Arriving in time for the 25th Anniversary of the release of the original Soul Reaver video game, the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver–The Dead Shall Rise graphic novel is the first official Soul Reaver content in two decades, going all the way back to 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance.
Josh Viola, the co-founder of Bit Bot Media and number one Legacy of Kain fan, is helping to bring the new story to life, co-writing the graphic novel with Angie Hodapp with art by Juan Samu, letters by Jeremiah Lambert, and covers by Dave Rapoza.
We spoke to Viola about the Bit Bot Media/Crystal Dynamics collaboration (now available to back on Kickstarter) in this exclusive interview.
You have a long personal history with Legacy of Kain which even includes a tattoo. How did you become involved in bringing the Legacy of Kain back as a prequel graphic novel?
Josh Viola: I was introduced to the team at Crystal Dynamics by my friend and frequent collaborator, Brent Friedman (Halo, Call of Duty). After working with me on another video game/comic project and knowing my passion for LOK, he recommended me for this opportunity.
You co-wrote the graphic novel with Angie Hodapp and also worked with artist Juan Samu on the graphic novel. What was this process like?
Viola: I’ve worked with both of them many times before, which is why I asked for their help on this project. They’re both highly skilled, and we work really well together as a creative team. As for the process, Angie and I started by drafting a pitch, which Crystal Dynamics approved and helped us expand into a more detailed bible. Angie and I then write the scripts, working closely with Crystal Dynamics to refine them. Once the scripts are finalized, Juan and I go back and forth on his sketches until they’re ready for inking. From there, the work goes to Zac Atkinson for colors and Jeremiah Lambert for lettering.
How does the graphic novel add to the game’s lore, and were these questions that you wondered about when you first played the game?
Viola: Yes, absolutely. When this opportunity arose, I knew exactly what I wanted to explore before I had any official conversations, and when I did, Crystal Dynamics was supportive of it. The beauty of this complex series lies in its expansive timeline and numerous events that are mentioned but never shown. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to highlight and how it would let us delve into the lore in new and exciting ways.
How and why did you co-found Bit Bot?
Viola: Celldweller and I have been friends and collaborators for the past 13 or 14 years. We get along great, share similar interests, and have a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Bit Bot was founded to focus on a range of projects we’re both interested in, including licensed IPs for comics, video games, music, merchandise, and apparel, as well as movies. We’re currently attached to several features, such as Deathgasm 2 and Deathstalker, alongside our own original IP. We have big plans for Bit Bot, and I’m thrilled that Legacy of Kain is one of our first projects.
Any Legacy of Kain merch on the way as well?
Viola: There’s a soundtrack by Celldweller featuring Matt Heafy of Trivium which includes covers, remasters, and new tracks. We’re offering high-end latex masks of Raziel and Kain for cosplay and display, replica Reavers, and a wide range of apparel with various designs, including t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. We’re also featuring rare art prints and lots of limited-edition items like signed collectibles.
Future projects?
Viola: We’ll have some BIG announcements this fall. Stay tuned.
The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver graphic novel will be available on Kickstarter until September 12.
