Fans of Crystal Dynamics’ video game series Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver can look forward to exploring the franchise’s untold backstory in an upcoming original graphic novel – Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise. This new addition to the series is currently live on Kickstarter. The crowdfunding campaign has 18 days remaining, however has well and truly blitzed its goal, having raised $994,895 USD of its planned $25,000 USD goal – no small feat – from 5,480 backers.
The project is being led by writers Joshua Viola, known for True Believers and It Came From the Multiplex, and Angie Hodapp, who has worked on Unioverse and Shadow Atlas. The graphic novel features interior artwork by Juan Samu, with Zac Atkinson providing colours and Jeremiah Lambert handling the lettering. The main cover is designed by Dave Rapoza, with variant covers from Aaron Lovett and Matthew Therrien. Additional artistic contributions come from Jonny Bush and Ninja Jo, while narrative guidance is provided by Brent Friedman. Crystal Dynamics is also involved, offering creative direction and integrating previously unreleased lore into the narrative. Concept art is being provided by Daniel Cabuco, who previously worked on Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2.
Set to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Soul Reaver game, this graphic novel marks the first official narrative expansion in the series in over twenty years, following the release of Legacy of Kain: Defiance in 2003 for PC, PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise delves into Raziel’s past as a human Sarafan warrior and his subsequent transformation into a vampire lieutenant under Kain. The story will introduce new characters, including a mysterious vampire with significant ties to both Raziel and Kain, while expanding on the established canon and answering long-standing questions.
Discussing the new project, co-writer Joshua Viola shared his enthusiasm:
Raziel’s story spans centuries, offering rich material to explore. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise not only fills in the gaps but fleshes out his character in surprising ways, revealing more of what shaped him into the Raziel we know and pity. We have lots of surprises in store beyond the graphic novel that will blow fans’ minds.
Angie Hodapp, co-writer, highlighted their approach to continuing the beloved story:
It was important to Josh and me to find, after twenty years, the right place and time to re-enter this world. 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.
The graphic novel will also be the first publication from Bit Bot Media, a multimedia company co-founded by musician Klayton (known for Celldweller and Scandroid) and Joshua Viola. The Kickstarter campaign offers various exclusive items, including a soundtrack by Celldweller featuring Matt Heafy of Trivium, a replica of the Reaver Sword, and more.
