Skip to content

Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides

Written By:

Ed Fortune
Infernal Tides D&D

One of the things that makes Dungeons and Dragons fiction work so well is a that odd mix of the past with modern ideas. The fifth edition of the game blends modern game design with Tolkien-inspired worlds and Vancian magic to create something unique. Similarly, Jim Zub’s Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides comic book pulls the trick by introducing beloved heroes into the new version of The Forgotten Realms.

Or to put it another way, this book puts ranger Minsc and his hamster, Boo into a version of the D&D adventure, Descent in Avernus.  Minsc and his hamster companion have become the poster children for D&D, ever since their humble origins as NPCs in the Baldur’s Gate video game. Though the fan favourite is the main character, he’s the sort of hero that reacts to the world around him. Minsc is simply too chaotic (and kind hearted) to drive the story. Zub has used this to maximum effect; Infernal Tides is a solid exercise in world building and uses an ensemble cast very well.

Everything bounces off Minsc; arrows, rocks, the plot and the dialogue from the rest of cast. The team is mostly a stereotypical D&D party, right down to their equipment and character design.

The plot revolves around a bunch of adventurers facing off against the forces of Hell. The story moves at quite a speed; one moment we are in the thriving metropolis that is Baldur’s Gate, the next we are in the library fortress known as Candlekeep , then off to other notable Forgotten Realm’s locations until we end up in Hell itself (as the title of the book implies).  Minsc companions feel very much like a D&D adventuring party, to the point where gamers can easily identify what spells and special abilities they’re using. (You can almost hear the dice rattle when the sorcerer uses their wild magic.)

Max Dunbar’s artwork is a great match for the project; it’s the right mix of high fantasy and utter chaos. Dunbar has a style that fills the page with lots of detail, making it look both precise and messy at the same time.  He also seems to have a lot of fun drawing Minsc’s various crazy expressions. Colouring and lettering is tight, and this is a slickly produced book that’s likely to delight D&D fans and read as typical swords and sorcery romp to the uninitiated. Short, fun and definitely worth adding to the shelf of anyone who likes enjoyable fantasy romps.

You May Also Like...

First-Look Images and Sizzle Reel for Disturbing Shocker CARA

You can now get your first look at the upcoming disturbing kitchen sink horror film CARA, directed by Hayden Hewitt (Lips) and starring Ellie O’Hara, Johnny Vivash, Laurence R. Harvey,
Read More
chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More