A new comic book series was just announced for the popular video game franchise Dark Souls! The first release for the series is set to land in comic book shops beginning January 31. The Dark Souls: The Willow King comic will return fans to the decaying world of Dark Souls, based on Bandai Namco's multi-award-winning game franchise.
The four-part series Dark Souls: The Willow King follows "Herald the Unlived". He is resurrected as an Unkindled by the mighty King Ustrad Uthrel after he fails to link the First Flame. He is ordered to seek out the revived Lord of Cinder, know as The Willow King. The story sees Herad unite three mighty warriors in his perilous journey into the unkown.
On top of many adventures to be had in the perilous journey that awaits, the newest addition will feature the return of the popular cult sci-fi and fantasy writer George Mann, known for his works Newbury and Hobbes and The Ghosts, and his contributions to Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes novels. Mann will be joined by break-out artist Maan House.
George Maan shared his excitement for the series:
“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…”
Dark Souls: The Willow King, has already showcased several cover options all showcased down below. Check them out for yourself, and let us know which is your favorite in the comments!
Cover A: Stephanie Hans
Cover B: Maan House
Cover C (Wraparound): Alan Quah
Cover D: Nick Marinkovich
Cover E: Diego Yapur
Titan Comics' series editor Calum Collins released the following statement about the four-part comic book series:
“I am extremely excited to work with George and Maan to return to the world of DARK SOULS and seek to link the flame once more! In this story, a band of desperate ashen hollows will attempt to link the flame where they once failed, venturing into the creaking monster-filled domain of the Willow King to accomplish their goal. Expect grim gothic vistas, twisted monsters, and an epic quest into a dungeon unlike any seen before.”
Dark Souls: The Willow King #1 will land in comic book shops, and in digital format, at the beginning of the New Year on January 31st. You can pre-order the title from your local comic shop, or Forbidden Planet if you're in the UK and Europe.
Learn more about the inspiration behind the four-part comic book series, the Dark Souls game!
The Dark Souls video game franchise, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, has gained critical acclaim and a massive following since its inception in 2011.
The first installment was released in Japan for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in September of 2011. Its global release followed the next month (October). A PC version of the game was released in August 2012.
The second installment, Dark Souls II, was released worldwide in March of 2014 for PC, PlayStation3, and Xbox 360.
Dark Souls III, the third installment in the popular gaming franchise, was released in Japan in March of 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows/PC. The worldwide release followed the next month in April of 2016.
The Dark Souls series is well-known for its high level of difficulty, intricate world design, deep lore, and minimalistic storytelling. Players navigate through dark and treacherous environments, facing off against formidable enemies and bosses, while uncovering the lore of the world through exploration and interaction with the environment.
The core gameplay revolves around exploration, combat, and character progression. Players can customize their character’s skills and abilities, and they must carefully manage their health and stamina during combat. The series places a strong emphasis on learning from failure, as players will die frequently and must learn from their mistakes to progress.
Let us know your thoughts on the upcoming Dark Souls comic book series in the comments down below!