Joystiq

Illustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time'

Andrew Hayward — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST

It's not clear who or what is positioned dead center on a suburban street in the initial overhead shot, but as the panels zoom in to reveal bright-eyed children - two holding hands, stares locked - we consider the written message: "And we never got tired. And we never got old. We just ran through the streets forever. And everything was perfect."

The average viewer might see the comic as a charming ode to the carefree naivety of youth; of first loves and curfew-skirting dalliances with neighborhood pals. But for those who recognize the leads of the seminal Super Nintendo RPG Earthbound in the faces and apparel of these rapscallions, the message may suddenly feel highly personal. It's not a specific narrative moment from the game, nor does it utilize familiar dialogue, but its tone is that of how players may have romanticized the adventures of these beloved characters in their minds, or how they imagined they might feel in that setting. Perhaps it's how they felt once upon a time. Whatever the case, the voice feels authentic, and as such delivers an emotional wallop in just four sentences and seven panels.

For little more than a year and a half, cartoonist Zac Gorman has strived to locate that little pocket of feeling between the events of a classic game and the emotions triggered in your mind while playing it - and then translate that into one-off comics under his Magical Game Time banner. With subjects as varied as The Legend of Zelda and Costume Quest, Gorman has amassed a fan following by pairing common and universal themes with memorable characters and scenarios.

Continue reading Illustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time'

Illustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Storyteller preview: In the eye of the beholder

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST

"Wait, save that. No one's done it that way before. You made it more complicated."

Daniel Benmergui reached out to grab the mouse and save a screenshot of my panels in his comic-book narrative game, Storyteller, where I had just concocted a tale of love and loss based on the page's prompt, using a trio of static characters. One click and Benmergui let me regain control - he resumed his place over my shoulder in a quiet room off of the main GDC concourse, paper and pen in hand, taking notes on my visible thought processes as they played out on-screen.

It didn't feel as if he were judging me for any missteps or silly lapses in narrative logic - In Storyteller, there are no right or wrong answers, as long as the setting is satisfied. It's up to the player to concoct her own story, based on prompts such as "Adam is heartbroken but recovers," "Tim betrays Adam for money but kills himself out of regret" and "A mother murders her own daughter out of jealousy."

Continue reading Storyteller preview: In the eye of the beholder

Storyteller preview: In the eye of the beholder originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mass Effect: Foundation comic series announced

Mike Suszek — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST

Dark Horse Comics recently announced a return to the Mass Effect series in comic book form at Emerald City Comic Con. Mac Walters, writer for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, will write the series, which is planned for 12 issues. Walters wrote Dark Horse Comics' other four-issue comic mini-series centered around the BioWare property.

"Rather than going into an area where we tell brand-new stories in a universe that people know already, maybe we could find ways of fleshing out some of the stories that we've heard hints of already," Walters told Comic Book Resources. "At a high level, that's where we thought about going with 'Foundations' and that's where we went with it."

Click past the break to see a page from the series' first issue, courtesy of Comic Book Resources.

Continue reading Mass Effect: Foundation comic series announced

Mass Effect: Foundation comic series announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deadpool reunites with Cable in High Moon game

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:00:00 EST

High Moon's Deadpool game will feature familiar faces, sure, but only one character will have half a familiar face and one strikingly recognizable eyeball - Cable. Deadpool will team-up with Cable, who is designed to balance out the merc's insanity with some straightforward brute force and telepathy, Rob Liefeld writes. He would know, since he created both characters.

Cable is the son of Cyclops and Jean Grey's clone, and he has telepathic and telekinetic abilities. He appeared in a 50-issue series with Deadpool, so they're like old chums by now. Think buddy-cop movie, but with more sarcasm. And techno-organic viruses. Cable joins Domino in Deadpool.

[Thanks, JK Parkin!]

