“Critical Role: Smiley Day!” follows Sam Riegel’s Campaign 3 character Fresh Cut Grass, aka FCG. The funny little aeormatons is attempting to share vital advice with the reader but is constantly interrupted by his dearest friends. Kind to their core, FCG tries to help with disastrous results, leading to a new lesson being learned by FCG and shared with the reader.

Riegel wrote “Critical Role: Smiley Day!” with Thorn L. Knight collaborating as the artist. Knight’s art is beautifully emotive, especially with FCG. An aeormatons who is traditionally non-expressive tugs at the heartstrings not just through Riegel’s words but also Knight’s art. The art brings the world of Exandria and the Bells Hells crew to life in a colorful and engaging way.

Exclusive First Look At Critical Role: Smiley Day!

Temple of Geek can exclusively reveal pages from “Critical Role: Smiley Day!” This includes Fresh Cut Grass beginning his attempts to share his “words to live by.” The pages also include FCG’s interactions with Laudna, Imogen, and Ashton. As is clear in these pages, FCG breaks the fourth wall, interacting directly with the reader.

The story itself is charming, reminiscent of classic children’s stories like “There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book.” FCG shares numerous small pieces of advice, but their journey to their most important words of wisdom is particularly fun. Riegel, of course, captures the kindness, empathy, and charisma of Fresh Cut Grass. He also perfectly embodies the voices of the other members of Bells Hells as FCG interacts with them throughout the story.

Sam Riegel Brings The World Of Critical Role To A New Generation

Riegel’s ability to bring the world of Exandria and characters created by his castmates isn’t a surprise. He’s shown a particular aptitude with this skill in “The Legend of Vox Machina.” The Bells Hells characters are unique not just for their visual aesthetic but also for their outlook. Each member of Bells Hells is brought to life through their interactions with FCG.

“Critical Role” is known for being aimed at adults. The animated series, like the actual play, is geared towards adults. The majority of the comics and novels skew older as well, with a few notable exceptions, including Liam O’Brien’s “Critical Role: Der Katzenprinz & Other Zemnian Tales” and “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Kith & Kin.”

“Critical Role: Smiley Day!” is an opportunity to bring the world of Exandria and the message of Critical Role to a new audience. This is the perfect book for parents to share with their young children, whether they are Critical Role fans or not. Not only is the art gorgeous and the story cute, but the message is impactful.

Critical Role: Smiley Day! Shares A Message Of Kindness

The message at the heart of a children’s story is just as integral as the story, characters, and art. At the heart of “Critical Role: Smiley Day!” is a message of kindness towards oneself and their community. Throughout the book numerous other tokens of wisdom are scattered as well. And while this is clearly geared towards children, it is a message that many adults could stand to learn too.

Critical Role continues to expand, with the publishing corner being one of the most exciting and diverse. Through different voices, genres, tones, and art styles, Exandria continues to be brought to life in new and exciting ways. Riegel’s writing is perfectly targeted towards a young audience while still being engaging for older readers.

“Critical Role: Smiley Day!” is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. Whether it be the newest piece added to a Critical Role collection or a new book to share with family before bed. Riegel and Knight have crafted a comic full of wonder and care.

“Critical Role: Smiley Day!” will hit shelves September 30. It is available for pre-order now.