I really enjoyed Rat Queens and was really excited at the idea to read something that has some Saga vibes.
However, my expectation were probably a bit too high, as I wdived in there expecting something as good as Saga (yes I really want to fill that hole in my life), but this is not as good.
It was a really enoyablke read, I have enoyed the character, the worl building and the fusion of both Medieval Fantasy and Science-Fiction, and I really enjoyed the art. But it was missing maybe a bit of depth and I struggled to sometimes connect to the story.
I'm will still read the next volume, because I want to know the rest of the story and there is definitely a lot of potential.

This was a great graphic novel. The illustrations were so vibrant and sharp. I loved how the colors and art shift as the story progresses to reflect the tone of what is happening.

The plot was interesting and engaging. It definitely took a turn that I was not expecting and I love the direction that it ended up going. What I thought was going to be a strictly fantasy graphic novel turned into a beautiful blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

After reading the first volume, there is definitely a lot still left to learn about the world and still secrets to uncover about our characters and I look forward to doing so in the upcoming releases.

My apologies for the delay! I had to keep rereading this book. It is a wonderful and rich saga full of adventure, magic, mischief, and intrigue!

You'll love the characters especially the Glass family, our main characters, who are all compelling with distinct personalities yet have this familial bond that's unbreakable. I love those kinds of books where you see how strong families are.

The story is fast-paced without being so overwhelming with gorgeous illustrations!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for this wonderful e-arc.

I just reviewed Dryad Vol. 1 by Kurtis Wiebe. #DryadVol1 #NetGalley

To me, the success of a graphic novel lies in whether or not I'll make the effort to read the next volume, and it's a definite yes in this case.

This was a quick and dirty read that's clearly headed in a much more complex direction in the upcoming volumes. The world building is evidently only just being established in this first volume, and I'm intrigued by the potential created by the hints at a bigger picture and the cliffhanger ending. The artwork is really good and mostly in line with my tastes for this kind of thing, even if the futuristic vibes generally don't do it for me, although I did find that some of the dialogue felt a bit disjointed at times. Overall, a really decent effort by a new-to-me author.

Artwork: The artwork of this graphic novel is of a quite simplistic style. It is not overly detailed in it's drawing instead relying on a muted colour swatch to portray it's intent. While I tend to enjoy a more detailed drawing style, this artwork was effective for portraying what it needed to and the overall effect was satisfying. While the main characters were distinct, I found some of the side/lesser characters to look quite similar to each other which led me to being slightly confused as to who they were.

The main characters were well portrayed by the end of this volume, however it took me a while to be interested in them. I imagine if i had been reading this in the original comic issues, I wouldn't have been all that intrigued after the first issue to continue with it. After reading the entire first volume however, I am curious to find out more about their background and what the magic systems in this world are.
All in all this was an enjoyable enough read but it could have done with a bit more explanation upfront as a hook to the reader. I was not immediately drawn in to the world and while I may continue with the series, it will not be high on my priority list.

My thanks to Oni Press for a digital copy via NetGalley of ‘Dryad: Vol 1’ written by Kurtis Wiebe and illustrated by Justin Osterling in exchange for an honest review.

This graphic novel is a blend of fantasy and science fiction. Wiebe plunges us straight into the story and like the Glass twins, Griffon and Rana, the reader slowly learns why their parents, Morgan and Yale Glass have spent the last thirteen years hiding in the peaceful forest settlement of Frostbrook. Is Dad a wizard and does the twins’ and Mum’s pointed ears indicate Elven heritage? What about the dryads?

Before any revelations there is an unearthly attack on Frostbrook and the family is forced to flee to the city of Silver’s Bay to hide from the Muse Corp., still in pursuit. It’s quite a change for the twins and generates more questions.

I admit that I felt a little lost at the start though was very impressed with Justin Osterling’s colourful and dynamic artwork. Yet as the story progressed things started to come together and I became more invested in the characters and narrative.

