Seath's Enchanters stealing handmaidens to experiment on. But Seath doesn't care that much when they relay information on the world to him. His chief "ears" even ignores Seath telling him he does not care and COMES BACK AND TELLS HIM ANYWAY. And Seath of course tells him fuck off and that's that.
The ending then panders hard, having Arkon get killed by Oscar and it then sets up DS1. I guess the plot point of Arkon's title being undeserved was really hit home. Cause he sure did fuck all despite being the main character.
There are some decent qualities. The art is passable. With some nice grainy detail in armor and and weighty action scenes. The paneling is also effective though very basic in framing the action and trying to make the bad writing look somewhat dynamic and interesting.
If you want 20 minutes of hilarity, this is worth a read. Or you could exchange it for dozens of hours of mediocrity by playing any of the games instead.
May 3, 2024
Far too inconsistent in writing and art style, there are parts great and mediocre. It does capture the essence of the game somewhat, still it had dialogue that didn't really fit into the series. It is a mixed bag.
Also, some of the artwork is hard to understand, and most of it looks like cheap 00's CGI made into a comic book. This is not to criticize the artist, but the budget or time for this was probably too low. Still somewhat enjoyable as a hardcore Souls fan.
Also, some of the artwork is hard to understand, and most of it looks like cheap 00's CGI made into a comic book. This is not to criticize the artist, but the budget or time for this was probably too low. Still somewhat enjoyable as a hardcore Souls fan.
July 4, 2021
Artwork is cool and uses locations and sets from the games, but is very cgi-still frame with blurry backgrounds without much detail.
The story and pacing is much truer to the games and original storytelling (thinking of everything in the Vol.1 omnibus released prior to The Age of Fire).
Cool for fans of the game, but not a can’t miss or anything.
The story and pacing is much truer to the games and original storytelling (thinking of everything in the Vol.1 omnibus released prior to The Age of Fire).
Cool for fans of the game, but not a can’t miss or anything.
September 2, 2021
Instantly the best of the dark souls comics solely for the reason that they actually mention, use, and focused on the lore of the games. Why was it so hard for them to actually do this in any of the previous comics. But what drags it down is that the artwork is not very good in my opinion I am not sure why. Still something that Dark Souls fans would actually want since it is what we want.
December 22, 2025
This was interesting, and the first Dark Souls comic that looks not only to be happening close time-wise to the first game, but also in familiar areas. I dug the characters, and the story was interesting.
The art, to me, varied quite a bit. Some panels were gorgeous, and others were murky and blurry.
This is maybe the comic I would recommend for a Souls fan to try.
The art, to me, varied quite a bit. Some panels were gorgeous, and others were murky and blurry.
This is maybe the comic I would recommend for a Souls fan to try.
November 13, 2022
Interesting in terms of Dark Souls' lore. You'd really have to have played at least one of the games to appreciate it. Art is dark and gloomy, like the Dark Souls' world. Often it is hard to tell what is going on in battles, and the overall murkiness can detract from the overall work.
December 25, 2025
2.5 -> 3
Bence serinin en zayıf cildiydi. Hikaye olarak çok bir şey yoktu belki 10 sayfada anlatabileceği bir şeyi bir ciltte anlatmaya çalışmış. Çizimleri de beğenemedim çoğu o kadar karanlıktı ki okumakta ve çizimleri anlamakta zorluk yaşadım. Umarım 5. kitabını daha çok severim.
Bence serinin en zayıf cildiydi. Hikaye olarak çok bir şey yoktu belki 10 sayfada anlatabileceği bir şeyi bir ciltte anlatmaya çalışmış. Çizimleri de beğenemedim çoğu o kadar karanlıktı ki okumakta ve çizimleri anlamakta zorluk yaşadım. Umarım 5. kitabını daha çok severim.
June 11, 2019
Pair this with the DSIII soundtrack and it's a good read.🔥
March 30, 2020
A lovely addition to the universe. Go slow, so you don't miss details!
June 26, 2020
Enjoyed this 4 part comic. Good lore easy to follow and keeping you wanting more. Liked this one. 5/5
November 29, 2020
Found it a bit hard to follow (never played the game), some great artwork!
January 3, 2021
Yay
If you like dark souls lore then you could definitely go worse then this. Good characters, story and art. Yay.
If you like dark souls lore then you could definitely go worse then this. Good characters, story and art. Yay.
November 15, 2021
Fun Read!
Great read. Covered lore well. I wish to see more important souls in the story but was not dissatisfied in those involved!
Great read. Covered lore well. I wish to see more important souls in the story but was not dissatisfied in those involved!
January 21, 2025
MUCH better than the others! Really good story with loads of characters from the actual game. Makes total sense. Great artwork.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews