Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1

Official art of the cover of Volume 1, by Robynn Frauhn.

***Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1*** is a collection of four of the releases in the series Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins, in one oversized volume, including an expanded sketchbook section and all-new cover art by Robynn Frauhn.

### **Jester Lavorre**

The first issue of the series is written by Sam Maggs with art by Hunter Severn Bonyun, colors by Cathy Le, lettering by Ariana Maher, with direction by Laura Bailey and Matthew Mercer. It focuses on Jester's childhood. It was released in comic shops on November 3, 2021 and at major retailers on December 7, 2021.

**Summary**:

Jester Lavorre had an unconventional upbringing, even for one born in cosmopolitan Nicodranas. Daughter of the famed Ruby of the Sea, she had many opportunities for mischief as a small child, of which she took full advantage! Dive into the mystery of Jester’s early years, her first meeting with the Traveler, and the fateful events that set her on a path to eventually join the Mighty Nein.

### **Caleb Widogast**

The second issue was written by Jody Houser with line art by Selina Espiritu, colors Diana Sousa, lettering by Ariana Maher, with direction by Liam O'Brien and Matthew Mercer. It focused on Caleb's time at the Soltryce Academy. It was released in comic shops on February 2, 2022 and at major retailers on February 8, 2022.

**Summary**:

In The Mighty Nein Origins: Caleb Widogast, Bren Aldric Ermendrud is chosen to attend the exclusive Soltryce Academy, preparing for an important future in service to the Empire. But nobody––least of all Bren himself––can foresee the cruelty he will endure, and the ways in which it will break and remake him. Witness the events that transform Bren into the Mighty Nein’s Caleb Widogast, and how they inform the path he’ll take in the future.

### **Yasha Nydoorin**

The third issue released on August 17, 2022. It was written by Cecil Castellucci with line art by William Kirkby, color by Diana Sousa, and lettering by Ariana Maher, developed with direction by Ashley Johnson and Matthew Mercer.

**Summary**:

For Yasha, there has always been a storm on the horizon. Maybe it formed with her adoption by the Dolorav people in the harsh lands of Xhorhas. Or perhaps when she fell for her first love, Zuala. Or still later, when grief and madness drove her from her village and out into—somewhere else. Maybe, on the other hand, Yasha IS the storm.

### **Nott the Brave**

The fifth issue released for a January 18, 2023 release. It written by Sam Maggs with art by William Kirkby, color by Eren Angiolini, and lettering by Ariana Maher. It was developed with direction by Sam Riegel and Matthew Mercer.

**Summary**:

Veth Brenatto doesn't have an exciting life, but she likes it that way. Unlike her childhood, it's safe. Predictable. And her husband and son love her as fiercely as she loves them. But Veth's cozy existence is turned on its head when she and her family are captured by raiders. In order to save them, Veth will commit an atrocity that will sever her from all that she loves—maybe forever—and lead her to become Nott the Brave of the Mighty Nein.

## **Development**

The collection was announced on January 24, 2023 for and scheduled for publication by Dark Horse Comics on September 12, 2023 in bookstores and September 13, 2023 in comic shops. It was subsequently delayed until October 11, 2023.

## **References**

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 See Dark Horse's announcement on January 24, 2023.
2. ↑ Critical Role's announcement
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2  Updates from Critical Role and Dark Horse Comics on Dark Horse Comics' official website  (backup link)
4. ↑ Critical Role's announcement
5. ↑ Critical Role's announcement
6. ↑ *Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins--Yasha HC* on the Dark Horse website.
7. ↑  Your Guide to Critical Role and Dark Horse's Comic and Art Books on CritRole.com
8. ↑ See the listing on the Dark Horse website.

**Art:**

1. ↑ Official art of the cover of Volume 1, by Robynn Frauhn (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.