Deadpool reunites with Cable in High Moon game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Domino will appear in High Moon's upcoming Deadpool game

Mike Schramm — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST

X-Force regular, occasional X-Man, and full-time female mercenary Domino will make an appearance in Deadpool, according to the Merc with a Mouth himself. Just as he did in San Diego earlier this year, Deadpool showed up during a Marvel games panel at the New York Comic-Con last week and, after confronting his dancing alter-ego, said that the Rob Liefeld-created Domino, a.k.a. Neena Thurman, would be showing up in the upcoming game from High Moon Studios.

Unfortunately, that's all he decided to share during his very raucous appearance. High Moon is reportedly hard at work on the game, and Deadpool promised it's still set for a release sometime next year.

Domino will appear in High Moon's upcoming Deadpool game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Comic Store closing this weekend [Update: Make that October 30!]

Mike Suszek — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST

The PSP Comic Store will close on ~~Sunday~~ October 30, Sony recently announced. PSP and PSP Go owners will not be able to access the store after this weekend, and will not be able to re-download most comics purchased.

Sony is offering a means of backing up purchased content using its Media Go software. The company stopped offering updates to its digital comics service in July 2011.

Update: The PSP Comic Store service will be closing after October 30, not on September 30. We were so close on that one.

PSP Comic Store closing this weekend [Update: Make that October 30!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Katamari comic starts soon, greet the sun and the King of All Cosmos

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

Katamari is taking on comic form with a new online series from Alex Culang and Raynato Castro, the pair currently penning Buttersafe.

The comic run begins September 17 and will be updated every Monday and Wednesday at 5 a.m. PST, over at ShiftyLook. Destructoid has a preview of the Katamari comic, featuring the Prince of All Cosmos and his father, the King With A Chiseled Chin (name paraphrased).

Culang and Castro will be at New York Comic-Con, running October 11 - 14, dropping all the details post-premiere.

Katamari comic starts soon, greet the sun and the King of All Cosmos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mega Man to meet Sonic in upcoming comics

JC Fletcher — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST

Sonic's ever-expanding circle of friends is about to get even bigger, as a teaser image reveals plans to have Sonic meet Mega Man ... at least, in the world of comics.

USA Today comics reporter Brian Truitt tweeted the above teaser image, which he received from Archie Comics. In addition to its slate of digest-sized books about indecisive time-lost teens, Archie has published Sonic the Hedgehog comics since 1993 (allowing plenty of time to build a unique and insane Sonic universe), and it began publishing Mega Man comics last year.

Having this historic meeting take place in the world of comic books rather than video games doesn't make it any less bizarre, and we can't wait to see what happens. Will Mega Man destroy Sonic and steal his speed?

Update: According to USA Today, the crossover will take place in twelve installments across Archie's Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, and Sonic Universe series.

Mega Man to meet Sonic in upcoming comics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broken Sword developer joins comic artist Dave Gibbons for new game

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST

Revolution Software, the team behind Beneath a Steel Sky and Broken Sword, is teaming up with graphic novel artist Dave Gibbons for a new title, Eurogamer reports. Gibbons is responsible for the art and lettering of Alan Moore's Watchmen, and is currently the artist on Marvel's The Secret Service, written by Kick-Ass author Mark Millar.

Gibbons and Revolution founder Charles Cecil have collaborated before, with Gibbons contributing to Beneath a Steel Sky and providing art and a digital prequel comic for Broken Sword: Director's Cut. Gibbons says the new game is in an unexplored area that isn't France and isn't catacombs. He'll have story input and direct the look of the whole thing, even if he doesn't do all of the artwork himself.

"It's going to be something that combines a lot of the things I'm perhaps best known for, which are a design sense and a sense of symbolism and maybe an obsessive attention to background detail," Gibbons says. "It will look like a Dave Gibbons game. There would be no point in Charles collaborating with me if it was going to look like a Joe Blow game." Not to be confused with "a Jon Blow game," of course.

