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While there might not be a new video game out that features the hugely popular Dark Souls series, there’s a fresh comic on the way.
Light the fires
The game that really started the whole trend of punishing-yet-rewarding strategic action games might’ve been Demon’s Souls, but it was Dark Souls that picked up that baton and ran with it. The From Software series is a perennial favorite for many, though is in a little bit of a drought right now.
With the developer moved on to other things, including the just-launched Armored Core: Fires of Rubicon, there’s a decided lack of mystical action. That’s to say in gaming anyway, as there’s a brand new comic book coming from Titan that’s set in its dark fantasy realm.
That book will be Dark Souls: The Willow King, and it’ll represent the fifth Dark Souls-branded series from the publisher. Helmed by “cult sci-fi and fantasy writer” George Mann, it’ll include artist Maan House to complete a manly creative team.
Fans can look for the book to follow the adventures of Herad the Unlived, an Unkindled raised from the dead by King Ustrad Uthrel. Herad is tasked with finding and enlisting the aid of one Lord of Cinder, AKA The Willow King, and uniting three “mighty warriors”. And from there, the newly formed fellowship must “venture on a perilous journey into the unknown.”
“I’m overjoyed to be returning to the dark, grim, Hollow-ridden world OF DARK SOULS for this brand-new comic series.” Says writer, George Maan. “Like an Unkindled, we’re rising from the ashes to bring you something entirely new and exciting. We’ll journey with Heroth the Unlived as he and his companions seek out a reluctant Lord of Cinder, The Willow King, to try to bend him to his task. Expect new monsters! Giants! Unseen horrors! Dungeon delves and ruined cities! Will the flame ever be linked? You’ll have to read to find out… unless the Hollows get to you first…”
Titan Comics press release
Look for the debut issue of Dark Souls: The Willow King to sport a five-pack of wicked covers, in addition to its dark story. That’s a series that’ll be led by a “Cover A” featuring Stephanie Hans’ haunting work. Pre-orders are open for all right now, by way of local comics shops and Forbidden Planet if you’re in the UK or Europe.
Once you’ve pre-ordered you’ve got a little bit of a wait yet til you can dive into this new tale of darkness, as Dark Souls: The Willow King is set to launch its debut issue on January 31st, 2024.
