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Take a look at World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn comic preview art
If you like orcs getting stabbed in the neck with broken-off wooden objects (and who could blame you, really?), then the promotional art for the new World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn comic should be for you. Artist Jeremy Raapack put up two pages of promo art on his blog, talking about the reveal of the comic at SDCC. So far, it's looking pretty sweet, and Bloodsworn should definitely focus more on the Horde side of things than the original comic series did. I have to say I really enjoy this picture of a troll from the comic. Granted, I can't tell the story from these two pages at all, but the art's solid and I'll give it a chance for that reason alone.
Blizzard debuts new products at San Diego Comic-Con
Blizzard's Chris Metzen graced the floors of the San Diego Comic-Con today to talk Blizzard licensing partners and show off some awesome new merchandise coming this year featuring Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo wares. Diablo merchandies looks to include knee-high Diablo socks, a Diablo face belt, new shirts, and two hoodies modeled after Diablo's demon hunter class and the angel Tyrael. StarCraft's line is expanding with new shirts, a first look at the MegaBloks Viking, a leather wallet, and StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres, which has been confirmed by Metzen to be a novelization of StarCraft: Ghost, the game that was and then never was. Warcraft's wares continue along a familiar path with a slew of new T-shirts as well as what appears to be a beverage called the Forsaken Elixir of Undead ... I really have no idea, since it's most likely a joke slide. Metzen also previewed the covers for the forthcoming original graphic novels Horde and Alliance, coming out later this year. [Thanks, Kotaku, for the tip and images.]
Viz brings mainstream manga to the iPad
Viz Media, LLC introduced its first iPad app this past week, Viz Manga, and it's something that I've personally waited a long time to see. I've been a manga fan for years, ever since I saved my allowance as a teen to buy $18 copies of Ranma 1/2 in the mid-90s. A good section of my bookcase is devoted to volumes in both English and the original Japanese. As, first, the Kindle, then the iPad were introduced, I looked at both of these devices as not only a more convenient and cost-effective way of obtaining more series, but also as a chance to hopefully cut down on the frequent pirating that goes on in the manga (and anime) world. Hundreds will take the latest chapters of well-known, licensed series, such as Bleach and One Piece, then translate and release the chapters online within days of the Japanese release. While Viz, one of the larger companies out there, has taken strides toward getting chapters of the English releases done at the same time as the Japanese, it's not fast enough for a very picky community that wants their fix before the releases have even hit the printing press. There is manga out there that's available for the Kindle and iPhone, but these are niche titles. TOKYOPOP took a step in the right direction of making more mainstream work available by releasing Hetalia through the comiXology app. Dark Horse introduced more digital content in October, but that focused more on traditional comic books than their manga titles. There is also an iPad app coming from Yen Press. But by Viz opening its own store on the iPad, we're finally getting to see the mainstream manga releases like Bleach, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and more in a legal, digital format, and I couldn't be happier.
Rift: Planes of Telara introduces graphic novel and beta keys
As development continues on Rift: Planes of Telara, Trion is moving beyond the confines of the computer screen and into comic retailers. Telara Chronicles is the game's graphic novel, and issue #1 introduces a four-part miniseries set in the world of Telara. Even better, that first issue comes with an exciting bonus. When you buy it at your local comic store, you can also get issue #0 and a Rift: Planes of Telara beta card. You can find more details on the miniseries story on the Planes of Telara Facebook page. There are a limited number of cards, and the graphic novels will arrive on retail shelves tomorrow, so check out your nearest comic shop!
Dead Space lives in two new formats: animated movie and graphic novel out this winter
The Dead Space universe just got a bit less lonely. EA announced two more projects for the property, this time an animated feature called Dead Space Aftermath, available January 2011, and a graphic novel called Dead Space Salvage, expected out December 2010. Perfect for those of you who love Dead Space, but somehow hate video games. The animated Aftermath tells the story of a group sent by the Government to the site of the Aegis VII disaster, specifically to be exposed to Marker shards, in order to create a carrier for a "Marker blueprint." Of course, the people don't know that's why they've been brought there, and since it's horror (and Dead Space) we can expect the expedition to go ... well, not great. The Salvage comic, published by IDW, is about a group called the "Magpies" who come across the abandoned Ishimura, which is full of candy Government agents and necromorphs. We'll learn more details about these projects during today's Comic-Con panel, "Building a Horror Entertainment Franchise: Dead Space 2."
Boutique publishing house les éditions volumiques shows us that print is far, far from dead
Say what you will about traditional media and the continually shrinking size of print magazines, but we've got some proof right here that good 'ol pulp still has a lot of life left. French publishing house les éditions volumiques has been doing research into new and... interesting ways to use the print medium and to combine it with mobile devices. The company's site is like a playground for bookistas, with short videos showing off all sorts of wondrous things. One project is The book that disappears, a volume printed on reactive paper that turns black after 20 minutes. Another is The Night of the Living Dead Pixels, a graphic novel (shown above) that allows you to choose your path, with terminal pages featuring QR codes that trigger videos on your smartphone. There's a board game that uses iPhones for pawns, and even a book that turns its own pages. All are demonstrated at the company's site (in Flash, so watch out for Steve), and most are destined to actually see print by the end of the year. We've already made room on our bookshelves.
World of Warcraft comic moves to graphic novels
According to a post on IGN Comics, Blizzard's Warcraft and Starcraft series of comic books, published by Wildstorm (which in turn is owned by DC comics, owned by Time Warner) are from now on to be published as stand alone graphic novels. The current World of Warcraft comic will end, according to the article, with a special issue arriving in stores while Starcraft will end on issue 7. I have mixed feelings about this. The World of Warcraft comic has gotten, shall we say, mixed reviews. As a long time comics geek, I had high hopes for it, since it was written by Walt Simonson (one of my personal heroes), justly famous in comics circles for his runs on Thor, Manhunter and Orion. The comic didn't always work for me (fanboy though I am, even I couldn't digest a 'diet of steel' so to speak) but I'm still sad to see the monthly title end before splitting into the Horde and Alliance versions we were expecting. Hopefully we'll still get to see those stories as stand alone graphic novels yet.
Smoking Gun teases original IP with preview of 'X' graphic novel, ARG
It's been two years since Relic staffers John Johnson and Drew Dunlop (producer and lead programmer on Company of Heroes, respectively) left the company to set up their own, Smoking Gun Interactive. As we reported back in May, the studio has teamed with cyberpunk trailblazer and author Douglas Rushkoff to create an array of multimedia products based on its yet-to-be-revealed premiere franchise. This week, we get a look at what they've been up to with the first of four sneak previews of X, a graphic novel launching next year that lays the foundation for Smoking Gun's new IP.Hidden within the preview (on page 13, actually) is a link to a tie-in ARG that borrows the opening of the classic text adventure, Zork. This Easter egg is actually pretty appropriate, given that Rushkoff coined the term "viral media." We've gotten as far as "decoding" the Declaration of Independence, which, at least in the conspiracy-filled universe of X, contains warnings of aliens among us and a coming global tyranny. (As opposed to more modern government documents, which warn of a steep fine for filing your taxes late.)
Prince of Persia movie getting the graphic novel treatment
There's every chance that the Prince of Persia movie, like so many game-to-movie adaptations before it, will be tripe. Having said that, the recent poster reveals – coupled with the news today that a graphic novel will be released soon after the movie – may be improving our expectations. The book will be written by the creator of the Prince of Persia series, Jordan Mechner, and will feature cover art by comic book legend Todd McFarlane. Inside, the artwork will be completed by "some of the most talented names in comics," and will feature six self-contained prequel stories. So even if the movie does suck, at least this graphic novel should be worth picking up.The graphic novel will be discussed during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, hosted by Mechner, McFarlane, Bernard Chang, Tommy Lee Edwards and Cameron Stewart, so expect to hear more information out of that.
The Daily Grind: Do you read MMO novels?
Most of us play MMOs for the social interaction among real people from all over the world. Sitting alone reading a book or comic book is not exactly the most social activity, but most of our largest MMO IPs began as books in some form or another. Since then, it's the games themselves that have spawned books or graphic novels. World of Warcraft has a whole collection of literature to choose from. Warhammer Online recently released their second book in the Age of Reckoning series: Dark Storm Gathering. Even the Guild Wars universe is getting its own novel series to tie in the events of GW 1 and the upcoming GW 2.So we want to know if you enjoy your favorite MMO enough to read the paperback novel version when you're not online. If so, which are your favorites? Are these books solid enough to stand on their own, or would the specific game's players be the only target audience? Let us know!
Breakfast Topic: The next Warcraft comic book hero
So I posted a couple days ago about the new Death Knight manga starring the Human Death Knight Thassarian, and it sparked some interesting conversation in the comments. Namely, people started talking about the type of hero they'd like to see in the Warcraft comics. Some complained that the Horde wasn't getting enough representation, some wanted specific races to get the spotlight. I thought it was at least fun to think about, so I thought I'd ask the question straight up: Who would you like to see get front billing in a Warcraft comic storyline or graphic novel?
Death Knight Manga to be released December 2009
Via Blizzplanet, we have news of yet another Warcraft graphic novel coming to us from Tokyopop in December 2009. This time, the story will focus on Thassarian, a Human Death Knight NPC in World of Warcraft. If you've played a Death Knight or an Alliance character in Northrend, chances are you know of Thassarian. He first shows up in game as a thrall of the Lich King, but even as he assists in the slaughter of the Scarlet Crusade, he shows a noble spirit that even the Lich King's control can't completely suppress.
