PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3, from Dynamite Comics on 9/20/23, sends the fellowship into the Spellscar Desert to face wild magic, fluxwraiths, and zombie dinosaurs.
The Details
- Written by: Fred Van Lente
- Art by: Eman Casallos
- Colors by: Jorge Sutil
- Letters by: Tom Napolitano
- Cover art by: Steve Ellis (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3 Good?
PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3 feels the most like a true blue TTRPG campaign when the fellowship, now fully formed and moving towards a common goal, sets out on a treacherous journey. Fred Van Lente moves the fellowship from one wild threat to the next in their mission to find the defector, Gabsalia. Does Van Lente roll a natural 20 in the latest chapter? Maybe.
When last we left the tenous group of adventurers, they narrowly escaped Nex, picking up another member along the way – Nyctessa, the Necromancer. Now, the team takes the only route available on the trail of the defector, Gabsalia, who was last seen heading into the Spellscar Desert for hiding and refuge. Along the way, the group encounters many a trap and beastie to overcome, until they reach their destination, but they may not find what they expect.
This issue feels the most like a TTRPG campaign because you could easily sit down and map out the sequence of challenges without a second thought. Every development practically accompanies the imagined sense of a dice roll as the threats either subside or grow, depending on the choices of each group member. If you’re already a Pathfinder player, this issue will hit your role-playing sweet spot.
What’s great about PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3? Besides the positive role-playing feel of the adventure, which is exactly what Pathfinder fans would be looking for, Van Lente gives each member of the crowded fellowship some character development. Personalities take shape, and motivations are revealed, which plants the seeds of interpersonal conflict and the potential for drama.
What’s not so great about PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3? Nothing besides a few, minor nitpicks. This was an enjoyable read from start to finish.
How’s the art? Eman Casallos and Jorge Sutil paint a proper picture of adventure when the fellowship encounters dust devils, a zombie triceratops, candy beetles, and more. Casallos looks to be having fun with a wide array of character and creature designs that give the adventure a dash of flair. Admittedly, the art has a very digital appearance, especially in Sutil’s coloring, but the overall brightness matches the desert setting well enough that you don’t mind it.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #2 review to find out what forced the fellowship into the Spellscar Desert.
We begin with Harsk and Lem scouting ahead of the group in a desperate search for water. Harsk’s divination finds a possible well, but the desert’s notorious magic leakage turns the small oasis of watery relief into a fountain of candy that turns into beetles.
Eventually, the group finds a large pool to slake their thirst, but the time for rest is short-lived when they’re attacked by a dust devil containing a fluxwraith. Seelah keeps the fluxwraith at bay with her magic sword long enough for the group to reach the cavern where Gabsalia should be hiding.
We conclude the issue with a deadly look at possible futures, two forces pitted against each other, and a task for advanced necromancy.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
PATHFINDER: WAKE THE DEAD #3 gets down to the business of running a campaign when the fellowship is forced to cross a danger-filled desert. The traps and beasties are creative, and the plot feels like it would be right at home in any TTRPG session.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.