The next volume is due for release in the summer and I will be interested in seeing where the story goes.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

'Dryad, Vol. 1' by Kurtis Wiebe with art by Justin Osterling is a new graphic novel from the creator of Rat Queens.

The Glass family live in a secluded and mysterious forest. Morgan, Yale and their twins Griffon and Rana seem to be at peace, but there are secrets lurking. Like why did Morgan and Yale leave a life behind and why are they suddenly in danger when the twins discover something in a nearby cave and bad guys start pouring in to the once peaceful forest.

The story dumps you in the middle and lets you figure things out as it goes. I didn't mind that, but it feels like the back half starts to meander a bit much. The art is solid and I did like the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

I picked this one up because the author worked on Rat Queens which I, once upon a time was really into. Unfortunately, this story lacks the magical feeling or wittiness that I loved from his other work.

Yale and Morgan have hidden their family in a small village for thirteen years. When their children find some hidden ruins in the forest, demons are unleashed. Yale and Morgan have to rescue their children and escape to the city where they came from to fight against the terrorist group Dryad.

This story started slow but sped up as the story progressed. I found it a little difficult to figure out who everyone was at first, especially since there was a thirteen year jump within the first few pages where their children grew up. Once I figured out who all the characters were, the story became more exciting.

The illustrations of this graphic novel were beautiful. The village and forest at the beginning had vibrant colours. When the story shifted to the city, the colours were darker and more monotone. These colours reflected the change in tone of the story.

I found the ending a little confusing. Some new characters were introduced, setting up the story for the next graphic novel. This left me wondering what was happening, since it wasn’t really an ending for the main characters.

This was a good graphic novel, but I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the next one.

Thank you Oni Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Best-selling writer Kurtis Wiebe (Rat Queens) and newcomer artist Justin Osterling launch a new fantasy saga!

The Glass family has spent thirteen years hiding peacefully in the sleepy forest settlement of Frostbrook where Morgan and Yale planted roots and raised their twins, Griffon and Rana. But secrets never stay hidden, and the entire Glass family find themselves the target of an unearthly attack on Frostbrook.

Now on the run from Muse Corp., they must flee to the massive city of Silver’s Bay to hide in plain sight. Rana and Griffon find themselves uprooted and answering for their parents' mistakes. But, they’ll soon find that the past has a way of finding you, no matter where you run."

I have a feeling this Glass Family isn't like J.D. Salinger's...

Looking for something to fill the saga-sized gap in your life? Look no further!

A badass fighter mama who will stop at nothing to protect her kiddos. A history teacher father who it turns out is the last of a dying breed of conductors. Artwork so stunning you'll forget you're reading a story for a sec because its just so dang pretttyyyyy!

Seriously, if you're into family-orientated sci-fi/fantasy, give this a read.

Sign me up for the rest of this series!

Massive thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!

I think the graphic novel should have explained more things in the beginning, but I enjoyed this mix of magic, technology, and life in the woods. I'm excited to read the future volumes and understood more of this world.

It just wasn’t for me. The artwork was very good and the story line is not bad. It’s just something that i personally clicked with. I think if you are a fan of Saga than this is for you.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I really didn't expect to like this as much as I did! I looove the mix of more traditional Fantasy elements and science fiction, and I feel like so few decide to mix the two genres this way! It's engaging, I really felt invested in the different character's stories and it confused and surprised me just the right amount (meaning, I didn't feel completely lost when stuff started to happen). I also felt like the story was pretty original, and I didn't feel like it was too predictable, which is a biiig plus for me! I also really enjoyed the art style, and how even when it gets to the sexy times it doesn't go into full blown nudity and sex like many comics with similar themes/genres!

I actually can't wait to see how the story progresses and I'm planning to buy a physical copy of this in the nearby future!

I really enjoyed Rat Queens so I was excited to jump into this new graphic novel by Kurtis Wiebe. While I didn’t enjoy it as much a Rat Queens I did still have a good time reading it.
This graphic novel reminded me of Saga a lot which is one of my favorite graphic novel series ever.
Dryad is beautifully illustrated and I did enjoy the story quite a bit so I’m excited to continue on. This is also a graphic novel series I see myself wanting to reread!

