Quick answer
Start with The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II: The Legend of Vox Machina if you want a coffee-table art collection from the first campaign, or pick Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1 if you prefer deep character backstories from Campaign 2.
Campaign focus matters most
The two books serve very different parts of the Critical Role universe. The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II celebrates Vox Machina's entire second half with fan art, while The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition collects origin stories for the Mighty Nein crew. Your favorite campaign will naturally guide your first pick.
Format and reading experience
The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II is a large coffee-table book meant for browsing stunning artwork. The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition is an oversized graphic novel collection that you read page by page. Choose based on whether you want to flip through art or dive into a narrative.
Decision rules for choosing your first Critical Role art book
- If you love Vox Machina: Choose The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II: The Legend of Vox Machina. It focuses entirely on Campaign 1 art and is designed for browsing.
- If you love the Mighty Nein: Choose Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1. It collects all the origin graphic novels in one oversized edition.
- If you want a reading experience: Go with The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition. It's a sequential graphic novel you read from start to finish.
- If you want a display piece: Go with The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II. Its coffee-table format is built for showing off on a shelf or table.
Product facts at a glance
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The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II: The Legend of Vox Machina: A coffee table-sized tome collecting Vox Machina art from the second half of their campaign journeys, with over 100 Critter artists and nine new pieces. Perfect for fans who want a visual celebration of Vox Machina's adventures in a display-worthy format.
The Chronicles of Exandria Vol II: The Legend of Vox Machina
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Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1: An inaugural oversized collection of the backstory of some of Critical Role Campaign 2’s beloved characters, originally released as standalone graphic novels. Ideal for readers who enjoy narrative-driven origin stories and want to see the Mighty Nein's beginnings in one cohesive volume.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1
Which book fits you?
Best for
- Vox Machina fans who want a visual art collection
- Mighty Nein fans who prefer narrative origin stories
Not for
- Readers looking for a single continuous novel (try the Critical Role novels instead)
- Fans who want the full Campaign 2 story (this is only origins)
