Critical Role’s Sam Riegel Has Advice For Fans Ahead Prime Video’s Mighty Nein, Vox Machina Season 4 And More: ‘We Have A Lot Of Stuff Cooking’

by

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for Critical Role, with new releases in television, tabletop gaming, and books – including the adult romance *Tusk Love* and the short story collection *Vox Machina – Stories Untold*. Now, they’re adding another book to the list, but this one is quite different. *Smiley Day!* is an illustrated advice book written by Sam Riegel, who voices popular characters like Scanlan in *The Legend of Vox Machina* and Nott in the upcoming *The Mighty Nein* TV series. The book centers around one of his many beloved characters from their decade of streamed Dungeons & Dragons games.

While discussing his new book, the author also offered some thoughts for fans looking forward to his future work. Titled *Smiley Day*, and launching on September 30th, the story follows Fresh Cut Grass, a kind and helpful robot, as he tries to guide his lively group of friends, Bells Hells. The book is illustrated by Thorn L. Knight, and though Fresh Cut Grass’s advice isn’t always practical, the story delivers a meaningful message. The author shared he was “really excited” to create something that families and younger readers could enjoy.

With the release of this book happening right before the start of Critical Role’s Campaign 4, and with *The Mighty Nein* and Season 4 of *The Legend of Vox Machina* both on the horizon, I recently spoke with Sam Riegel to find out if this new book is intended for longtime fans or if it’s accessible to people just discovering the world of Critical Role.

Smiley Day is a story for everyone, whether you’re familiar with Critical Role or not! It’s full of fun characters and a lighthearted story that anyone can enjoy – even if you’ve never played a tabletop role-playing game. While fans of Critical Role will likely get extra enjoyment from recognizing the characters, I wrote this book to be discovered and enjoyed by anyone browsing a bookstore, appreciating the art, or looking for a fun story to share with their children. I really hope it finds a wide audience, including people who have never heard of Critical Role.

I can definitely say this book is visually appealing, with lots of bright colors and fun illustrations. While it features advice from the author to his friends – characters who do appear in the story – it’s not a self-help book from beginning to end. I won’t reveal any of the specific advice given in *Smiley Day*, published by Random House, as I don’t want to spoil the story.

Critical Role’s newest release, *Smiley Day*, is coming soon, but the company has several other projects in the works. I asked the creator what advice he’d offer as himself – not as his character, FCG – to fans eagerly awaiting content like *The Mighty Nein*, *Vox Machina* Season 4, and more. He didn’t reveal any major plot details, but he did share some thoughts:

I often share little sayings, like my grandma used to say, ‘the best matzo ball soup comes to those who wait.’ [laughs] We’re working on a lot of exciting projects right now, and I want to tell all our fans – the Critters, those waiting for Campaign 4, the debut of Mighty Nein, and Seasons 4 and 5 of The Legend of Vox Machina – that we, the creators, are just as eager, if not more, to share everything with you.

Critical Role has a lot coming up: their fourth tabletop campaign launches on October 2nd, *The Mighty Nein* will debut on Prime Video on November 19th, and *The Legend of Vox Machina* has already been renewed for both Season 4 and Season 5. Riegel then continued speaking.

As a huge fan of the show, I can tell you we’re all buzzing about Campaign 4! The cast has a group chat where we’re constantly sharing everything we find online – reactions to our character reveals and the trailer are just so fun to see. Honestly, we’re just as excited as you are, and it feels amazing knowing it’s coming soon. There’s a lot of great stuff on the way, and when it all finally drops, it’s going to be a massive celebration!

Mark your calendars! Smiley Day! A Good Advice Book From Your Favorite Robot Therapist will be available on Tuesday, September 30th. You can purchase a physical copy from stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target, or download the ebook version. And for fans of Sam Riegel’s other popular characters, the first three seasons of The Legend of Vox Machina are currently streaming, along with a trailer for The Mighty Nein.

Read More

2025-09-29 11:09