Broken Sword developer joins comic artist Dave Gibbons for new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The comic nerds, sci-fi writers and grizzled vets of Industrial Toys

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST

Industrial Toys was created by three self-described and proven industry veterans: Alex Seropian (Bungie founder), Tim Harris (Seven Lights founder) and Brent Pease (Bungie San Jose). They came together in Pasadena, California, in February 2012, with a mission to create hardcore games for mobile, touchscreen devices.

Since then, Industrial Toys has picked up sci-fi writer John Scalzi to help build its worlds, Marvel's Mike Choi and DC's Phil Tan as artists (and to balance the company's comic zen), and a handful of "grizzled veterans and fresh, new talent," president Tim Harris told Joystiq at E3.

There are a total of 15 employees at Industrial Toys, split down the middle between those new to the industry and those who may have seen too much of it, Harris said.

If splitting an odd number of employees into two even groups seems like an improbable feat, know that it isn't the most ambitious of Industrial Toys' goals: By the end of the month, Seropian and Harris plan to release information about their first title, a sci-fi shooter with a world potentially as large as World of Warcraft's.

Continue reading The comic nerds, sci-fi writers and grizzled vets of Industrial Toys

The comic nerds, sci-fi writers and grizzled vets of Industrial Toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvel and Rockstar developing free digital Max Payne 3 comic

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST

If Max Payne were a superhero, he'd probably be named Shooter, and after a stint in a time paradox where he fights dinosaurs and artificially intelligent robot armies over a period of 15 years, he'd come back from the "dead" with a new superhero name: Balder.

Or he'd just be called Max Payne.

Rockstar and Marvel are taking that second suggestion with a new three-part digital comic series to "delve into Max's troubled past," covering events in Max Payne and Max Payne 2, leading up to Max Payne 3. Original Max Payne writer Sam Lake is co-authoring the series with Rockstar bossman Dan Houser, who is penning the game itself. The comics will feature pencil and inking by Fernando Blanco and cover art from Greg Horn, among others.

The Max Payne 3 digital comics will be available for free on Rockstar Newswire, the official Max Payne 3 site and "additional digital comics channels." The first issue is called "After the Fall" and will launch in the next few weeks, Rockstar says.

Marvel and Rockstar developing free digital Max Payne 3 comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prototype comic series available digitally next month

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST

If you need to be reminded about Prototype 2 periodically -- by, say, a tie-in iOS app or another promotional item -- we've got great news. Dark Horse will publish a bi-weekly comic series starting February 15.

The first issue, "The Anchor," catches up with Prototype 1's Alex Mercer. The second, "The Survivors," focuses on a few New York residents trying to get out of the city. And the third introduces Prototype 2 protagonist Sgt. James Heller.

The comics will be sold through digital.darkhorse.com. If these are successful, they might continue with all your favorite comic book tropes, like the universe-rebooting event and the Alien and Predator crossovers.

Gallery: Prototype 2 (Comics)

Continue reading Prototype comic series available digitally next month

Prototype comic series available digitally next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portal 2's Turret Lullaby comic sheds light and lasers on the singing turrets

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST

Valve keeps plenty of secrets from the world, locked away and tied down with live, stripped wires above a shallow pool of stale water, surrounded by a moat of baby hippopotamuses -- but this secret got out. Turret Lullaby is a six-page Portal 2 comic that explains the birth of the singing turrets. We don't want to give it away, but it involves a baby, a burglar and a lot of bullets.

Portal 2's Turret Lullaby comic sheds light and lasers on the singing turrets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed The Fall Deluxe Edition, retro Ubi shirts on UbiWorkshop

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:40:00 EST

Ubisoft has collected the three issues of the Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic book into a trade paperback, which it's calling the "Deluxe Edition." Even if you've already read The Fall, Ubisoft wants to persuade you to buy this, even if only to get you ready to buy the next series, The Chain. The book has a new ten-page epilogue meant to bridge the story between The Fall and The Chain, by Karl Kerschl and Cameron Stewart.

