Minor nitpick, Merle's surname is Highchurch, but misremembering it as Hightower is funny because Clint himself makes that exact slipup at one point and retcons his name as Merle Hightower Highchurch.

"50% of the podcasts run time is the McElroy's goofing off and getting distracted." Thus making it one of the most accurate representations of a real D&D group.

I believe it was Justin who described TAZ as "a car that learned how to fly" - because it started as a goofy joke episode of MBMBAM and gradually grew into a huge, sincere fantasy story that could be just as emotionally resonant as it was funny. To me these comics represent the final stage of that evolution. They're still funny, but now are driven towards capturing the heart that made the Balance campaign so memorable outside of the laughs.

I like that this is basically the inverse of a normal "Lost in Adaptation" episode: instead of reviewing how a book was adapted into an audio-visual medium, you are instead reviewing how an audio-visual medium was adapted into a book. Very cool I wouldn't mind another episode like this about another podcast or maybe a novelization of a movie.

The sound of Justin hysterically laughing off mic is one of the most hilariously tickling things in the world to me.

I was actually kind of the opposite of Dom when I read these. I had heard about The Adventure Zone in passing, but was scared off by the sheer size of the series. The graphic novels were the perfect way for me to see what all the fuss was about without having to slog through hours and hours of the podcast.

TAZ Balance is, no joke, one of my favourite stories of all time. I binged all previous episodes and caught up around the end of the Suffering Game story arc and I swear it changed my brain chemistry. Nothing else has made me feel the same way. I have a TAZ tattoo. It's absolutely perfect to me, flaws and all, the humour and the heart is unmatched. I adore the graphic novels too, they offer a different experience but it's the highlight of my year whenever a new one comes out. There were moments in the Eleventh Hour (my favourite arc and the one I had been looking forward to reading the most) that made me feel absolutely insane. I think the graphic novels are probably the best possible adaptations that could be made, but I always recommend people check out the podcast too. Lightning in a bottle, truly. ❤❤

Fun fact! Carey Pietsch and fellow comic artist, Megan Brennan, made their own completely unrelated podcast in which they reread and discussed the Animorphs series. They're both huge McElroy fans and make references to their content in that show. I listened to it before the graphic novels were ever announced, so it was really exicting for me when Carey was revealed as the artist! If you're a fan of Animorphs or if you just like comedic retellings of batshit crazy stories, Morph Club is a great listen.

Dom reviewing an adaptation of a DnD podcast is now making me think he really should consider doing an LiA episode on Critical Role and the animated adaptation "The Legend of Vox Machina"!

Even though it looks like the strike is over, I'd love to see more unique episode concepts like this. Like, something that could be interesting is covering the Archive 81 translation from podcast into tv show. I love The Adventure Zone, thanks for this episode!

TAZ was the thing that got me into D&D, and I genuinely think it's one of the greatest pieces of improv fiction ever made. Carey Pietch and the boys did such an incredible job with the graphic novels as well, as a fan I couldn't be happier. I do wonder how some of the final arc will land though, Rachel Rose Mitchell's music really drove the emotional punches for me. Also (maybe the best single moment for me) the entire cast reaction to the Flaming Raging Poisoning Sword of Doom Moment seems like one of those things that just won't translate well into the comic. That's what animatics are for, I suppose!

The Adventure Zone was what inspired me to start my own podcast. And now 4 years and over 200k listens later, we're about to finish our first campaign.

I do like the comics as a more "competent" version story, and a more compact way to re-experience it rather than sitting down to listen to hours of podcasts, but I do think they could be a bit lacking for anyone going in blind with no attachment to these characters & story. The biggest draw of them for me was getting to see everything going on & how the characters look, while also getting to support people making stuff I like rather than the pennies my hours of spotify listen would have give them. Also the chemistry between the brothers & their dad really makes it something else to listen too.

