Classic gaming property Legacy of Kain returns in graphic novel form

For years, fans have clamored for the return of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, and we look to be right on the edge of just that.

But first, a Kickstarter

Unfortunately this isn’t a story about a video game. Well, it kind of isn’t. Legacy of Kain is a video game series of course, but the property hasn’t been seen in years and is now poised to make a welcome comeback. The thing is, that comeback is going to be in the form of a comic book that’ll be landing on Kickstarter later this year.

Entitled Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise, the campaign will seek to fund a graphic novel that’ll tell the tale of the franchise’s “untold backstory”. Noted by the “Soul Reaver” take too, that comic will tap into the history of fan-favorite vampire-turned-hero Raziel.

Onboard to bring this origin tale to fans will be writers Joshua Viola and Angie Hodapp, who’ll be supplemented by Brent Friedman who’ll be providing “narrative guidance alongside creative direction and input from Crystal Dynamics”. Dealing out the visuals will be artist Juan Samu, plus Jonny Bush and Ninja Jo, with covers from Dave Rapoza.

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.”

Bit Bot Media press release

The very first project from Bit Bot Media, the Kickstarter is launching just in time for Soul Reaver’s 25th anniversary. More over, it will look to be the first new content from the dark gothic/horror universe since 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance.

While said Kickstarter isn’t live just yet, you can check out the landing page here, and get yourself sufficiently psyched.