Pathfinder could very well get best fantasy series of the year award. I’ve been truly enjoying it, such a fun comic. Vibrant characters, a Lord of the Rings-like adventure, and the writing keeps you wanting more. In just three issues we have some of the most likable characters in comics currently. Not to mention the action is good. Issue #3 is definitely a high point for the series. It moves the story forward with some new developments, some of the characters get even more development, and some demonic goblin action to top it all off. (Not to mention the giant awesome-looking thing you’ll see on the final page!)

Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

Valeros and his companions have captured one of the cultists behind the strange magic that grips the goblin tribes of Varisia, but their prisoner may not be as helpless as they seem. Making matters worse, the group must cross through the haunted cemetery known as Pauper’s Grave, luring them into the paralyzing touch of flesh-eating ghouls. Paizo’s incredible award-winning fantasy world, fiction line and tabletop RPG is now the ultimate fantasy comic from Dynamite Entertainment. Includes over 5 pages of character profiles and Pathfinder RPG game statistics, plus an EXCLUSIVE removable, playable tactical map and poster.

This issue played out like an adventure movie or video game where the characters journey from one world to the next, battle minions, then the boss appears. Obviously this isn’t ‘deep’ storytelling, rather a fun tale. When you’re coming home from a long day and open up this comic, instant fun. That’s what I like about Pathfinder, you can open it and have a blast with some of the most fun characters currently in comics. In this one the heroes travel to Paupers’ Grave, a very grim place complete with a destroyed castle and skulls all over the place. This issue is rather dialogue heavy, which works in its favor. Merisiel gets some page time to herself. It’s good to have these characters alone sometimes to develop them, here we learn a little of her past and how loyal she is to the group. The action comes in the form of flesh eating Goblins, and boy are they deadly. The issue succeeds in doing something every comic wants to achieve, being able to have both sufficient dialogue and sufficient action.

This issue has the strongest artwork by far, it has a unique style that works well. It makes the goblins look extremely demonic, and the action vibrant. Slightly cartoony sometimes, but it works. The cover showcases Kyra, who gets a pretty cool “Aw yeah” moment in the issue. The other tree covers are truly astonishing, those are the ones to get.

Overall, a great third installment of Pathfinder. This one has some great writing and fun action, it’s not an issue to miss. Things look to get even more exciting next time.

4.5/5