If you only feel like reading one word, and want it on your chest instead of inside a book, UbiWorkshop has something for you as well. The store is now offering t-shirts with a circa-1980s Ubisoft logo, devised by people who were apparently way into the MTV aesthetic.

Assassin's Creed The Fall Deluxe Edition, retro Ubi shirts on UbiWorkshop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dark Horse Mass Effect digital comics free today

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST

Ahead of the San Diego Comic-Con, Dark Horse has announced that all of its digital Mass Effect comics are free for 24 hours, starting at 3PM EST today. In addition to the free comics, Dark Horse is also offering a seven-page preview of its next Mass Effect series, Invasion.

The comics are available via the Dark Horse online store or the Dark Horse app on iPad and iPhone. And, again, they're only free today, so you'd best get your mass in gear.

Dark Horse Mass Effect digital comics free today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dark Horse compiles Valve comics

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST

Dark Horse Comics has revealed Valve Presents: The Sacrifice and Other Steam-Powered Stories. According to the listing on Comic Book Resources, the 304-page book contains Left 4 Dead's The Sacrifice comic, along with stories from the worlds of Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

The comic book compilation will launch on November 16 for $29.99. Although there are no further details regarding the Portal and TF2 comics, we'd guess they are Valve's online comics in physical form.

Dark Horse compiles Valve comics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony closes the book on PSP digital comics service

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST

Sony announced that today's PSP digital comics update, including Batman Beyond, Transformers, Ender's Game, a troubling number of B.C. collections and even a comic based on the Suicide Girls, will be the last one for the service.

We think we've found an upside to this announcement (beyond learning that there's a comic book based on the Suicide Girls) -- the end of PSP comic updates means you can now collect them all. Don't you want to be the first to own the full 4,000+ issue PSP comics collection?

There may be more comics in the future, just not on PSP. Sony said that "The Digital Comics Team will continue to work on bringing the comic service to other Sony devices." Imagine using the PlayStation Vita's rear touchpad to -- nope, we can't think of anything that rear touchpad would have to do with a comic book.

Sony closes the book on PSP digital comics service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: 'Batman: Arkham City #1' prequel comic now available

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:30:00 EST

Writer Paul Dini tweets to remind us that the first issue of his Batman: Arkham City prequel comic is out today. The page-turner is conveniently available in digital format direct from DC Comics, or you can shuffle on down to the local comic shop and nab it for 3 bucks.

Initially set to be a six-parter, the miniseries appears to have been shaved down to five issues. Parts 2 and 3 are due next month, with the fourth issue slated for late July. The game will be released on October 18.

Dini, who first started ordering Batman around as a writer and producer for The Animated Series, also wrote the story lines for the two Rocksteady-developed games. He's assisted by Arkham City concept artist Carlos D'Anda, who drew all the pretty pictures for the new comic -- and colored them in too. Check out the full-size cover image of the first issue after the break.

Continue reading PSA: 'Batman: Arkham City #1' prequel comic now available

PSA: 'Batman: Arkham City #1' prequel comic now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mass Effect comic series from Dark Horse coming 'later this year'

David Hinkle — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST

Fans anxious for another Mass Effect comic run will get their wish soon, according to coverage of a Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) panel over on Newsarama. There, Dark Horse representative Jeremy Atkins revealed that the company will "publish another Mass Effect series later this year."

With Mass Effect 3 set to launch at the tail-end of 2011, we anticipated more tie-ins -- EA loves its transmedia promotions, after all. Sadly, no other details were offered on the proposed third Mass Effect mini-series.

New Mass Effect comic series from Dark Horse coming 'later this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage prequel comic inbound from Dark Horse

Randy Nelson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST

There's evidently enough of a story to id Software's upcoming Rage beyond mutants and, er, shooting to warrant a three-issue prequel comic from Dark Horse Comics. With its first issue set to hit shelves on June 22, the limited series is being written by Arvid Nelson, whose comic Rex Mundi, a murder mystery about the quest for the Holy Grail, was also published by Dark Horse.