It's kinda funny that "offering human sacrifices" is somewhat believable as something that might soothe the algorythm

Honestly Dom I agree on all counts about how the adaptation and its downsides, but I also think these comics could be a good resource for players. Most of the time D&D adaptation whether comic or animation omit DM and the notion of collective story telling all together so I think TAZ differentiated itself by being an adaptation and not just a story.

As someone who has a tough time getting into podcasts, especially long older ones, these graphic novels were a happy medium for me. Some of the jokes you mentioned definitely landed better in audio form, but were still humorous on page because you can feel the vibe they're trying to accomplish.

I just finished listening to TAZ Balance the other day, so this video is an almost frightening coincidence. I actually read the graphic novels before I listened to the podcast, so I would say I had a bit of a different listening experience than most. My perspective was that the comics didn't cut things out of the story so much as the podcast added them. I loved both the graphic novels and the podcast so much, and rereading the comics after having listened to the show lets you notice so much more about the artist's attention to detail (for example, in the graphic novel of Crystal Kingdom, there is a sign in the background of the lab reading "roach infestation," referencing the giant roach fight that took place in the podcast). I think story-wise, a lot of the changes made a lot of sense, such as introducing the red robe earlier, and in some places the changes even made the story more powerful (for example, in Eleventh Hour, the graphic novel changed Merle's biggest mistake/chalice temptation to Merle walking out on his family, rather than losing his arm, as it was in the podcast). I definitely agree that the podcast has something that simply cannot be replicated in another medium, but I also think that the graphic novels are an excellent work of fiction in their own right. Again, as someone who read the comics before I'd listened to or heard of the podcast, and as someone who is a huge comic book fan, I really loved recognising the moments that had been adapted and I honestly don't think I can pick a favourite version!

time to force Dom to watch hours and hours of D&D Podcasts

Congrats on surviving the SAG strike era of the series

The Adventure Zone is what got me into podcasts when I was working two jobs, going to college, and had a lot of driving time. Funny enough I actually saw the graphic novel first as it was on display at the bookstore I was working at.

I come for the Dom narration, I stay for the kitties in the green screen zone.

You scared the crap out of me with that last outtake. I went running around looking for my phone only to realize it was YOU!

Having never consumed any of the podcasts at all and only reading the comics, I absolutely adore them. They're hilarious and hit the feels when they need to.

This sure is a different type of LiA episode. Excited to see how this works out.

I've said it before (and other before me I'm sure); limitations stimulate creativity. I like that your solidarity with the strike(s) has made you branch out to other "things made into other things" varieties. Hopefully this is an expansion that you'll keep even after the strike(s) are done. 😊

The TAZ crew was really good in Tiny Heist on D20, too.

ooh speaking of D&D and adaptations, any chance you would ever review the adaptation of Critical Role's Vox Machina (or have already done)? Edit: apparently it's even longer than I thought so probably waaaaay to much of an ask, whooops!

Your impeccable timing for these videos is undefeated! Longtime fan and you never disappoint!

Always love seeing discussions of D&D content. Thanks for this.

Never played DnD, but I still thought I understood how chaotic it is. I was wrong.

Today I learned that the Dom and I use the same tone for our phone alarms.

I could never get through the podcast -- too much time to dedicate to get through even a few episodes -- so the graphic novels are almost my only experience! I loved them and I'm very happy that you're talking about them.

one thing i love about the comics was how they chose to adapt what the characters look like! most people weren't described in a ton of detail (from what i remember) so it was cool to see that creativity and diversity come through. and i'm sure pietsch took ideas from fandom headcanons too!

I think the 11th hour was the strongest entry of the graphic novels *because* they were willing to make it less like the podcast. It still covered the beats that were important but was able to take advantage of the new format to tell the story in a way that worked for that format.

Not something I was expecting you to cover but really interesting to see.

