“Go for the eyes, Boo! Go for the eyes!” - Minsc

Let's me start by saying this, if you recognize the above quote, go buy this book now! You will not be disappointed in the slightest, review over.

Now for those who have no clue who Boo or Minsc is we will have a second review just for you.

At night in the city of Baldur's Gate a moon elf named Delina is being attacked by gargoyles. While able to keep alive and put up a decent fight, the gargoyles create a lot of death and destruction in their pursuit. Thankfully Delina is a wild mage and her magic awakens the ranger Minsc and his companion Boo. Minsc is a self-proclaimed noble warrior fighting for good who usually has to consult with Boo, the miniature giant space hamster. Yeah, let that one sink in...”Miniature giant space hamster”.

This whole issue is like an opening to a good action film. We get a chase scene, competent protagonist who is in over her head, a funny but possibly crazy co-lead, and some great fight scenes. After just one issue I feel a connection to the characters even though I have just seen them running and fighting. They aren't self-centered, they actually mourn the loss of innocent life, and they have abilities they can use to fight. While we are thrown head first into the middle of a story, the book slowly builds the world for us. No knowledge of Dungeons and Dragons or Baldur's Gate is needed. Just wanting a fun book with action and interesting characters.

The art is perfect for the story. The characters are full of expression and seem to move in the panels. There is a ton of action, actually the entire issue is nonstop running and fighting, and it has that visceral feel of movement. Everything is clear and flows. The backgrounds are rich and put you into the world as much as the characters in the foreground. There are also very descriptive sound effects during the fights that are reminiscent of Zub's work on Skullkickers.

While full of action there is a plot here, it is the start of one, like I said this is the first fifteen minutes of the movie before the opening credits roll. The part that hooks you. If you want action, humor, fun, and a miniature giant space hamster, pick up this book.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Jim Zub Artist: Max Dunbar Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/22/14 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital