Mike-Costa
Latest
Enter to win World of Warcraft: Dark Riders
Have you ever wondered just what's up with the Dark Riders of Deadwind Pass? Now's your chance to find out. We've got not one, but two hardcover copies of World of Warcraft: Dark Riders to give away. The latest graphic novel to hit the shelves courtesy of DC Comics, Dark Riders is written by Mike Costa and features some amazing art by Neil Googe. It's 144 pages of Alliance entertainment, filling in the gaps in the story of the mysterious Scythe of Elune, as well as the mystery of the Dark Riders themselves. Thanks to Blizzard Entertainment, we've got a couple of these graphic novels to give away. Take a look at our spoiler-free review if you'd like more information on the graphic novel -- it's a amazingly well-done book, well-deserving of a spot on the bookshelf. To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 26, 2013. You must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). You can only enter once. Two winners will be chosen at random and we will contact you via whatever method you've used to comment. Official rules here.
Review of World of Warcraft: Dark Riders
Before I even begin, I'm going to state the one thing that's been on my mind, and likely the mind of anyone else waiting for this particular title: It's about time. World of Warcraft: Dark Riders is the offshoot of the World of Warcraft comic series, specifically, the characters introduced in the 2009 special issue of the series written by Mike Costa. Yes, we have been waiting for this graphic novel for four years now. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Costa continues the tale started in that special issue and takes the reins of Dark Riders, skillfully weaving together one of those stories that isn't so much dependent on current game lore. In fact, it really doesn't address current game events at all. Instead, it takes the bold step of filling the gap between events that played out in WoW itself -- the disappearance of the Scythe of Elune from Duskwood and its sudden reappearance in Gilneas. And if that weren't enough, there's a wild trip through Karazhan and the questionable origin of the Dark Riders themselves, explained for the first time. But that's really just the tip of the iceberg here.
Dark Riders graphic novel hits virtual store shelves today
If you're itching for a good World of Warcraft story and patch 5.3 is too long to wait for new story content, Blizzard is happy to oblige with the just-released World of Warcraft: Dark Riders graphic novel. Unfortunately, Blizzard's own description of the comic -- talking about an "enigmatic destiny" and "hidden dangers" -- is too vague and generic to grab our interest. But fortunately we've heard about Dark Riders before and expect good things from writer Mike Costa and artist Neil Googe. So what can you expect to find in this tome of lore? More about the mysterious Dark Riders of Deadwind Pass, who have only been alluded to in the game, the secretive wolf cult, and the Scythe of Elune. But if you're not a lore hound, you'll just have to be tempted by the promise of a good World of Warcraft story in graphic novel form. World of Warcraft: Dark Riders is available today. You can take a sneak peak at the art or buy it directly form Amazon or Barnes & Noble for $16.01 -- though if you prefer digital, it's $12.99 for Kindle and $13.74 for Nook.
World of Warcraft comic splits into Horde and Alliance
Just like the Primal Ooze from Un'goro Crater -- except less slimy and without bones sticking out of it -- the World of Warcraft comic has split into two distinct books. Just as promised, the series from Wildstorm will now also feature Horde characters in addition to an Alliance story. BlizzPlanet reports that the two titles, dubbed World of Warcraft: Horde and World of Warcraft: Alliance, will kick off on January 6 and 20, respectively. While the Horde comic starts off at Issue No. 1, the Alliance comic is starts at No. 26, seemingly picking up where the original series, which showcased Alliance faction leader Varian Wrynn, left off. This should be great news for all comic fans, particularly Horde players, who haven't had representation in Wildstorm's take on the game world. World of Warcraft: Horde follows the story of an orc hunter named Malgar and his tauren ally -- presumably an enhancement Shaman from the cover art -- Ironhoof, which probably means they'll fight over the same loot. Written by Doug Wagner and drawn by Batgirl artist Pop Mahn, the story focuses on "the harsher side of Kalimdor". We presume that means Barrens chat. On the other side of the spectrum, World of Warcraft: Alliance follows the father and son tandem of Karlain and Mardigan, a Mage and Warrior who don't quite get along. I mean, if you were some scholarly ectomorph, you probably would be disappointed in your doofus, jock son. Written by Hawksmoor's Mike Costa and drawn by brit Neil Googe, the series promises "murder, a mysterious quest for a powerful artifact, and some fist-pounding action!" It's just what the doctor ordered. And by doctor I mean your mom. The one who wears army boots.
