A Fiery New TTRPG-Inspired Magmapunk Comic: Reviewing ‘Tales Of Vulcania’ #1

Welcome to the table,

As a fan of various punk genres, from punk rock to afro punk to Punky Brewster to cyberpunk, I thought I had seen it all. But recently, I stumbled upon a new term: magmapunk. It all started when Scout Comics sent me a copy of Tales of Vulcania #1, a comic based on a TTRPG that I had not heard of yet.

Intrigued, I spent about an hour digging around the internet looking for more information, learning about their various campaigns, and checking out their website to see what all was going on. It was then I was like “Hey… my dude… you are supposed to be reviewing a comic… back to work!” If the opportunity presents itself I will delve more into the world of the Vulcania TTRPG to uncover its secrets later. For now, let’s get to that comic review.

Written and lettered by Marco Daeron Ventura, with art by Matteo Leoni and colors by Daniele D’italia, Tales of Vulcania is an impressive offering from this team. The concepts are intriguing, the world is rich with lore, and the colors are vibrant, thanks to D’italia‘s skillful palette choices.

The story follows Sydna, a swordswoman on a mission to avenge her family and people who were brutally attacked in her homeland by an unknown pilot who bombed the grand volcano her homeland sat at the foot of. Fueled by rage and pursued by bounty hunters and mutated foes, Sydna’s journey is fraught with danger and challenges.

While there are moments where the art feels somewhat rough around the edges, and some of the dialogue could have been more refined, the passion and heart of the creative team really shine through. It’s evident that they are on a journey together, and while some can be critical when comparing all books to the works of the master artists, I pay credit where credit is due and there’s nothing lazy about the lines in these pages, whether written or drawn.

If anything, the freshness of issue one makes me eager to see how the story and the creative team behind Tales of Vulcania evolve on this project, and with hope, many projects in the future. It has the feel of a sprawling epic in the making, and I’m looking forward to witnessing its growth because it is a fiery new addition to the genre that shows promise and potential.

Tales of Vulcania #1 goes on sale next Wednesday.

Until next time, be the kind of punk the little punk version of you needed.