Fast-paced and plot-driven, this new series starts in a high fantasy land where the reader quickly learns things are not what they seem. The twist that this is actually a cyberpunk world is fun at first. However after the reveal, it takes a bit to get back into the story since it feels like the world-building is starting over.

The twist slowed down the action, but the story was overall enjoyable with a great large cast of characters. Curious to see where the next volume takes us.

One of my favourite comedians Patrice O'Neal one said lies are brutal. At the heart of Dryad are the lies that parents tell their children to protect them and what happens when the truth is shocking revealed. Dryad has all the ingredients for a superb fantasy comic. Weibe's characters are charming, well rounded, and, despite the elf ears believable. Something has driven Morgan and Yale to seek refuge in the isolated village of Frostbrook. Morgan and Yale have many lovely character moments centred around the affection they feel for each and how they both struggle with the demands of parenthood differently. Weibe's dialogue is often witty and for the most part, engaging. Barcelo Osterling's art is sumptuous. For me, it is somewhat reminiscent of Joe Madureira illustrations in Battlechasers with its thickly inked lines. The battle scenes have are dynamic and easy to follow.  


However, as with a lot of ongoing series, there are problems with pacing. There are obvious big reveals and explanations that are being held back for future issues. This is fine, but in Dryad's case, there were moments that I felt that this was being done artificially, e.g. we will talk about it later. The other fault I found was that as more and more characters are introduced into our heroes' lives, I found myself a bit lost as to where everyone's loyalties lay. A common criticism of fantasy stories is the number of factions and world-building jargon thrown at a reader with the expectation that they remember it. I think this a fair criticism that Dryads was guilty of. This is an enjoyable and diverting read but is not one that lingered with me as the very best fantasy stories do. It is somehow less than the sum of its parts. 


There is a lot to like here, and while Dryad doesn't quite reach the heights of Montress or Saga, this is a very, very good comic. Wiebe and  Barcelo Osterling have set an impressive stage for what could be comic books next grand fantasy adventure story.

I had previously loved Kurtis Wiebe from Rat Queens and was so excited to pick up this new series with an aesthetic that looks right up my alley. Rat Queens was incredible but I believe Dryad will have even wider appeal and I'll be encouraging everyone new and experienced with comics to pick this up. Above all, I was blown away by Justin Osterling's incredible art. The structure, the color, the action and speed conveyed through the artwork highly influenced by high opinion of this series. I will be buying this one in physical form when it comes out in January and definitely continuing on with the series.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. Unfortunately for me this was boring and I did not enjoy at all. I was hoping for something enjoyable and fun. Instead I was left wanting more. The artwork was beautiful but it did not make up for the lack of an interesting storyline. I enjoyed this author previous work but this was a miss for me.

Dryad Vol 1
Kurtis Wiebe
Pub Date Jan 19 2021

Quick Synopsis:
Dryad is a graphic novel following the Glass family who escaped from their home 13 years ago and found a safe haven to protect their twin children. 13 years later, they are accidentally discovered and torn from their idyllic hideaway back to a place of technology that the children never even knew existed.

What I liked:
First and foremost, the art style of this book is incredible. Its so vibrant and full of color, and the palette is so intentional. You shift from warm, natural hues over to vibrant almost neons when you switch from the safe haven to the big city. The characters are also incredibly well developed and interesting. I'm fascinated by the twins and can't wait to find out what happens after the cliff hanger!

One thing I didn't love:
Honestly, I loved pretty mush everything about this. I thought I was going to have a hard time absorbing the world building in a graphic novel, but the plot and illustrations work together to help paint the backstory for you and I felt like I got it.

Overall Thoughts:
I loved the unique juxtaposition of Dungeons and Dragons and futuristic settings. It was partially fantasy, partially scifi, and they were blended together well. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next volume, because woof- that cliffhanger!

5 Stars! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a galley!