Publishing giant Kadokawa has unveiled Elden Ring: Become Lord, a new webcomic based on the hit video game developed by From Software. According to current information, the upcoming comic will use a vertical scrolling format, which is optimized for smartphones. It is expected to launch on March 29, though currently it only comes in the Japanese language.
Fifteen pages of the manga are available for preview online, with Kadokawa promising a full-color experience for readers. The reveal is well-timed, with fans gripped by fresh Elden Ring fervor following the recently unveiled trailer for the video game’s DLC expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
While Elden Ring has received other manga adaptations, Become Lord seems to finally be the dramatization that will take its story material seriously.
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Elden Ring: Become Lord Lets Readers Relive Lands Between
Script written by 21g, artwork by Hand Punch
Kadokawa describes Become Lord in the following manner:
The grand adventure of the action RPG ELDEN RING is now available in full-color comic. The story follows one of The Tarnished who, guided by blessings, reached the Lands Between and sets out on a journey to become the next Elden Lord. Along the way, the Tarnished encounters charming characters, explores various dungeons, battles mighty bosses, and more.
As reported by Anime News Network, the official vertical webcomic will be published on the Kadocomi website. It will also be available in e-book form, and as physical paper copies. Currently, only a Japanese release has been announced. Kadokawa’s announcement also took pains to introduce Hand Punch, the comic’s artist duo currently best known for their award-winning work Emotions Evolution, and described by the publisher as a “rising star”. The two commented that they were “honored to be entrusted with the comic adaptation of such a prestigious work”, and that they have “poured passion into the creation process without reservation”.
This is not the first time From Software’s award-winning RPG saw a manga adaptation; 2022 saw the release of Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree, written by Nikiichi Tobita. Similar to Become Lord, it was originally offered online as a webcomic, though it now has a physical release and English translations. Unlike the upcoming adaptation, however, this manga was a tongue-in-cheek comedy that chose to contrast Tobita’s detailed and life-like art with exaggerated expressions and jokes about video game mechanics. While not the story fans expected, it was faithful in spirit, given the author’s awareness of the game’s details.
Elden Ring Expands Into the Webcomic Space With Become Lord
Kadokawa’s new manga is obviously intended to keep building attention for Elden Ring, now that the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree is arriving this June. While it is likely that Become Lord will receive an English Translation, there is no telling when it will come. In other words, the promotional stunt may not have as much of an impact on the international audience. Nonetheless, since Road to the Erdetree opted to go for gags over spectacle, Elden Ring: Become Lord may finally let readers see the battles against the Demigods drawn with Hard Punch’s lush art and elaborate choreography.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of “The Shattering.” “The Shattering” occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want – be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman – they will have complete control over their build.