No freaking way you posted this video right as I started listening to The Adventure Zone recently 😂

hello, i cannot watch your video because i don't know if will pad my already inflated ego or tear me down to a pile of rubble BUT I have watched many of your other videos and so wanted to take a second to say thank you so much for putting so much time and thought into a piece about our series. I'm sure there were things that you liked or didn't (I feel that way about everything I've ever made) but I am regardless flattered that you took the time to make this piece about the series!

This is such a great mashup of two of my favorite things! I love lost in adaptation and I'm a huge Adventure Zone fan. I'm so excited for the next book! It's going to be sooo intense. 😁

I like that they went with the Order of the Stick approach to storytelling. The characters are aware it's a game word, but it's still their life they're living, with all the consequences that encompasses.

I was just moving my room around and happened to give my stack of adventure zone books a little kiss. Then clicked on a Dominic video, checked all his videos, and saw this. Riding the synchronicity wave indeed

I don't know much about Adventure Time, but I've run Lost Mines of Phandelver several times and...I think their campaign went completely off the rails REALLY fast because I don't remember anything after the bugbear... Side note: I always ran him as a snobby British officer from the 19th century who believed he was assembling an army. Mostly because everyone expected growly monster voiced that no speak english good and it throws them when they're met with if Blackadder had a season during the Napoleonic War.

I like this new style of "Lost in Adaptation" where another form of media is turned into a book. I'd love to see more like this! Still love the original style too.

MY HYPERFIXATIONS MEETING HOLY SHIT ❤❤

When Clint seduces the vines....isn't any easier to stomach in print than it was in audio form.

Great to see we're getting new LiA episodes. Can't wait for LiA of the legend of the seeker.

I will never get over the surreal feeling when I learn someone I am a fan of is also a fan of another thing I like.

This came out just in time for me to watch during my lunch break!! I’m a huge fan of the TAZ podcast, and I loved the graphic novels so this was so fun to watch

My favorite DND podcast is currently undergoing an adaptation into a puppet movie and I'm optimistic.

My daughter was a HUGE McElroy fan, going to see Mabimbam on tour TWO STATES AWAY. As soon as she heard you say Merle Hightower, she immediately corrected it!

Something the Dom didn't mention, but is one of my favorite additions, is the NPCs getting more developed. In the podcast, Griffin couldn't give the NPCs too much limelight, because he's running a show with his family/players. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of characters, including Taako, Magnus, and Merle reacting more as they would instead of the knee-jerk reactions of Justin, Travis, & Clint.

It fills me with glee knowing that you’re a fan of TAZ, Dom. And it’s good seeing you break down what does and doesn’t work about its transition to graphic novels. I read should get back into it at some point, maybe re-listen to the Balance arc before diving into the newer stuff, but I’m sure I’d have a good time with it!

But Dom, I just threw my last child into the Volcano to appease the raingod! Where am I supposed to get another sacrifice at this time of day?

Kudos to you for figuring out a way to find a writer-friendly way of doing adaptations during the strike! And for the Sir Terry cameo, of course. 😉

Now that the strike is over I hope dom still finds time to throw in an unusual thing like this every once in a while it's been cool

Oh my god, I'm so excited to see this! I love both the adventure zone balance and your lost in adaption videos, so its a perfect merging of my two loves!! Thank you!

When I saw this notification come up I squealed with delight. Absolutely amazing

I wasn't expecting The Adventure Zone. A welcomed surprise.

Was anybody else thinking Linkara might show up for a “weird waste of a cameo” moment when Dominic mentioned his lack of experience with comics? Would’ve made sense, given the reverse happened with Linkara’s X-Men/ Star Trek: TNG Planet X video

Something I really like about the graphic novels is how they add the the gravity of serious situations. I know you prefer the podcasts specifically because of the goofs (which are extremely good), but so often the players would be so flippant about really terrible stuff happening, especially before they really started to take the story seriously. So when the town is leveled to black glass bc they failed to save it, they actually seem really upset in the moment, instead of immediately laughing it off. Part of the charm in the podcast was these guys being assholes, but within the actual story it would make them deeply unlikable. Anyways! Great video! I was so excited to see you talk about this wonderful series!!

