Dragon Age: The Silent Grove Volume 1 is a hard cover compilation of Dragon Age: The Silent Grove #1 – #6 which were previously only available in digital format. The book follows Alistair, Isabela and Varric as they go looking for information that Alistair desperately wants. While the book is considered cannon and were written by David Gaider, the lead writer from the games, it took me a little while to figure out how this story fit in with the games. This was because I did not end up with Alistair as king in my games, but in the comics that is the way the story has panned out. Once I got that sorted out mentally I absolutely loved Dragon Age: The Silent Grove.
Isabela and Varric are 2 of my favorite characters from the game so seeing them together again playing off each others rouge sense of humor just works so well. Because the comic has the same lead writer as the game the characters fit exactly how I remember them. Even the character new to the story in the comic just feel right for the Dragon Age world. As a fan of the games it is nice to have the continuity like this.
I will admit that after reading Dragon Age: The Silent Grove I was a little bummed because it would have made for great DLC. But, I’m glad to have a chance to experience in this format because it is a really fun story. Additionally, I really like the graphical style. I was worried when I saw the title, before starting reading, that it would look like Dragon Age Legends. Instead the artist put a lot of detail into every panel. While a lot of the comic is darker due to it taking place at night this is offset with great use of color. Things like Isabela’s jewelry and bandana really pop out at you as you turn the page. Which is fitting given her love for being the center of attention.
I am probably a little biased since I went into Dragon Age: The Silent Grove as a fan of Dragon Age in general, but I really enjoyed this book. More so that any I can recall recently. While the story does not match exactly with how the story in my game ended it is such a fun addition that I don’t mind in the least. If you have not read the 6 issues of Dragon Age: The Silent Hill in digital format then I would highly recommend checking it out in book form when it releases on July 25, 2012.
