When video games expand beyond their digital boundaries and into the world of comics, the results can be surprisingly compelling. What might seem like a quick cash grab to lure gaming fans can sometimes transform into a rich, narrative experience that enhances the lore of the video game universe.
Whether you’re a gamer looking to dive deeper into your favourite franchises or a comic fan curious about the narrative potential of video game worlds, here are some comic books based on popular video games worth powering down your console.
1. Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has a long history of comic adaptations, with various titles exploring different timelines and Assassins across the centuries. Many of them are pretty compelling, including:
- Assassin’s Creed: Uprising
- Assassin’s Creed: Brahman
- Assassin’s Creed: The Fall
- Assassin’s Creed: The Chain
- Assassin’s Creed: Last Descendants: Locus
- Assassin’s Creed: Templars
With intricate plots and detailed artwork, these comics often serve as bridges between the games or as expansions of the lore, offering fans new angles on the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars.
2. Bloodborne
FromSoftware’s Bloodborne is known for its dense lore and gothic horror aesthetics, and its comic adaptation manages to capture its cryptic and eerie atmosphere effectively. The story by Ales Kot follows a Hunter who navigates the nightmarish world of Yharnam, spinning a tale that will feel unique yet familiar to players of the video game. Meanwhile, the beautiful art from Piotr Kowalski truly encapsulates the grotesque and haunting imagery that Bloodborne is known for.
3. Cyberpunk 2077
The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is a goldmine for exploration and character building and as such, the Cyberpunk 2077 comics are noteworthy for their deep dive into the vibrant and chaotic world of Night City, expanding on the game’s rich lore with compelling narratives and striking visuals. The Library Edition Volume 1 collects three distinct stories (each four issues long) — Trauma Team, You Have My Word, and Blackout.
These comics capture the gritty, neon-soaked spirit of the Cyberpunk universe while offering fresh perspectives and storylines. They effectively blend high-octane action with cyberpunk themes of corporate intrigue and societal decay, all while maintaining the atmospheric and dystopian aesthetic fans of the game have come to love.
4. Dragon Age
Whether you’re into epic high fantasy or just looking to dive deeper into the world of Thedas, the Dragon Age comics are sure to captivate (at least, until Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives to push things along further). Featuring both beloved and new characters, these comics expand on the lore introduced in the games, exploring new regions, political intrigue, and magical conflicts that fans have grown to love. The well-crafted stories and deep character development stay true to the game’s tone while adding fresh layers to the moral complexities and rich history of the world.
5. Mass Effect
Mass Effect has always been about choices and consequences, and is often recognised for its tight-knit and compelling storytelling. Consequently, its comic series expands on this by exploring different facets of its rich universe.
By filling in gaps in the game’s timeline, it shines a spotlight on characters like Liara T’Soni and Aria T’Loak, while also introducing new characters and stories that add depth to the series’ lore. For fans of the series, the Mass Effect comics fill in essential backstory, such as history and context for DLC missions, adding another layer to the already intricate narrative.
6. Metal Gear Solid
The Metal Gear Solid comics are a faithful adaptation of the iconic video game series, effectively condensing the original games’ intricate plots, focusing on Solid Snake’s stealth missions and the larger political conspiracies. The gritty stylised artwork by Ashley Wood (who later became involved in the PlayStation Portable title Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops) is reminiscent of the official Metal Gear Solid art by Yoji Shinkawa, captured in vivid detail and comic motion.
What’s more, the comics maintain the series’ signature themes of espionage, political intrigue, and the moral ambiguities of warfare, ensuring that both longtime fans and new readers find the stories engaging and true to the spirit of the games.
7. Minecraft
The Minecraft comics stand out by translating the boundless creativity of the game into engaging narratives. They explore different characters, stories, and settings, all while staying rooted in the game’s understated charm. From adventurous quests to humorous mishaps, the comics capture the low-stakes yet light-hearted, imaginative spirit of Minecraft. With a mix of heart, joy, and problem-solving, the Minecraft comics are ideal for readers of all ages, proving that not all comics need to be serious or gritty to be engaging and fun.
8. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog had a long-running comic stint under Archie Comics before IDW came along to pick up the rings. Since then, the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series hasn’t missed a beat, and serves as a love letter to fans of the blue blur.
The comics capture the fun, fast-paced action of the games while also providing deeper character development and new adventures for Sonic and his friends. It’s a delightful read for fans young and old, and a great way to experience the expansive world of Sonic outside of the games (as well as movies and shows).
9. Street Fighter
Street Fighter has been a staple of the fighting game genre for decades, and its comic adaptations by Udon Entertainment do justice to the game’s rich history and diverse cast of characters. This long-standing comics publication delves into the backstories of iconic fighters like Ryu, Chun-Li, Sakura, Akuma, and M. Bison, while also expanding the Street Fighter lore with new characters and storylines. The art is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy and style of the games perfectly.
The series has maintained its momentum and even caught up to the latest instalment in the franchise, Street Fighter 6, offering an official prequel graphic novel that explores various characters and their motivations. Beyond that, there’s even a crossover with Darkstalkers that’s just as spectacular.
10. The Last of Us: American Dreams
Before Ellie became a post-apocalyptic icon in The Last of Us, she had a life filled with moments that shaped her into the resilient survivor we know. The Last of Us: American Dreams serves as an official prequel to the critically acclaimed game, set even before the prequel expansion Left Behind, focusing on Ellie’s early days and her friendship with Riley.
Written by notable comic creator Faith Erin Hicks (Demonology 101, Pumpkinheads) and The Last of Us creative director Neil Druckmann himself, the comic effectively captures the emotional depth and dark world-building of the original game. The art, by Hicks, conveys the bleakness of the setting while allowing Ellie’s vulnerability and strength to shine through.
Bonus: The Outlast Trials
The The Outlast Trials comics effectively capture the game’s survival horror vibe with a gripping story that explores the game’s dark lore. They expand on the unsettling universe of The Outlast Trials by exploring new characters, sinister experiments, and horrifying environments that align with the game’s tense atmosphere. The artwork complements the eerie storytelling with intense, atmospheric visuals that evoke the same sense of dread and suspense as the game.
Although The Outlast Trials comics are digital only, they are also available for free. This gives even newcomers to the series the opportunity to easily check them out to see if the world of The Outlast Trials intrigues them. At the same time, fans of the series will almost certainly appreciate how the comics enhance the game’s thrilling narrative while maintaining its signature horror elements.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
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Gerald