Lost in Adaptation AND D&D? This is enough to make up for how awful my week's been! I've never listened to the podcast but I AM familiar with the difficulties in adapting something as longform as a D&D campaign into another medium, given how streamlined/condensed Critical Role being turned into the Legend of Vox Machina show had to be. It's just impossible to be faithful because there's just SO MUCH, the average D&D session being 2-3 hours minimum. I'll have to give these a look, because I'm always up for more D&D related/high fantasy shenanigans.

I loved Adventure Zone, it was one of the first podcasts I started listening to when I got my cushy office job

I’m so glad you did this series!! TAZ is incredible, and Balance arguably the best arc

Not sure if this is true but I remember reading somewhere the reason the colouring was a bit weird at the start is Taako had a human skin tone but they changed it

Respect to you for supporting the strikes. The recent videos have been a lot of fun.

I got the first volume at my local library, and I'm gonna request the rest of the series ASAP. I'm currently mid-audiobook, but once I'm done with that series, I'll have to give the podcast a shot. Thanks, Dom!

Just engagin’ with the content here, Barnes.

Was not expecting this on my feed today but thrilled! Love TaZ!

I haven't seen Adventure Zone. But adore the brothers. Justin and Griffin do a KZfaq series called Monster Factory, where they make the wildest things possible in games character creators. And its absolute gold.

Sweet, love these guys! Still waiting for a comic adaptation of Oxventure, so I'll get a trifecta of my favorite DND podcasts (the other being Critical Role, natch).

Something i'd love to have one day would be a digital version of the comic that includes griffin's frankly stellar soundtrack, the eleventh hour isn't quite the same without hearing twangy guitar and 'the clock strikes twelve'

I’ve never listened to the podcast, but the graphic novels are fun and have really gotten better each volume. I may have to listen one day.

Speaking of knowing the people the Balance NPCs were named after, I was irl friends with the person for whom Abbess Oriana was named when that episode came out! They and another friend actually got me into TAZ, and that friend is also the reason I started reading and writing fan fiction (initially for TAZ, of course). They're cool as hell and very good at art I'm just saying < 3

Great news Dom! The strike ended a few days ago!

LOVE your content dom! I need to go to theraphy today and this will calm me dowb! Thanks 😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤

Since the primary audience for the comics are people who have listened to the podcast, references to memorable jokes that only work verbally would still probably work, reminding you of the joke. I've never read/heard any of this. But I had my own mini version of what I said before. I'm sure I wouldnt have thought the joke was funny if I just read it. But I listened to the clip before reading it, and I did find it funny. It actually took you saying it was a bad joke for me to realize I wouldn't have found it funny if not for the audio.

I have been getting the comics as they come out mostly because, as you said, I like seeing the boys in art. That being said, my adaptation concern since the first book has been how they will handle the Taako Taco subplot given its set-up is basically absent in the books. I understand why given it's a really dumb recurring bit. But that subplot's ultimate conclusion was one of my favourite moments in all fiction *because* it took something so genuinely nonsense and made me cry about it. I just hope they find a way to give it some justice

Fantastic video! I totally wasn't expecting you to cover this, but I love the creativity to get around the strike! Love the solidarity!

