A new Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver prequel will expand the lore of the fan-favorite game series, revealing Raziel’s life before he became a deadly, jawless vampire in the service of the vampire lord Kain. Launched in 1999, the original Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver established a major fandom which has remained strong even in the gigantic gaps between new releases. Indeed, it’s been 20 years since Legacy of Kain fans last had something new from the franchise.
The Dead Shall Rise will follow Raziel’s career as a Sarafan warrior, charting his human life and eventual corruption to Kain’s rule. According to IGN, It also promises to debut a “major new vampire character” who fits into Raziel and Kain’s story. Of course, the 1999 game begins with Raziel turning against Kain and attempting to destroy his former master, so there’s a lot of ground to cover in telling the backstory of their relationship.
Soul Reaver: The Dead Shall Rise | |
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Release Date: | TBA |
Writer: | Joshua Viola and Angie Hodapp |
Artists: | Juan Samu with additional art by Jonny Bush and Ninja Jo |
Letterer: | Jeremiah Lambert |
Cover Artist: | Dave Rapoza and Aaron Lovett |
The project is coming from Bit Bot Media and Crystal Dynamics, with an upcoming Kickstarter to raise funds for the project launching soon (though fans can sign up now to be notified when it begins.) Writer Joshua Viola wrote in a statement:
In college, I created a Soul Reaver poster for a class project, never imagining I would one day officially contribute to the franchise. Even today, Raziel graces my tattoo sleeve – a testament to my deep connection with this universe. Fans can expect a project infused with that same passion. Working directly with creatives from Crystal Dynamics and reuniting with former collaborators makes this a truly special endeavor.
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Soul Reaver: The Dead Shall Rise Tells the Story of Raziel’s Human Life
Fans Have Waited a Long Time for a New Installment in the Saga
Fans haven’t gotten a new Soul Reaver story since 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance, so it’s a big deal to get anything new, let alone the life story of the original game’s protagonist. A powerful wraith, Raziel was once Kain’s heir apparent and second in command, but he grew so powerful that his existence threatened Kain’s rule. Returned to life after his execution by a mysterious force, Raziel dedicated his new ‘life’ to vengeance. From there, things became more complex, especially once the force behind Raziel’s resurrection was revealed to be a far more significant enemy – one which gave him cause to ally with Kain once again.
The comic is certainly good news for fans of Soul Reaver, who have arguably kept the franchise alive in the last couple of decades. Indeed, one of the most recent major pieces of news about Soul Reaver was an HD remaster of Legacy of Kain, however even that was a fanmade project. The comic is a major sign that Crystal Dynamics understands fans want more of Raziel and Kain, and could be the first indicator of bigger plans on the horizon.
Soul Reaver: The Dead Shall Rise‘s Kickstarter will launch soon, with more details about the campaign’s goals and intended release date. Screen Rant will cover the news when it does, as Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver fans get the epic new story they’ve waited years to enjoy.
Source: Kickstarter; Jesse Schedeen, IGN
