I play a lot of video games and I read a lot of comic books. And when those two mediums come together, it’s a beautiful mesh.
I’m sure that when many of us finish a video game we wish that there was more to the story. We get attached to these characters and their world and then all of a sudden, it’s done and we have the option of either starting all over again or letting those characters go.
Then again, if we find other media that has those characters, that is another story my friends. Here are some of my favourite graphic novels based on popular video games.
1Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares is a platforming horror game that tells the story of a young girl named Six who is trapped in The Maw, a world full of terrifyingly large creatures and monsters bent on keeping her trapped there, or worse. The game is equal parts scary and intriguing and the graphic novel of the same name is a closer look at this scary tale.
Readers will learn more about Six as well as The Maw and many of the things in between. The art style is reminiscent of the game itself with plenty of Tim Burton-esque peculiarities. [Buy on Amazon]
2Borderlands Origins
Borderlands: Origins is a four issue comic that follows the original four vault hunters – Lilith, Brick, Mordecai and Roland – and their lives leading up them coming together on Pandora. Anyone that picks up this comic book will learn about the Borderlands characters in ways they never have.
Included are tales of Roland’s old squadron, Lilith’s life growing up as a “special” siren, Mordecai’s early days with Bloodwing, and Brick’s relationship with his dog. [Buy on Amazon]
3Tomb Raider Omnibus
This Tomb Raider collection follows Lara after the events of the first game. Her and her surviving crew members have returned from the island of Yamatai and are fighting with the horrifying vision of what they saw there. When a mysterious group begins threatening Lara and her friends, she is forced to return to the accursed island and stop whatever is going on there.
Telling a story of what may have happened between the events of the first and second in the Tomb Raider reboot series, Tomb Raider Omnibus is a must-read for Lara Croft fans. [Buy on Amazon]
4Dead Space
The graphic novel series entitled Dead Space, from Image Comics, is a prequel to 2011’s Dead Space by EA. On the distant mining colony of Aegis VII, something is brewing and blistering underneath the surface. The mysterious artifact, The Marker, that fans of the game will recognise, is just starting to show itself. Security Officer Bram Neumann is forced to decide what side he’s on when The Marker makes it’s very first appearance and starts causing his fellow colony members to go insane.
A suspenseful and violent look at how it all began, Dead Space is a great prequel to the game series. [Buy on Amazon]
5Injustice: Gods Among Us
This novel series is a prequel to the popular fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us. The Injustice: Gods Among Us graphic novels take place in a completely alternate reality where Superman becomes a villain after Joker kills his family. To try and fight off the villainous group that Superman puts together, Batman makes his own team in response.
Exciting and full of some of your favourite characters from the Justice League, Injustice Gods Among Us is a gorgeously illustrated set of graphic novels. [Buy on Amazon]
6Plants Vs. Zombies
I tried to find just one or two Plants Vs. Zombies titles to recommend, but they’re all really fantastic, especially for the younger reader. Some of the titles follow Crazy Dave, the neighbour who isn’t quite right in the head as he defends his neighbourhood from the zombie horde. Other issues follow the zombies themselves and their adventures in trying to take care of the neighbourhood.
A light-hearted tale that’s silly and funny and perfect for the whole family, The Plants Vs. Zombies graphic novels are sure to please. [Buy on Amazon]
7Fables: The Wolf Among Us
When I first found out about this particular graphic novel series, I thought it was strange. The Wolf Among Us was developed by Telltale Games and was based on a graphic novel series by the name of Fables. After the video game’s release, a new series began – Fables: The Wolf Among Us.
A prequel to the original Fables graphic novel series, The Wolf Among Us follows the storyline of the video game which tells of the sheriff of Fabletown, Bigby Wolf, as he deals with the goings-on in their secret town made up of fairy tale creatures. [Buy on Amazon]
8Dragon Age: Magekiller
Dragon Age: Magekiller was published by Darkhorse Comics and tells the story of the “Magekiller” Marius and his handler Tessa. With the goal of taking out those that use their magic to hurt people, the two acquire employment from a mysterious and powerful stranger. By the time it becomes evident that things aren’t exactly as they seem, the duo realises that this mission could be their last.
A fantastical and dazzling tale of danger and adventure, Dragon Age: Magekiller is one for you to pick up if you love the game series. [Buy on Amazon]
