Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver's new prequel graphic novel explores Raziel's human life as a vampire hunting Sarafan

ComicsLegacy of Kain: Soul ReaverLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver’s new prequel graphic novel explores Raziel’s human life as a vampire hunting SarafanWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. ComicsLegacy of Kain: Soul ReaverLegacy of Kain: Soul Reaver’s new prequel graphic novel explores Raziel’s human life as a vampire hunting SarafanWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Aswe revealed last month, the gothic world of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is roaring back to life in 2024 with a thrilling new graphic novel from the newly-established Bit Bot Media that marks the first new Soul Reaver narrative material in more then 20 years. With the book’sKickstarter campaignlaunching today, Newsarama caught up with Viola to find out more about the new book, his long history as a fan of this game series, and what it was like to explore Raziel’s “vast and intriguing history” in The Dead Shall Rise. But first, here’s Dave Rapoza’s main cover plus several work in progress versions. Image1of3(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Image1of3(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Image1of3 (Image credit: Bit Bot Media)(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media)(Image credit: Bit Bot Media)Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) (Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Dave Rapoza’s main cover and several work in progress versions.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) Newsarama: Hi Joshua! Congratulations on Soul Reaver: The Dead Shall Rise. What can you tease to us about the new book’s story? Joshua Viola:We delve into previously unexplored aspects of Raziel’s past, including his youth, his time as a Sarafan[a vampire hunter in Soul Reaver lore - ed.], and his transformation into a vampire. Plus, we introduce new characters with compelling connections to his destiny. What sort of character arc does Raziel go on in this book? You’ll gain a clearer understanding of his motivations during his time as a Sarafan, and we explore not just his human past but also his experiences as a vampire. Raziel is a complex character with many distinct phases, and we’re aiming to illuminate more of these facets. Comic deals, prizes and latest news Get the best comic news, insights, opinions, analysis and more! We’re building on the existing lore and important details that have been mentioned in the games but not fully explored. Our goal is to illuminate these events and connect some of the narrative dots. Raziel’s life spans a vast and intriguing history, providing ample creative space to explore. Matthew Therrien’s cover for the Limited Edition version of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) How familiar were you with the games when you signed on to write this comic? What did they mean to you? I’ve been a fan of the series since the original Soul Reaver game. It’s something I’ve grown up with. I own all the games, the action figures, some unique fan-made merchandise, and Raziel is prominently featured on my tattoo sleeve. I even created Soul Reaver content for an art school project back in 2002. Needless to say, I’m quite well-versed in the franchise. This is the first new Soul Reaver material in two decades. How does it feel to be taking charge of the creative direction for this classic franchise? It’s both exciting and a bit intimidating. I’m aware of the high fan expectations, which can be daunting, but from the moment this opportunity arose, I knew exactly where I wanted to take the story. It felt like a natural fit. As a fan myself, I’m embracing those expectations and taking them very seriously, aiming to create something that honors the original series, delves deeper into its lore, and introduces fresh elements. Aaron Lovett’s cover for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise.(Image credit: Bit Bot Media) How was it working with your regular collaborators Angie Hodapp and Juan Samu on this book? Fantastic! I’ve collaborated with them many times before, and it’s always been a great and creatively rewarding experience. We all work really well together, and the results speak for themselves. Is this potentially the start of a new comics future for Soul Reaver? That probably depends on how successful this is. If fans express a strong desire for more, I know I’d be excited to explore that. For now, we’ll have to see where this journey leads us. Thebest action gamesare sure to keep you on your toes. 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Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small 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for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”