Dark Horse Books and Critical Role present the Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1, a new softcover book that will collect Jester Lavorre, Caleb Widogast, Yasha Nydoorin, and Nott the Brave’s backstories together in one volume. These stories were created in consultation with the cast of Critical Role and were written by Jody Houser (Orphan Black, Stranger Things), Sam Maggs (Critical Role: The Tales of Exandria—Artagan, Chilling Adventures: Betty – The Final Girl), and Cecil Castellucci (Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories, Shifting Earth) illustrated by Selina Espiritu (Quincredible), Hunter Severn Bonyun (Ruination), and William Kirkby (Grenade), colored by Cathy Le (Jem and the Holograms) and Diana Sousa (Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons: The Rise of Hellfire); and lettered by Ariana Maher (Critical Role: The Tales of Exandria—Artagan). The first paperback omnibus volume will arrive in stores in Summer 2026 and will feature cover art by Robynn Frauhn. While these stories have been previously released as individual hardcover volumes and the Dark Horse signature Library Edition oversized hardcover format, these new paperback Omnibus collections offer the content in a new format for those who prefer a paperback option.
About Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1:
Jester Lavorre’s unconventional upbringing full of mischief with the Traveler, Caleb’s troubled survival alongside Eadwulf and Astrid at the Soltryce Academy, Nott’s journey to escape her goblin captors and return to her family and herself, and Yasha’s emotional trauma after a loved one’s unfair death are all chronicled in this omnibus edition of Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins. Delve deep into each character’s past and witness what led these unlikely friends to form the party known as the Mighty Nein.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1 (408 pages, 6.625” x 10.1875”, paperback) arrives in bookstores on July 7, 2026 and in comic shops on July 8, 2026. It is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shop and bookstore for $29.99..
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Praise for Critical Role comics and graphic novels:
“This collection is a delight, with four distinct and different stories to help get a glimpse into the history of the Mighty Nein. For those who miss these lovable lunatics, it’s a great chance to revisit them, and for those just learning, it’s an interesting and engrossing introduction to characters that have so much depth and life that it’ll be hard not to pick up the show and follow them on the long journey they go on once they meet the rest of the cast, and each other.”—Fanbase Press
“It’s a fantastic story filled with amazing action, thrills, and the kind of world-building that I love from the world of Critical Role. Every moment is worth the read and adds many great character moments for Ripley and the rest of the characters.”—The Super Powered Fancast (The Legend of Vox Machina: The Whitestone Chronicles Volume 1—Ripley)
“Critical Role fans will leap at this opportunity to delve further into the background of their favorite characters, whilst newcomers looking for a jumping on point will find this a welcome read.”—Turnaround UK
“If you’re a fan of Critical Role, and if you’re curious about the exploits of the show’s first cast of characters, this volume is a fantastic primer and one you won’t regret.”—Women Write About Comics (Vox Machina Origins Library Edition)
“Vox Machina Origins is a triple-threat treat to fans new, old, and uninitiated. Awesome artwork = check. Superb storytelling = check. Humour, heart, and a heavy right hook of action = check, check, check.”—The Fantasy Hive
“Vox Machina Origins II is one of the best comics adaptations I've read in a while. It oozes fun and personality, and serves as an excellent starting point for fans interested in what Critical Role has to offer. It's also a great fantasy series that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves traditional adventures in high fantasy.”—Comicbook.com