![]() ![]() ![]() This should be the norm in an increasing industry of adaptations, and nothing to write home about, but this is unfortunately not the case. ![]() Like its predecessors, The Crystal Kingdom does not feel like a quick cash-grab for those involved. First, Secondīetween the art, the script, and the section dedicated to fan-works that follows the story, there is no denying that a lot of care has gone into this book. Her use of color alone is magical: dreamy pink undertones merge with sparkling whites, soft blues, and bold yellows to create a color palette suitable for the charming familiarity of The Adventure Zone. It is easy to tell that Pietsch is a master of her craft. In every panel, readers are given pieces of detail that are not specified in the text. Characters are expressive and individually unique - no two models look the same. Indeed, Pietsch’s art does a great deal of storytelling alone and is a testament to how well-done a comic can be when the artist and writer collaborate equally in its creation. ![]() That said, the book maintains the fun tone of the podcast and is able to broaden on many comedic elements through its art. Again, this works to the book’s advantage, in that it gives more room for the narrative to progress and explore other sides of leading characters. On a few occasions, The Crystal Kingdom goes for a more emotional tone, rather than sticking to the previous comedic delivery. The graphic novel also occasionally deviates from the source material in its retelling of pivotal plot points. Kravitz has long been a favorite among the fans, and The Crystal Kingdom will only solidify this status. In the graphic novel, we get a lot more moments between the two, and Kravitz overall has a greater role in the plot. This is understandable, given that the characters’ original dynamics were restrained by the fact that their voice actors were family (to quote Justin: it is “weird to go on imaginary dates with my brother”). For instance, fans will notice that the introduction of the esoteric Kravitz, and his subsequent interactions with his love interest - Taako - are played out differently. This graphic novel adaptation presents the same story originally told in podcast form, but differently. Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast! From a technical standpoint, it is impressive how well McElroy and Pietsch have worked together to bring forward appropriate elements of the podcast into this different medium, whilst simultaneously changing various plot points to take advantage of the visuals and text. The Crystal Kingdom is no exception - in fact, it is probably the best release so far, because it so masterfully translates a narrative originally told via audio into sequential art. The graphic novel adaptations of the Balance arc have worked so well because they continue to focus on capturing its audience with a good story. This installment sees the series’ leading characters, the ‘Tres Horny Boys’ - Magnus Burnsides, Taako, and Merle Highchurch - attempt to collect another Grand Relic, the Philosopher’s Stone. The book is adapted by Clint McElroy and drawn and colored by Carey Pietsch. But by including interesting characters with individual motivations - to play their music for someone who will appreciate it, to quench their thirst for invention, to hit people really hard - it also becomes a lived-in space, full of interesting stories.The Adventure Zone: The Crystal Kingdom is the fourth installment in the graphic novelization of The Adventure Zone: Balance Arc created by the McElroy family (Griffin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Clint McElroy). By providing individual arc goals in the form of quests for the individual Relics but an overarching continuity, it drives the structure of the podcast. The Bureau of Balance is a fallible, corporate-inspired organization that does the heavy lifting of setting up the stakes and the mood of the larger The Adventure Zone: Balance story. Coupled with the use of voidfish technology and suggestions from other characters, it's enough to suspect the Bureau of ulterior motives. The three characters also have a roommate who is mysteriously mind-controlled and caught exploring the director's quarters. The process is intense but leaves a lot of room for items to be switched out and secreted away, making the adventurers suspect that they may be reclaiming these Relics for some other purpose. Related: Dungeons & Dragons: How To Scale Enemies & MonstersĪfter successfully reclaiming a Relic, the three adventurers return to the Bureau's moon and immediately must hand it over for destruction. Not every secret, evil-fighting, moon-owning organization is out for good, however. While the Bureau staff seem trustworthy, some unanswered questions call the adventurers' continued work for the Bureau of Balance into question. ![]()
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