I think my enjoyment of Critical Role is well documented at this point.
But if you’re new ’round these parts, I’ve incessantly blathered on about it on the main show, I’ve reviewed an ass load of the comics (between here and our Patreon), and I’m making my way through the Wildemount campaign guide.
In short, I dig this world they’re building.
But what about what happens behind the scenes?
Sure, there’s things like the after show, Talks Machina, or their interview series, Between The Sheets, but those have a relatively limited amount of time to deliver information.
Enter this book!
Let’s dive in and find out just exactly what wonders are held within, gang!
As per usual, this here is your official ***SPOILER ALERT***
Oh boy, there is a shit ton of information here, gang.
Split between 9 chapters, jam packed with photos and fan art, oozing with lore, their real world history, and character information.
I think one of the coolest sections of this book is the profile chapter.
Author Liz Marsham could have gone the easy route (ya know, the path I probably would have taken!) and separated the cast, Campaign 1, and Campaign 2 character profiles into 3 different groups/chapters.
But the brilliance of weaving all 3 together into 1 complete profile of each cast member can’t be understated.
Because, just like they used to say about the MCU, it’s all connected!
And it’s great to have the cast’s thought process behind developing their characters and the progression woven together in 1 place.
It should be clear that this book, by its very nature, does feature heavy spoilers for both Critical Role Campaigns.
It’s unavoidable, but they aren’t so in depth or detailed that you should just skip watching or listening to the show.
Really, what it does is subtly get you familiar with who the cast and characters are so that you can take the plunge into vast back catalogue and not feel so overwhelmed by all the newness.
For instance, at the start of Campaign 1, you are thrust into the middle of a story that’s already running with 9 new voices (soon to be only 8) all rapidly talking over each other as they grapple to solve the problems before them.
Add on top of that that these are professional Voice Actors, each throwing another voice into the mix, and it quickly hits a point where it’s hard to keep up, ESPECIALLY if you’re only listening to the podcast versions of the episodes like I did.
I’d bet this book helps to ease you in to all of that.
There is also an awesome section where Marsham almost novelizes some great key moments from both Campaigns.
Basically, almost everything you may have wanted to know about CR is here!
It’s a fun and fast read with tons of images to pour over and pick out details and such.
Like I said at the top, this thing is stuffed to the gills!
So if you’re wanting to dive into CR or you’re a long time Critter, there is something in here for you.
And given all that has happened in the last year or so, who knows, there may be a 2nd volume in just a few more years!
Let us know what you think of this review in the comments below or share this post on Twitter with the Hashtag #TNBBookReview.
Special thanks to @ACFerrell1976 for her continued editorial assistance.
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And finally, given the state of the world, do what you can to leave it a little bit better than you found it.
As difficult as that may be currently, it can have an impact far greater than you know.
Until next time, stay safe out there, gang.