The book is being drawn by Andrea Mutti, known for his work on Vertigo's DMZ. The three covers will be provided by Preacher and Hellblazer artist Glenn Fabry, who, like us, continues to draw inspiration from the cover of Dead Space: Extraction. You can see the full issue one cover after the break, startled female character and all.

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Rage prequel comic inbound from Dark Horse originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Comic Book Day brings free The Darkness 2 prequel comic

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST

May 7 is this year's Free Comic Book Day, the annual event when fans all around the country crowd into comic book stores for free promotional minicomics (and agoraphobic readers put off picking up their subscriptions).

In observance of this ritual, Top Cow Productions is releasing a free The Darkness comic book that is intended to act as a prequel to the upcoming The Darkness 2 game in the works at Digital Extremes. Although we'd argue that if you really want a prequel to The Darkness 2, you could check out The Darkness -- or the comic book series that ran from 1996 to 2005. But those wouldn't be free!

Free Comic Book Day brings free The Darkness 2 prequel comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic

JC Fletcher — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST

It may not be the DuckTales game he wants to make, but Warren Spector is getting the opportunity to write some stories in the DuckTales universe after all.

BOOM! Studios revealed that the Epic Mickey designer has signed on to write an ongoing DuckTales comic series, in which he will most likely solve a mystery and/or rewrite history as he chronicles the ongoing adventure of a rich Scottish duck and his nephews. This proves that yes, Spector loves Disney enough to step outside of his game design job to tell Disney stories.

Art for the monthly series will be provided by longtime Disney comic artist Miquel Pujol. The first issue will be out in May.

[Thanks, Edward O]

Continue reading Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic

Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Batman: Arkham City prequel comic series fills the gap between games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST

As a promotion for Batman: Arkham City, DC and Warner Bros. are giving you the chance to read a Batman story in its natural habitat: comic books. A six-issue Batman: Arkham City miniseries will be available in stores and digitally starting in May, linking the storyline of Batman: Arkham Asylum to the new game.

Arkham Asylum and Arkham City (and Batman: The Animated Series!) writer Paul Dini is in charge of the comic, while Paul D'Anda, who did concept art for both games, will provide art for the monthly book. In addition, eight-page "digital-first" minicomics will link together each issue of the miniseries, allowing you to experience basically every minute of Batman's life between the first and second games. We look forward to the issue in which he's just sleeping, and Alfred takes the opportunity to do some Bat-laundry.

Batman: Arkham City prequel comic series fills the gap between games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview the 'Mass Effect: Evolution' comic

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST

If you found The Illusive Man just a bit too illusive, the upcoming Mass Effect: Evolution seeks to shine some light on the galaxy's mysterious puppet master. BioWare has posted a seven page preview from the four issue comic.

ME: Evolution was written by Mass Effect 2 & 3 lead writer Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic), with Omar Francia, who drew the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 comic adaptation, handling art duties. The series will cover The Illusive Man's role in "humanity's first deadly days on the galactic stage."

The previous Mass Effect comic series, Redemption, concluded with The Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC.

Preview the 'Mass Effect: Evolution' comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic #2 out now

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST

Good news for fans of stabbing and comic books (a bigger audience than you might think): Assassin's Creed: The Fall issue two is now available in comic shops.

Lest you haven't been keeping up, The Fall tells the story of mustachioed assassin Nikolai Orelov, who operates during the Russian revolution. Look out -- he'll stab you right in your warm, furry hat.

Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic #2 out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Silent Hill: Past Life ties into Silent Hill 8

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, In The News, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Remember Silent Hill: Past Life, the crossover comic planned for the upcoming Silent Hill title? Remember how the comic was supposed to feature one of the game's characters, despite the fact that the comic and the game take place over a hundred years apart? It appears that Hell Descent has uncovered the character in question, a possibly ethereal postmaster by the name of Howard Blackwood.

