Synopsis:
Game Master Matthew Mercer joins Eisner Award-winning writer Darcy van Poelgeest (LittleBird) and fan-favorite artist CoupleofKooks in a brand new Critical Role story from the mighty Kryn Dynasty, collected in a trade paperback and ready to take its place in your Critical Role library.
Could the fabled Luxon be the downfall of the Kryn Dynasty?
Leylas Kryn, the Bright Queen, has spent multiple lives in pursuit of assembling the otherworldly Luxon. So when another piece appears nearby, Leylas sends her eternal lover Quana to collect it…with consequences that may threaten the entire Dynasty! Hope for the future clashes with darkness from the past in a stellar new story from the world of Critical Role!
Review:
Ever since campaign two I’ve had a huge interest in The Bright Queen. Not sure why it’s taken me so long to get around to reading this, but here we are. Leylas (The Bright Queen) is unbelievably cool. This graphic novel shows her as nothing short of a powerful figure in the Kryn dynasty.
If you’ve recently watched The Mighty Nein animated series, this is a brilliant companion novel. I don’t think this a graphic novel you could go into with no prior knowledge of Exandria and especially the Kryn. The Mighty Nein Origins can easily be enjoyed by all, but I’d avoid this if you’ve never watched the show or campaign, it would be extremely confusing. I’m a little confused and I’ve watched both.
One thing I’m a little disappointed with was the colour palette didn’t make this an engaging or exciting read. Obviously Roshana is in perpetual night and the Kryn are mostly Drow so everything is very dark and purple so it all just blurs into one. I do like the colour palette, purple is one of my favourite colours, but it didn’t wow me like some of Critical Role’s other graphic novels. Jester’s origin novel will always be my go to when comparing how wonderfully beautiful a graphic novel can be.
The art style feels very classic Critical Role and I love how expressive every character is. Sadly, Leylas didn’t look as regal as you’d expect. I’ll never forget the first time Matt Mercer described The Bright Queen – it was quite the moment.
Another thing that disappointed me was how detached this story and its characters feel. It’s interesting and provides great information on the history of the Luxon but something felt off. It could be the plot was a little disjointed or that parts weren’t explained particularly well but I didn’t enjoy this as much as I’d hoped. It was still an entertaining read and I’d give it a solid three stars.
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