Whoa, my mom's generic ringtone randomly making a cameo in the outtakes at the end just about made me jump out of my skin. 😂

The Adventure Zone is one of my favorite podcasts, which I found during a particularly bad depressive episode as a teenager. It gave me hope and a reason to keep going. I still relisten to it when I'm feeling down. I roped my family into it, we're all huge fans now. I have all the comics and I've read them, the art style is lovely and a lot of hard work went into them, but I will say even though I have them all I don't revisit them as much as I revisit the podcast or look at fanworks. There's just something special about the podcast that can't be adapted on the page, it feels like something vital is missing every time I reread the comics. Thanks for reviewing them! You did a lovely job :)

Man, I listened to it between 2015 and 2017 when I was commuting a lot- and I remember straight up crying in the finale on an international bus ride, even though I rarely get past "teary" with media 😭 And the music Griffin made for the podcast? Bonkers, I sing Crystal Kingdom to this day Also, you really should do a spoiler warning because the Lucretia bit- although foreshadowed in the comics- is a great plot twist

As a huge fan of both the podcast and the comic i agree! The comic is an amazing experience, just a very different one. It's a lot more about the plot with some funny jokes instead of a comic podcast with some good plot.

a video I was never expecting, but it's very cool to see

I think my favorite change the graphic novels made was that they made it a point to bring griffin's "UN-bury your gays" retcon much sooner by including it in petals to the metal as opposed to leaving it in the finale. It was made clear early on that he simply didn't realize that this was an actual trope that tended to happen in stories and that it might come off as insensitive to the point where he decided to change it when he could slip it in there. Letting it be revealed much sooner just feels like a smart move as it keeps the emotional story beats that came with the original ending while letting them sorta correct that original course of action. Also it was sweet af

i get so elated every time dom makes a video about something i’m a fan of as well. never expected to get a taz balance episode, but i’m so here for it! great video

I'm surprised you left out the graphic novel's rewriting/reframing of the end of Petals to the Metal. Technically, it didn't change anything but one character's awareness (of what would admittedly be a later retcon), but that's what makes it such an interesting tweak, and a chance to use this second go-round of the story to tell things differently.

By the time i got my hands on the first graphic novel i had listened to the first season at least twice. So the jokes that relied on audio landed alright to me, it was like i could hear the bois making them almost. I am about 2/3rds of the way through another relisten. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volumes, i still need the Eleventh Hour 😭

Funny. Dungeons and Dragons is a game I'm only familiar with thanks to Honor Among Thieves and Critical Roles Vox Machina.

Still haven't seen any of these storytelling pdcasts, but at least now I know a speedier way to get in on one if I ever feel up to it since it seems that some adaptation woes aside, this story is pretty qualit. So thanks for telling us, Dom!

like you said, i did notice tres horny boys being less dickish to the npcs around book 3, which makes sense, since their prodding in the podcast was more aimed at griffin than the characters

unrelated but dom's hair looked really great in this video

TAZ Balance is one of my favorite things. Thinking about it to write this comment and I am full of strong emotions. I just started a new listen-through this week. I am going to get a tattoo of "You're going to be... AMAZING" and even now just thinking about it I'm full of feels. The first thing that Lupe says to Taako after she's been released... 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And I take a lot of inspiration from the story. There is a Hunger present now in our world (fascism) and defeating it will take a lot and I am not sure we can defeat it. But we gotta try. Thanks Dom for covering this.

Weird coincidence, but just a few days before watching this I found the first volume in a barns and Nobel, and in doing so Learned that TAZ had a comic adaption in the first place.

Your nails look nice. Also I might check out these books.

Thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot to sacrifice my offering to the ancient ones😂

Since the strike is over now. That might be over now line aged like fine wine.

I've never clicked on a video as fast in my life 😅❤

I'm down for more of these backwards adaptation videos. I'd love to see you do one on the shorts Fantasy Heroine series once Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup is out.

I've found it fun reading the graphic novels as they come out and noticing the changes they've made. Very cool to see an episode on it! And, yeah, I relistened to the podcast starting at the Eleventh Hour (my favorite arc) and honestly prefer the podcast, but it's still so lovely to see it streamlined and in the visual medium

I've had trouble getting into podcasts, and I know nothing about the McElroys, so this is a pretty good primer on what TAZ is, I'll have to check if my library has this series.

excited by the leeman Kessler mention. excellent taste.