Blackwood appears in the first issue of the comic, while what appears to be the same character is also seen briefly in the Silent Hill E3 trailer (see him at 2:51 after the break). Whether Mr. Blackwood plays an immortal guide a la Richard Alpert, or the man in the trailer is merely the descendant of Blackwood, remains to be seen. Regardless, it seems like a neat inclusion, and we imagine Silent Hill's postmaster must have some idea of what's going on (whenever he's not delivering letters from dead loved ones, anyway).

[Image: Hell Descent]

Continue reading How Silent Hill: Past Life ties into Silent Hill 8

How Silent Hill: Past Life ties into Silent Hill 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward comics now on PSN

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, In The News, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

PlayStation Digital Comics readers can cross over into Silent Hill today, as IDW has announced that the Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward series is now available on the service.

The four-part series chronicles the exploits of mafia hitman Jack "The Pup" Stanton, who made the ill-informed decision to abscond with his boss's wife. Protip: When running away from anything, don't make Silent Hill your first stop.

The comics are available now for $1.99 each.

Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward comics now on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is the third Kane & Lynch comic cover

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Yeah, that's right: This is what the third cover for the Kane & Lynch comic, coming this October from DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint, looks like. Got a problem with that? No? Good. Drawn by Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night) it can be seen in full after the break.

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This is the third Kane & Lynch comic cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Fine: Ten years, two heads, one comic strip

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Psychonauts's Raz is back!*

*In this special comic drawn by Double Fine's Scott Campbell in honor of the studio's tenth anniversary. What did you think we meant?

... Oh, yeah, that would have been cool too. Anyway, the strip features not only existing Double Fine characters and mascots, but some that didn't make the cut!

Double Fine: Ten years, two heads, one comic strip originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comic crossover planned for next Silent Hill

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, In The News, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking to FEARnet, Silent Hill 8 writer Tom Waltz revealed that he is also working on a comic book crossover project entitled Silent Hill: Past Life. According to Waltz, the comic is set in 1867 and tells the story of "an outlaw and a really bad guy" named Jebediah Foster who "meets this godly widow who changes his ways." Before long the couple moves to Silent Hill to escape the wildness of the Wild West. As typically happens in the town, Jebediah soon finds himself dealing with "the ghosts of his past" (probably not in a tear-jerking, Dr. Phil kind of way, we're guessing).

Waltz added that the comic will tie into Silent Hill 8, as the game will actually feature a character from the comic. As the game is set in modern times, while the comic is set in 1867, Waltz hopes that fans will wonder "how the hell" the disparate time periods will tie together. For what it's worth, we do know that Silent Hill 8 also stars a criminal, an escaped convict named Murphy Pendlton. Waltz wouldn't elaborate any further, though he did note that reading the comic will help players gain a better understanding the game.

The first of four issues is set to arrive this October. Lest you missed it during the hubbub of E3, check out the Silent Hill 8 trailer after the break.

Continue reading Comic crossover planned for next Silent Hill

Comic crossover planned for next Silent Hill originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mass Effect Evolution comic to take the illusive out of the Illusive Man

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Mass Effect 2's shadowy, nicotine-addicted adviser, the Illusive Man, will have his history explored in an upcoming comic book mini-series from Dark Horse. IGN reports that Mass Effect Evolution will be penned by the same creative team behind the last comic series, subtitled Redemption. It will focus on the origins of the interstellar conflicts present in the original game, as well as the backstory of the Martin Sheen-voiced humanitarian.

Upon hearing the announcement, we also wondered if Sheen would reprise his role in the comics, which was one of the dumbest things we've said to ourselves all year.

Mass Effect Evolution comic to take the illusive out of the Illusive Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo: The Fall of Reach comic adaptation coming from Marvel

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

click to view the full cover

Marvel and 343 Industries have announced a new comic adaptation of the novel Halo: The Fall of Reach (not to be confused with the upcoming re-issue of the novel itself). The comic will be written by Brian Reed, who's work has worked in both comics and games. The art will be drawn by Felix Ruiz. For those unfamiliar with The Fall of Reach, the book covers events that took place before the original Halo game, including the creation of the Spartan II project and its indoctrination of John 117, better known to Halo fans as the Master Chief. Boot Camp #1, the first of four issues, will hit the shelves this September.