North America also getting House of the Dead: Overkill bonus
Click for full cover. The House of the Dead: Overkill collector's edition bundle is one of the best preorder items we've seen in a while, so it was understandably upsetting when Sega initially revealed the package as a Europe-only bonus. You can pack that pitchfork away for another day, however, because Sega has confirmed it will be spreading the love to North America. Preorder Overkill at GameStop, GameCrazy, or Amazon, and you'll have the option to bag all of this. Yum.%Gallery-29952%
House of the Dead: Overkill gets Euro release date, Collector's Edition
Sega will release The House of the Dead: Overkill in Europe next February, and there'll be an optional bonus at "selected retailers" for fans who preorder: this rad Collector's Edition. Arriving in a fetching minimalist slipcase (loving the authentic scuff marks), this will come bundled with a graphic novel that tells the stories of Agent Washington and Varla Gunns, and the events that lead up to the game.Here's the downside: this sweet package has so far only been announced for PAL regions -- apart from Germany, obviously. Sucks to be Germany, eh? Hit up our gallery for a closer look at the comic's cover and a sample page.%Gallery-29952%[Via press release]
Massively.com giveaway: Warhammer storytelling pack 2
This is our second chance this morning for you to explore the lore of Warhammer Online! Our first pack was all about text. This time around we're focusing on art. This pack consists of another copy of the Warhammer graphic novel Prelude to War, plus a copy of the Art of Warhammer Online - both featured heavily in the Collector's Edition of the game. Estimated retail value for this pack is about $50. To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite zone in Warhammer Online is. Do the soaring buildings in the Inevitable City grab your attention, or do you prefer the natural beauty of Reikland? You'll need to comment before 7:00 AM EST Sunday, November 9th. You can only enter once per person, and after the contest closes we'll ship out these fantastic prizes to one randomly-selected winner. Give us at least a week to ship out this massive pile of swag, though. To win you must be age 18 or up and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). For full eligibility details, we suggest you read our official rules. Good luck!
Massively.com giveaway: Warhammer storytelling pack 1
The lore of Warhammer is deep, rich, and colorful. Today we have two chances for you to explore that lore firsthand. This first giveaway offers up two tomes: the Warhammer Online graphic novel Prelude to War, and the novelization of the MMO entitled Empire in Chaos. Between the two books this pack is worth about $35. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite Warhammer feature is. Are you a Scenarios nut, or did you subscribe because of the epic Public Quests?You'll need to comment before 7:00 AM EST Sunday, November 9th. You can only enter once per person, and after the contest closes we'll ship out these fantastic prizes to one randomly-selected winner. Give us at least a week to ship out this massive pile of swag, though. To win you must be age 18 or up and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). For full eligibility details, we suggest you read our official rules. Good luck!
Prince of Persia graphic novel, read it in 60 minutes or fail
Welcome to the bottom of this ginormous image! Since you're here we might as well tell you all about the Prince of Persia graphic novel which recently released to book and comic stores everywhere. The $17, 190-page novel includes two parallel storylines of a Prince in the 9th century and another in the 14th -- meaning this Prince is completely different from the guy you know now and the one you'll know soon.Written by A.B. Sina and illustrated by LeUyen Pham and her husband, Alex Puvilland, the Prince of Persia graphic novel is said to examine the "legend of the Prince," created by Jordan Mechner. Check out excerpts from the novel in the gallery below. Gallery: Prince of Persia: The Graphic Novel
Have Clone, Will Travel: An EVE Online Wish List
With Empyrean Age and and Ambulation just around the corner, CCP is about to make a lot of its EVE Online subscribers very happy, including yours truly. The idea of walking around in a space station has been a wish of mine for quite some time, ever since I got word that CCP was looking at doing something like it. Of course my EVE Online wish list is much longer and probably won't get fulfilled for some time. Indeed it would keep the Icelandic developer busy for a number of years! Instead, let's narrow the list to the 5 top items and see what we've got.
Metal Gear Solid digital comic may skip PSP, go to DVD
Those anticipating the next Metal Gear Solid digital comic on PSP may be sorely disappointed. The first comic was released on UMD and retold Snake's Shadow Moses adventure, through stylishly animated comic panels. A sequel, based on the events of Metal Gear Solid 2, was supposed to be released on PSP as well, but has mysteriously vanished since we last saw it. This new comic would be presented in the same style as the first, but would include voice acting from series vets.Japanese retailer Game Star has listed a 2-disc DVD release for a new Metal Gear Solid digital comic, which includes both retellings. The planned release is June 12th, the same day as the PS3-exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4. Certainly, a DVD release would be more viable, and there are ways to get DVD content on to a PSP. We'll have to wait for more details.[Via PSPHyper]
Tales from the Lion's Pride Inn: Calling down the thunder
Every Wednesday (it's usually Wednesday, anyway), Chris Jahosky brings you another page of Tales from the Lion's Pride Inn, a WoW webcomic you'll find only on WoW Insider! This week, our characters are starting to deal with the aftermath of the Naga attack. For some, the loss is a little more personal. As the Naga will soon find out, they killed the wrong person. As usual, click the image above to view today's page, or the gallery below to start from the beginning.Don't forget to click the "High Res" button in the upper right of the gallery to view today's page at full size!%Gallery-11275%
