Is there anything that appeals to my nerdy side more than a comic based off a tabletop RPG? Probably not. So with a new run on the “Pathfinder” comic out, not too long after the conclusion of “Worldscape,” it’s time to once more take a trip to Golarion and see what our band of heroes has in store.
Written by F. Wesley Schneider
Illustrated by Ediano Silva
Colors by Omi RemalanteAn exciting new Pathfinder adventure begins! The Pathfinder heroes receive a desperate plea to unmask a killer stalking the chaos-gripped city of Korvosa. A new queen has ascended the city’s Crimson Throne, and now deadly armored Hellknights and Gray Maidens clash in the streets. With the help of a cagey adventuring detective, the heroes race down the perilous trail of a brutal murderer-only to realize that the next target might be one of their own! Dare the magic and monsters of gothic Korvosa in the first sword-swinging issue from Pathfinder co-creator F. Wesley Schneider (Pathfinder Hollow Mountain, Bloodbound), with art from Ediano Silva (Grimm Fairy Tales, Hellchild: The Unholy). Contains pull-out poster map and official Pathfinder RPG bonus encounter!
What makes the “Pathfinder” comics great for fans of the game is its use of the iconic characters, as seen in both the handbooks and miniatures. For me, there’s nothing more entertaining than opening an issue and going “Hey, I know that guy – I use his mini for my warlock!” While for the comic, it provides a nice array of characters the writers can draw from that readers will recognize upon first sight.
“Pathfinder: Runescars” starts with the basic party of Valeros (fighter), Seoni (sorcerer), Merisiel (rogue), and Kyra (cleric), although it does feature the debut of the investigator, Quinn. Harsk and Ezren, who were members of the party for several previous volumes, are nowhere to be found, but there’s nothing wrong with having a rotating cast in a book like this.
In regards to the characters, it seems “Pathfinder: Runescars” will feature a story connected to Seoni, whose backstory was only briefly covered in the first volume. It’s nice to get one more directly related to the characters, rather than just have them get drawn into whatever unrelated quest they find themselves on. In introducing us to Seoni’s family, her backstory, and how it impacts her and the rest of her party, we can get to know the characters more as individuals, rather than “the sorcerer and other assorted party members.”
Speaking of, I’d like to take a moment to mention how Merisiel and Kyra are an adorable couple. One’s an elf rogue with a dark past and a list of crimes that could fill a book, the other is a cleric of Sarenrae just discovering her sexuality. They’re both women, so it’s a nice bit of representation for LGBT+ readers, and there’s some nice banter between them that shows their closeness.
Additionally, each of the character designs are unique and very impressive, and the artwork by Ediano Silva does a fine job capturing all their details. There’s a lot of little details on each of the characters, and a lot of equipment for them to carry; metal studs on Merisiel’s armor, the patterns across Quinn’s robes, and the arcane tattoos that adorn Seoni’s skin all receive time and attention, as befitting the complex but impressive designs of the iconic characters.
However, while the character designs themselves all look great, there are occasional hiccups with the expressions they’re given. While on one page we’re given a fantastic shot of an angry Seoni, teeth clenched as she casts her spells, another presents us with a very unnatural look on Merisiel’s face as she laughs. And I honestly have no idea what kind of look Ediano is going for when Valeros has a sword to his throat. So while there are some great expressive moments, it can definitely vary from page to page.
Although “Pathfinder: Runescars” has a lot to set up, with Hellknights and investigators, mysterious murders, and someone hunting down Varisian sorcerers, F. Wesley Schneider manages to pace everything out nicely, and everything flows well from one event to the next. There’s even time for an amusing moment where the party fights a trash-eating sewer beast; I love how it skips ahead a mere 16 seconds to give us Valeros caught in its tentacles while crying out “Nothing should smell this bad!”
Continued belowThe conclusion to that scene is equally entertaining, in a way I didn’t expect, so I won’t spoil it here but will give great credit to F. Wesley Schneider for an amusing and completely in-character resolution.
Outside of the character designs, the art throughout “Pathfinder: Runescars” features some impressive designs and panels. The city of Korvosa itself is drawn in loving detail, using the little details from across the city to set the mood and display exactly what kind of town it is. From the cracks along the walls to a dog rummaging through a garbage can, we know when the characters are in the “nice part of town” or not.
When combat breaks out, the action flows well, and the designs remain strong. From battles with Hellknights in their skull-shaped armor to the terror of the many-tentacled sewer beast, there’s plenty of action and well-illustrated excitement to enjoy. Ediano Silva’s artwork manages to get that sword-and-sorcery style of fantasy look just right, making it a fitting addition to the “Pathfinder” comic line.
Overall, “Pathfinder: Runescars” is looking to be a fine blend of fantasy action, character-driven drama, and just a bit of comic relief. If you’ve grown attached to these characters through their previous adventures and exploits, you’ll love seeing where the quest takes them next.
Final Verdict: 7.8 – A strong start to the next “Pathfinder” story arc.