Gallery: Halo: The Fall of Reach (comic)

Halo: The Fall of Reach comic adaptation coming from Marvel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five free comics added to PSP Digital Comics

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:45:00 EST

The PSP Digital Comics store is still going strong with its weekly updates. However, it's been a while since the store has been updated with free comics to try. Starting today, you'll be able to download these five issues for zero dollars:

GI Joe Cobra #1
Star Trek Mirror Images #1
Astro Boy Prequel #1
The Ghoul #1
Dreamland Chronicles #1

To access the Digital Comics store, you'll need to connect to the PlayStation Store on your PSP and hit the Comics tab on top. Then, find the "Free Comics" tab to download one or all of the 22 free comics currently available.

Five free comics added to PSP Digital Comics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft teases new Assassin project, comic artists involved

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

View the uncropped artwork here

Ubisoft has posted a teaser image for a new, unnamed project on Ubiworkshop.com. The striking illustration implies a connection to the Assassin's Creed franchise, especially in depicting the severed connection between an unfortunate man and his head. The ostentatious assassin's garb, the eagle and "A" and "C" lettering also seem to hint at an Egyptian outing for the historical hitman sim -- though it'll be in the form of a comic.

While the art itself was created by Grzegorz Domaradzki (also known as "Gabz"), Joystiq has confirmed that two other Montreal-based comic artists are involved. Karl Kerschl, known for his work on webcomic The Abominable Charles Christopher as well as DC Comics properties like The Flash, is collaborating on this Ubisoft project with Cameron Stewart, who recently completed a stint on DC's ~~The Return of Bruce Wayne~~ Batman & Robin. According to Kerschl, we can expect more information within the next few weeks.

Further evidence pointing to an Assassin's Creed comic series comes from Cameron Stewart's most recent post on his illustration blog: "... I do have a couple of secret irons in the fire, including an upcoming new comic series based on an immensely popular property," he wrote. "It's doubly exciting because I will be writing as well as drawing, partnered with my friend and studiomate Karl Kerschl."

The Ubiworkshop website itself is the last mystery, though a general trademark filing suggests that it will be a "computerized online retail store" dealing in merchandise like clothing, artists' materials, music and video games. An Assassin's Creed comic series could fit right in -- and hey, everyone's doing it. If not, the trademark also covers Ubisoft for selling "pre-recorded audio cassettes," in which case we might finally be able to buy some Beyond Good & Evil mix tapes.

Ubisoft teases new Assassin project, comic artists involved originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II comic hits Tosche Station newsstands Oct. 6

David Hinkle — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

Many of you likely remember the first Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, a story penned by Haden Blackman which told the tale of Darth Vader's secret apprentice. Now the sequel has been announced and Blackman is not only returning to work on the sequel, but has also been tapped to be the scribe on this 88-page trade from Dark Horse.

The first comic based on the first game managed to sell 88,000 copies -- not much compared to how many copies the game sold, but still a figure no Sith should scoff at. You'll be able to grab your own copy for $10.99 come October 6, three weeks before the game's launch.

[Via Big Download]

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II comic hits Tosche Station newsstands Oct. 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvel planning Flash game adaptations for download platforms

Mike Schramm — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST

Marvel executive vice president Ira Rubenstein says that the comics company has been experimenting in-depth with Flash games (not to be confused with games about DC's The Flash), and that it's looking to bring some of its most popular online minigames to console download services. The comic book company's strategy in terms of gaming was "like a TV pilot system," he told an audience at today's LA Games Conference.

The plan was to come up with lots of Flash games and deploy them on Marvel's websites very quickly. Now, some hits are emerging (he gave the example of the Super Hero Squad Stark Tower Defense game), and the next step for the company is to focus on improving and supporting those hits on platforms like XBLA, iPhone, and iPad.

