Featuring Main Cover by Magic: The Gathering Artist Dave Rapoza
July 10, 2024
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Bit Bot Media :
SAN MATEO, Calif. – July 10, 2024 – Fans of the bestselling Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver videogame series will be able to discover the franchise’s untold backstory in an all-new, original graphic novel titled Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise, headed to Kickstarter later this year.
The project is helmed by writers Joshua Viola (True Believers, It Came From the Multiplex) and Angie Hodapp (Unioverse, Shadow Atlas), with interior art by Juan Samu (Star Wars, Godzilla), letters by Jeremiah Lambert (Masters of the Universe, Transformers), covers by Dave Rapoza (Destiny, Magic: The Gathering) and Aaron Lovett (Monster Train, Inkbound), with additional art by Jonny Bush (Rob Zombie, Ghost) and Ninja Jo (Star Wars, Stranger Things). Brent Friedman (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Call of Duty) is providing narrative guidance alongside creative direction and input from Crystal Dynamics, including never-before-seen ideas and elements from unreleased Soul Reaver lore. The all-new graphic novel also features concept art by Daniel Cabuco, who provided concept art for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2 and was the Art Director for Legacy of Kain: Defiance.
Arriving in time for the 25th anniversary of the release of the original Soul Reaver game, the publication of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise will mark the first official new Soul Reaver narrative in two decades, since 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance. Fans can sign up on the BackerKit prelaunch page to receive an email alert when the project launches. Everyone who signs up will receive a free digital image from officially approved Crystal Dynamics Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver archives after the project launches.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise delves into Raziel’s past as a human Sarafan warrior and his transformation into a vampire lieutenant under Kain. The story introduces new characters, including a mysterious vampire with deep connections to Raziel and Kain. This compelling tale explores and expands the existing canon while answering long-standing questions.
“Raziel's story spans centuries, offering rich material to explore,” said co-writer Joshua Viola. “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise not only fills in the gaps but fleshes out his character in surprising ways, revealing what shaped him into the Raziel we know and love. We have lots of surprises in store beyond the graphic novel that will blow fans’ minds.”
“It was important to Josh and me to find, after twenty years, the right place and time to re-enter this world,” said co-writer Angie Hodapp. “We wanted to find new stories about these characters that felt organic to the original canon -- stories that would excite longtime fans of the games with plenty of familiar elements, while also inviting new fans to join in. With that in mind, and with the directive from Crystal Dynamics to introduce new characters while keeping our story lens tight on the known cast, Josh and I explored Raziel's past...specifically, his human past and the genesis of his wings in the days before Kain cast him into the Abyss.”
This will be the first-ever book published by Bit Bot Media, a new, cutting-edge multimedia company from Klayton (Celldweller/Scandroid), the multifaceted musician known for his contributions to major motion pictures, TV, and video games including Transformers, Malignant, and Killer Instinct, and Denver Post bestselling writer and film producer Joshua Viola, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics.
For more information on the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise graphic novel, sign up at bitbotmedia.com for the Bit Bot newsletter, and follow the company’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Bit Bot
Bit Bot Media is a forward-thinking multimedia company co-founded by Klayton (Celldweller) and Joshua Viola, alongside James Rhodes of FiXT, focusing on the creation of original films, video games, comics, music, and merchandise. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Bit Bot Media aims to push the boundaries of entertainment. Visit https://bitbotmedia.com for more info.
About Crystal Dynamics
Crystal Dynamics is an award-winning, best-in-class game development studio headquartered just south of San Francisco in sunny San Mateo, Calif. Founded in 1992, Crystal Dynamics has grown into a world-class studio by developing iconic franchises and keeping at the forefront of the very latest in technology and graphics. Having created beloved properties such as Gex and the Legacy of Kain series, as well as driving the award-winning, massively successful Tomb Raider franchise at over 95M franchise units sold to date, Crystal Dynamics is now laying the groundwork for the next generation of innovative and technologically stunning projects.
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