Vox Machina Rises Again: A Quick Interview with Noah Hayes

Vox Machina Rises Again: A Quick Interview with Noah Hayes

Once again, we’ve been gifted the pleasure to dive back into the epic world of Critical Role as Vox Machina returns for another thrilling adventure in the upcoming comic series Critical Role Vox Machina Origins IV #1! With the Final Order Cutoff (FOC) approaching on April 22nd, it’s time to ensure your local comic book shop orders this highly anticipated issue before it’s too late.

In this latest installment, our beloved band of adventurers is tasked with unraveling the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Sir Fince, a member of the Tal’dorei Council. Led by the indomitable Vex, the team of Percy, Grog, Scanlan, and Keyleth embarks on a quest to lead them to a sinister basement shrouded in darkness and secrets. What awaits them in the depths of Sir Fince’s homestead? Prepare for twists, turns, and surprises as Vox Machina confronts new challenges and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens their world.

We had the opportunity to chat with the talented artist behind Vox Machina Origins IV, Noah Hayes, and here’s what they had to say:

Thomas Sauceda (TS): Let’s say you find yourself in the world of Critical Role’s Vox Machina. What class are you and is there a special skill you would want to have? 

Noah Hayes (NH): I might go with an Illusion Wizard/Deadeye Fighter multiclass. I’d want the Flash Recall feat because preparing spells is always the most stressful thing about playing a wizard.

TS: Noah, this will be your first foray to the insanely fun Vox Machina. What can you share about your opportunity to visit this world as a creator for the first time? 

NH: It’s been exciting to work on Vox Machina as a creator in an official capacity. I’ve always wanted to work on a fantasy comic and getting to draw these beloved characters has been equally nerve-wracking and extremely rewarding. I’ve come to appreciate them in new and unexpected ways. I also watched a lot of Critical Role to keep myself entertained while I was working on my last published series, so it’s nice that this has sort of come full circle.

TS: Was there any particular changes to your process or something you really enjoyed about your research into Exandria while preparing to create a prequel series? 

NH: It’s definitely fun to pull out campaign guide material to be like, “It’s research! For work!”

I learned how to use Blender over the course of a couple days shortly after starting. I’d been meaning to pick it up for years, and it made managing backgrounds and props very easy. I also took up archery lessons recently, which makes me excited to make improvements on how I draw Vex’s shooting form. Finding the balance between doing research and picking up new skills and getting pages done has been the biggest challenge. If I had the means to do all the things I really wanted to do, I’d probably get too caught up LARPing in the woods and my part of the book would never get done.

TS: What is one thing you want to share with readers about what they can expect in the upcoming six-issue miniseries? 

NH: I feel like anyone who’s tapped into the Vox Machina campaign overall is going to know where things are heading plot-wise, but for something that doesn’t give too much away- I hope readers can expect to laugh at the jokes. There were several that made me laugh out loud the first time I read the scripts, and I had ample opportunities to draw some good expressions. 

VOX MACHINA ORIGINS IV Concept Sketches & Mock-ups

TS: You find yourself face to face with a Tarrasque, using any character from any fandom, put together your perfect party to take them down. 

NH: I’d want a high WIS team with mobility-adept melee fighters and ranged fighters who don’t mainly deal poison and fire damage (sorry, Dorian Pavus). The iteration of Ciri from The Witcher 3 and Malenia from Elden Ring would be my melee picks (anyone who wants to debate whether or not rot counts as poison damage is welcome to send me an email). Then I’d want Vivienne de Fer from Dragon Age on ranged/support alongside my own aforementioned wizard/fighter build. Finally, because every team needs a wild card, Charlie Kelly from It’s Always Sunny.  

Get ready to join Vox Machina on their latest adventure when Critical Role Vox Machina Origins IV #1 hits shelves. Secure your copy by April 22nd, and prepare to embark on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable moments.

Editors Note
This interview was edited and posted by Blake Morgan, but the interview was done by Thomas Sauceda.