Rubenstein says "the combination of classic gameplay with a brand twist" like that found in Stark Tower Defense is what's selling with audiences. And he says that big sales like those of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 prove that there's a space for Marvel games on the downloadable game platforms, so it makes sense to invest in Flash "hits" by taking them there. Which is fine by us -- let us know when we can pay our $10 for our Deadpool Match-3 on PSN.

Marvel planning Flash game adaptations for download platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Mr. Freeze and Talia al Ghul to appear in Arkham Asylum 2

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

The original Batman: Arkham Asylum's large cast of antagonists was awfully daunting for any detective to face off against -- even if that detective has pointy ears and is equipped with exploding Vaseline. Two reports have begun to circulate about the first pair of villains we'll be buffeting with all manner of bat-shaped weaponry in Arkham Asylum 2: Talia al Ghul (daughter of immortal mastermind Ra's al Ghul), and everyone's favorite horrible pun-smith, Mr. Freeze.

According to Gaming Target, Talia's appearance was confirmed on Twitter by her apparent voice actor, "Castle" star Stana Katic -- though any Tweets to that effect have since been pulled. Freeze was similarly confirmed by voice actor Maurice LaMarche (who voiced the latter half of "Pinky and the Brain") in an interview with the GeekCast Radio Network. These certainly seem like reasonable choices for the next game's cast -- however, we're going to pray that if Mr. Freeze is actually included in the game (in a capacity greater than his cameo in the first Arkham Asylum), his dialogue won't sound anything like, well, you know.

[Thanks John!]

Rumor: Mr. Freeze and Talia al Ghul to appear in Arkham Asylum 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo: The Return, Part 2 coming to Waypoint - exclusive trailer here

Christopher Grant — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST

While you may never get that Halo movie your parents promised you, Halo Waypoint is doing its best to bring you all sorts of Halo goodies that are, at the very least, movie-like. First, the Halo Legends anime series, then Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, and now Halo: The Return, a four-part motion comic series based on the short story of the same name in last year's Halo Evolutions book. The first episode debuted last Saturday but will remain free to watch, only through Waypoint. We've got the trailer for this Saturday's Part 2 above, so be sure to make a note in your Master Chief-themed day planner.

Halo: The Return, Part 2 coming to Waypoint - exclusive trailer here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe Nier comics will help us understand Nier

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:40:00 EST

Want to understand what Nier's all about, you know, besides yelling at books? Square Enix is giving us all a chance to study the backstory of Cavia's action RPG, with a Nier comic series produced by DC's Wildstorm Studios. The three-part series will tell three separate, but overlapping, stories in the Nier universe before the game's April 27 release date.

In addition to introducing the main characters -- including Nier himself, his "disease-stricken" daughter, Yonah, a "conflicted" companion in Kaine, and the talking book "with an attitude," Grimoire Weiss -- the comics will reveal what caused the "Black Scrawl" disease and the cataclysmic event that led to the condition of the world (as it is in the game).

The Nier comics will be available on the Nier website, and through the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store. See the cover of the first issue after the break.

Continue reading Maybe Nier comics will help us understand Nier

Maybe Nier comics will help us understand Nier originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Age comic delayed until April [update: It's still on for March]

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

Update: It seems there's been a mix up somewhere between BioWare and IDW, as a recent tweet from BioWare's account claims that the Dragon Age comic is still scheduled to release in March.

It looks like Dragon Age fans hoping to delve further into its fantasy realm will have to wait a little bit longer. IDW Publishing editor-in-chief Chris Rydall tells Big Download that the planned March release of its Dragon Age comic has been pushed to April. Furthermore, the second issue will release in June.

The comic was announced last year, and is slated to feature a story written by Orson Scott Card. The plot itself focuses around a band of rogue mages that "will defy the rules of the Templars and change the course of the world forever."

Dragon Age comic delayed until April [update: It's still on for March] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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