Vox Machina take part in an underground fighting tournament in an attempt to bolster their empty coffers in Vox Machina Origins III #2. Script by Jody Houser, Art by Olivia Samson, Colors by Diana Sousa, Lettering by Ariana Maher and Cover by Jess Taylor. Based on the story and characters created by the cast of Critical Role.
Take a Chance, Roll the Dice
Last time on Vox Machina Origins, our group of adventurers quickly ran through the reward coin earned off panel. Seeing an opportunity, self-proclaimed “finder of talent” Kradin Grimthorne recruited our heroes to participate in an underground fighting ring. Issue #2 picks up mid-fight, as Vox Machina has their hands full.
Far from becoming the legendary heroes of Tal’Dorei, the lack of cohesion and cooperation is on full display here. Only the twins are familiar enough to truly work together. Scanlan’s abilities to buff allow the team to continually come out on top, despite everyone using their own tactics.
Vox Machina manages to reach the final round, facing Loran the Bear and his group. The same group Grog managed to start a bar brawl with in issue #1. Keyleth and Vax are taken out by a blow dart wielder hiding among the crowd in the stands before Vex is able to retaliate. The tide of battle turns when a dart that was intended for Scanlan hits the other group’s bard instead. The remaining members of Vox Machina begin to work together as Vex and Scanlan distract opponents for Pike and Percy to take out. The final blow is made by Grog after Loran the Bear makes the tragic mistake of hitting our goliath.
Our heroes have learned to fight together, with plenty of scrapes, bruises and coin to show for it. We’ll have to wait until the next issue to see if the planned celebration brings on new problems to face.
From the Tabletop to the Page
Problems with Samson’s art were highlighted by the issue’s emphasis on combat. While their character work, particularly expressions, is great, the framing of combat panels overall pacing between fight scenes was uneven. Multiple instances of scene changes going into and out of battle were jarring. I kept expecting to find a missing page. These problems improve by the last battle thanks to having both a definitive start and end on page.
Houser’s scripting continues to be above average, but I think this is helped by the fact that the majority of readers have a few hundred hours of experience with these characters. Grog generally seems to steal the show in the Origins series, and it’s really no different here, with fighting being one of Grog’s favorite things.
Maybe it’s the X-Men fan in me, but I prefer the character interaction more than the fights. This is true both with the comic and the show. The draw of Vox Machina Origins is spending more time with the characters we’ve come to love through Critical Role. In Vox Machina Origins III #2, I could’ve used a bit more story or character interaction within the fight scenes to help scratch that itch.
Is It Wednesday Yet?
- WE READ DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS!!!!
- I wonder if Dark Horse thought about trying to sell ad space to D&D Beyond or NordVPN.
- While you’re here, check out ComicsXF Primer!
He/Him
Jason is born, raised, and currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, two cats, and one dog. He enjoys comics, games, art, and helped put together the logo and website for ComicsXF. He'd rather be in the woods.
