A Lesson in Prehistoric Patience

There is nothing quite like starting a grand, world-spanning adventure with a companion who gets distracted by literally everything. In this panel from the very beginning of Troll & Unicorn Episode 1: The Strange Metal Cave, we get a perfect snapshot of the hilarious, exasperated dynamic that defines our favorite odd-couple heroes.

As Troll—formerly known in his true celestial form as Thagius “Thag” Spoozicm Gumwillows—hurries along the jungle path, his partner is nowhere to be found. Or rather, he’s everywhere except where he needs to be. Just as Troll leaps past a massive hollow tree, Unicorn’s bright blue mane and tail pop right out of the trunk. For Unicorn (or Sparkles, to use his proper name), a hollow tree isn’t just a landmark; it’s a playground, a hiding spot, and an invitation to investigate. Troll, whose elemental magic is currently weak and dependent on precious sunlight, can only run past in sheer disbelief, muttering about his companion having the “attention span of a gnat.”

Underneath Troll’s grouchy exterior and his constant grumbling about “this guy,” there is a deep, unspoken bond. Banished to prehistoric Earth (known to the ancient Eldaryn as “Tera”) as punishment by Troll’s father, King Angus, they have been tasked with a singular, daunting mission: escorting each other to the Mysterious Mountain. But while Troll wants to take the most direct, logical route to get his exile over with, Unicorn lives entirely in the present moment, enchanted by the strange and beautiful sights of this ancient world.

And what a world it is! Just look at the ground beneath them—a giant, multi-segmented blue centipede crawls placidly along the dirt, completely ignoring the leaping troll and the hiding air elemental. In this vibrant prehistoric jungle, danger and wonder walk hand in hand. Every hollow log might hold a secret, and every detour—even the ones that drive Troll absolutely wild—brings them one step closer to the extraordinary mysteries waiting for them just over the horizon, starting with a certain strange metal cave they are about to stumble upon.