Graphic Novel Review: The Last Session Volume 1: Roll for Initiative by Jasmine Walls and Dozerdraws

Posted on October 11, 2022 at 6:40 am by Gene Ambaum

The Last Session Volume 1: Roll for Initiative by Jasmine Walls (writer) and Dozerdraws (artist). Mad Cave Studio, 2022. 9781952303197. Includes issues #1 – #5.

Members of their high school’s gender sexuality alliance bond over playing a tabletop RPG together (one that includes nonbinary character options). Four years later they’re all good friends, and they’re finally getting close to finishing that first campaign, which is good because they’re all about to graduate and/or move away. They’re super excited, especially Jay (the game master)’s partner, Cassandra, who finally gets to meet Jay’s friends in person and game with them. But Cassandra doesn’t have a lot of RPG experience, and at first she’s kind of rough / annoying / clumsy. Lana (language studies major, about to leave for grad school) has the worst reaction to Cassandra, who is herself very worried about everyone liking her.

There’s an epic, fun fantasy story in here role played by the group members, who I’m sure you’ll love, as you see them deal with what’s happening in their own lives at that pivotal moment around the end of college. Worth noting: not all of them have been to college, but everyone else moving away/on gives them something to deal with, too.

I haven’t read a graphic novel this fun and inclusive since Megan James’ Innsmouth, which I recommend, too.