Connect with us
Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self

Comic Books

Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self

Roberts and Gudnuck have tapped into the millennial condition and related it so clearly in Modern Fantasy.

[amazon_link asins=’1506707513′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’53a50950-1119-11e9-9d4e-17d174a4cad3′]

For wage-slave Sage of the Riverlands, life seems to be a never-ending conga line of dreadful days at her desk followed by evenings of mindless hanging around with little to make her parents proud or sate her desire for adventure.  She recalls her youth, dreaming of following in the footsteps of the heroes in her books, only to fall into the same rut that captures so many, trudging to and from work with no clear purpose in front of her.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self
Dark Horse Comics

The millennial malaise is difficult enough without adding in the idea that the days of swords and sorcery were real and even still a part of everyday life.  Wizards are still around, even if they won’t get their lazy boyfriend off your couch. Clerics run 12-hour shifts at the hospital while the descendants of great warriors slave away 9-5 in cubicles, destroying nothing bigger than an extra pastry at breakfast.  Rafer Roberts and Kristen Gudsnuk have crafted an alternative to the escapist fantasy of most comics, weaving together the drudgery of stagnant careers with the promise of wonder and adventure.

Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self
Dark Horse Comics

In four issues, Roberts and Gudnuck have crafted a story that resonates with the times while offering a way out for those who feel trapped by the expectations of society.  Sage wants to be an adventurer. Through no fault of her own, a true adventure lands in her lap complete with a mysterious amulet, deadly adversaries, and the chance of certain doom.  With her friends and co-worker naturally making up a decent party, she’s off to save the world from evil. Against all odds, Sage’s faith in herself pays off.

Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self
Dark Horse Comics

This story could easily be told in our world, sans the giant fire demon.  To some it may come off disingenuous to talk about the millennial condition in such stark terms, but the reality of the difficulty faced by this generation of twenty-and-thirty-somethings is rife with difficulties not faced by their parents.  Sage works a dead-end job that is slowly killing her spirit while she dreams of adventure and following her dreams. The burnout wizard drifts from place to place with no real aim and no way to apply the skills he learned in college. The clerics work crushing shifts in hospitals and clinics.  It is rare that a fantasy comic can be so real and relatable, but in the end, shouldn’t all fantasy have a dose of reality? Sage and her party, despite the species differences, are a fairly accurate representation of the diversity of population many see in their lives or seek for themselves. Anyone reading Modern Fantasy can find themselves represented by at least one major character.  

Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self
Dark Horse Comics

Roberts and Gudnuck have tapped into the millennial condition and related it so clearly in Modern Fantasy.  All of us want to live out our dreams and be our best selves. A solid paycheck would be nice, too. Sometimes it takes a battle with a Balrog to find out who we truly are.  Once we find our best selves, though, what comes next? Only time (and Volume 2) will tell.

Modern Fantasy Vol. 1 review: Fighting for your best self
Modern Fantasy Vol. 1
Is it good?
Roberts and Gudnuck have tapped into the millennial condition and related it so clearly in Modern Fantasy.
Pros
Captures life in the 21st century through the fantasy lens
Great heroic story-telling and adventure
Highly diverse with excellent representation
Cons
Wraps up a bit too neatly in the end.
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup