Quests Aside: Adventurers Anonymous by Brian Schirmer is a graphic novel about a band of adventurers protecting their home against a dangerous outsider. The guests and personnel at the Quests Aside, a local watering hole, is known for their eccentricities. The staff at the bar are: an apprentice mage, a chef that’s a skeleton, and an exiled princess who works for a legendary warrior, Barrow. The graphic novel offers a small glimpse into each character’s backstory.
Barrow is well known among the people for his extraordinary abilities and feats. He has retired and decided to own a bar to connect with other adventurers while he settles down. Things were going well until someone from his past decided that they wanted the land the bar is on. Barrow must decide if he will take up his weapons again and fight for his home, or if he is willing to walk away from everything he has created.
The graphic novel was a quick and fun read that was filled with witty humor. The story line reminds me of role playing video games and board games that I played in my youth. The story was straightforward and easy to follow along. I thought the artwork was beautifully done. If you enjoy Dungeons and Dragons and other role playing games, then you will enjoy this graphic novel.
