The Order of the Stick: Sir Francois and the Dragon by Giant in the Playground: is it worth buying?
If you grew up on the webcomic era where humor and world-building were inseparable, you know the feeling when a beloved series goes quiet. The gap leaves a hole in your reading rotation, and finding new material from the same creators feels like a lottery ticket. That is exactly the tension with The Order of the Stick: Sir Francois and the Dragon. It is not a new arc of the main saga, but a standalone prequel that brings back the dynamic between Sir Francois and Elan in a fresh, self-contained package. For the price of a coffee, you get a full-color, 18-page digital comic that feels like a direct line back to the original tone of the series. If you are looking for a quick, satisfying read that respects the canon without demanding a 500-page commitment, this is a low-risk way to re-engage with the world.
Quick answer
| Best for | Fans of the original series who want a short, self-contained story with the classic Francois/Elan dynamic. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a new main storyline, a print copy, or a story that requires reading the entire previous series to understand the plot. |
| Price | $5 |
| Format | 18-page full-color PDF (7.7 MB) |
| One-line take | A witty, self-contained prequel that delivers the exact brand of humor the original series is known for. |
What you’re actually buying
You are not just buying a comic; you are buying a specific slice of the Order of the Stick universe that was likely missed by the main timeline. The story centers on Sir Francois, the paladin who is earnest to a fault, and Elan, the herald who is… let’s call it “unreliable.” They land on an island where a local dragon is terrorizing the inhabitants. The premise is simple, but the execution is where the value lies. The creator notes that the plot “literally wouldn’t function in black-and-white,” which is a bold claim for a digital comic, but it suggests a visual style that is vibrant and expressive.
The deliverable is an 18-page PDF, which is a perfect length for a single sitting. It’s not so long that you feel like you’re investing hours, but it’s substantial enough to have a beginning, middle, and end. The file size is a modest 7.7 MB, meaning it downloads instantly and looks crisp on any screen, from a tablet to a phone. Because it is a prequel, it doesn’t require you to be up-to-date on the latest developments in the main series. You can jump in, enjoy the banter, and walk away with a complete story. (The Order of the Stick)
The humor is the real product here. If you remember the early days of the comic, you know that the comedy was often driven by the clash between Francois’s rigid honor code and Elan’s chaotic energy. This story leans into that dynamic hard. It’s a “hilarious” read, according to the description, and that’s not just marketing fluff. It’s a promise that the writing will be snappy and the character voices will be distinct. For $5, you are getting a polished, full-color experience that feels like a premium edition of a webcomic strip, rather than a rough draft. (The Order of the Stick)
Why it’s on our radar
This title is interesting because it solves a specific problem for long-time fans: the desire for new content from a creator who has moved on to other projects. Many webcomics fade away, leaving fans with nothing new to read. This prequel offers a way to stay connected to the world without waiting for a potential new series. It’s a “standalone” entry, which makes it accessible to newcomers who might be curious about the style but intimidated by the length of the original run. (The Order of the Stick)
The specificity of the offer is also notable. It’s not a “collection of old strips” or a “behind-the-scenes art book.” It’s a new story, written and drawn specifically for this release. The fact that it was released to Kickstarter backers first suggests that it was a high-priority project for the creator, likely funded by the community’s support. Now that it’s available for purchase, it’s a direct way to support the creator while getting a new piece of the canon. (The Order of the Stick)
One buyer noted that it is an “Interesting premise and well executed. Worth the read.” That’s a strong endorsement for a short-form comic, where execution is everything. Another reader called it “Incredibly fun story. Witty, smart, a lot of fun. Loved it!” These reactions highlight that the story delivers on its promise of being a fun, low-stakes read. You can see more of these reactions in the Gumroad reviews.
What actually matters
Before you buy, it’s worth noting that this is a digital-only release. The listing explicitly states that this title is not available in print. If you are a physical book collector, this is a dealbreaker. However, if you are comfortable reading on a screen, the PDF format is high-quality and easy to navigate. The watermark is only on the cover, so the reading experience is clean and unobstructed. (The Order of the Stick)
The length is another factor to consider. At 18 pages, it’s a short read. If you are looking for a 300-page epic, this is not it. But if you want a quick, enjoyable story that you can finish in one evening, it’s perfect. The “prequel” nature of the story means it takes place before the main events of the series. This is a plus for accessibility, but it also means it doesn’t advance the main plot. If you are waiting for a continuation of the current storyline, this won’t provide that. (The Order of the Stick)
Finally, consider the price. At $5, it’s an impulse buy. It’s cheap enough that you won’t feel guilty if you don’t love it, but it’s enough to signal that it’s a premium, finished product. The creator is Rich Burlew, who is well-known in the webcomic community. Supporting him directly through Gumroad is a straightforward way to encourage more content like this. If you’re a fan of the series, the Sir Francois and the Dragon prequel is a no-brainer.
Mid-check
If you’ve been missing the Order of the Stick humor and want a fresh story to dive into, this is the one.
FAQ
Is this a continuation of the main series? No, it is a prequel. It takes place before the main storyline and is a self-contained story. You do not need to have read the entire series to understand it, though familiarity with the characters will enhance the experience. (The Order of the Stick)
Can I read this on a mobile device? Yes, the PDF is 7.7 MB and designed for digital viewing. It should display well on phones, tablets, and computers. The full-color format is optimized for screen reading. (The Order of the Stick)
Is this available in print? No, the listing clearly states that this title is not available in print. It is a digital-only release. If you are looking for a physical copy, this is not the product for you. (The Order of the Stick)
Who is the creator? The comic is by Rich Burlew, the creator of The Order of the Stick. He is a well-known figure in the webcomic community, and this is a new original story from him.
Bottom line
The Order of the Stick: Sir Francois and the Dragon is a sharp, fun, and affordable way to reconnect with a beloved comic. It’s a short read, but it’s packed with the kind of witty dialogue and expressive art that made the original series a hit. For $5, you’re getting a complete story that stands on its own, with no pressure to catch up on hundreds of previous issues. If you’re a fan of the series, or if you’re curious about what made it so popular, this is a low-risk, high-reward purchase.