Comicshave always served as a rich source of adaptation and expansion for other forms of entertainment, offering fans a chance to dive deeper into beloved worlds that are anchored in other mediums. They bring new characters and stories to the forefront, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at iconic moments left off-screen. However, these benefits aren’t exclusive to the big screen.
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Much like they’ve expanded upon film and TV universes, comics have done the same for video games. Though not always mainstream,many hit video game franchises have found a second life through comic series. These comics explore the depths of these virtual worlds, shedding light on untold stories and bringing more attention to characters who may have been overlooked. From the depths of the Wither to the peaks of the Green Hill zone, these are some of the best video game comics that keep the gaming spirit alive.
10Sonic the Hedgehog
The Blue Blur’s Bigger World
Some ofSonic the Hedgehog’s best stories come from the comics, as they offer fans a deeper dive into his world beyond the games. They deliver a mix of darker, more dramatic narratives and quirky adventures that expand on Sonic’s universe. One standout is theMetal Virus Saga, which introduces a terrifying new element to the franchise:a virus that turns its victims into roboticized, zombie-like creatures. This darker turn injects an unexpected horror element into Sonic’s usually light-hearted world.
TheMetal Virus Sagaprovides an interesting shift in tone, with survival and sacrifice becoming central themes.This story opens the door for future possibilities, connecting the virus concept to potential apocalyptic futures, something that may come into play on the big screen, given Sonic 3’s post-credit scene. Fans have speculated that this saga could serve as a basis for the next Sonic film, offering a unique opportunity to adapt this darker storyline to the big screen, deepening the franchise in exciting ways.
Another key expansion in the comics isMobius: 25 Years Later, where Sonic is reimagined as a king, married, and a father. There’s even an arch in the comics that did the impossible andmade Eggman into a sympathetic characterbefore turning into the evil Robotnik we know today.These storylines and many others add emotional depth and complexity to Sonic’s character,making the comics an essential extension of the Sonic universe.
9Minecraft: Wither Without You
Exploring The Overworld Like Never Before
Some may be surprised to hear it, but the infamous block gameMinecraft has an entire YA comic series.InMinecraft: Wither Without You, Vol. 1,twin monster hunters Cahira and Orion face an unexpected tragedywhen their mentor, Senan the Thorough, is devoured by an enchanted Wither. With their mentor gone, the twins must go on a mission to rescue him, encountering Atria along the way. Atria, cursed to attract monsters, becomes an unlikely ally in their quest, bringing a unique skill set to their team.
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Written and illustrated by Kristen Gudsnuk , this comic dives deeper into Minecraft, introducing new characters and dynamics while expanding on the game’s lore. Atria’s ability to lure monsters opens up fresh narrative possibilities, andher desire to learn how to defend herself adds emotional depth to the story. As the first installment in a three-volume series, this comic offers fans a thrilling adventure that enriches the Minecraft world beyond the game.
8God of War
Kratos’ Expanded Quest in Print
After conquering the world of video games, Kratos made his way into the comic world, giving fans a deeper dive into his troubled past.God of War’s six-issue comic series serves as a thrilling prequel, expanding on the intense narrative of the games. Written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino,the series alternates between flashbacks and present-day events,showcasing Kratos’ quest to obtain the Ambrosia of Asclepius. This dual timeline reveals Kratos’ struggle to save his daughter, Calliope, while setting the stage for his eventual role as the God of War.
Despite mixed reviews, the God of War comic offers a deeper emotional connection to Kratos’ journey. The storytelling shines in its exploration of Kratos’ relationships with both gods and mortals. While the comic adds valuable lore,including teasing the Egyptian gods,it also captures Kratos’s raw, vengeful spirit. ForGod of Warfans, this comic provides a crucial look at his character before the events ofGod of War III, expanding the mythology meaningfully. It’s perfect for fans yearning to see Kratos in action before his migration north.
7The World of Warcraft Comics
Expanding Azeroth
The World of Warcraftcomic series dives deep into the rich lore of the Warcraft universe,offering fans a chance to explore its iconic world in a new format. Initially set for two story arcs, the series was later expanded to 25 issues,all running concurrently with the events ofThe Burning Crusade. Over time, the comics transitioned from monthly issues to graphic novels, withWorld of Warcraft: Beginnings and Endsmarking the last of its original comic releases.
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One standout graphic novel in the series isDark Riders, which follows a mage on a quest to retrieve a stolen artifact while his son is wrongly accused of murder. Meanwhile, a righteous priest investigates a dangerous Wolf Cult. As these two storylines converge,the characters embark on an unforgettable adventure that unravels the deadly secrets of the Dark Riders and the Wolf Cult. These comics enrich the World of Warcraft universe by adding depth to its characters and expanding its lore, making them a must-read for any fan of the franchise.
6Marvel Rivals #1
The Ultimate Tie-In
While our favorite Marvel characters have become the face of comic books, their recent debut inMarvel Rivalsbrought them a fresh wave of momentum. Now, the newMarvel Rivalscomic series seeks to expand on this momentum,bringing these iconic heroes back to their roots while exploring new, high-stakes adventures. With a deep dive into the game’s narrative, this comic offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the characters in a whole new way, blending classic Marvel storytelling with the excitement of Marvel Rivals’s fast-paced action.
Written by Paul Allor and illustrated by Luca Claretti, the comic expands on the battle between two teams of iconic heroes, led by Peni Parker and Spider-Man, as they fight to repair the Web of Life and Destiny in a futuristic Tokyo.By merging the breakneck action of the game, this comic adds a deeper narrative context to the endless battles within the game, featuring beloved heroes like Spider-Man and Wolverinealongside fan-favorite characters like Jeff the Land Shark. Whether you’re a comic reader or a player,Marvel Rivals #1gives you a fresh, exciting way to engage with the world of the game.
5Assassin’s Creed: Assassins
A Leap Of Faith into History and Espionage
Another great series that took a stab at video game-based comics isAssassin’s Creed: Assassins. The 14-issue run delivers an engaging, action-packed adventure that takes fans even deeper into the world ofAssassin’s Creed. The first story arc begins in the late 17th century during the Salem witch trials while also following a modern-day espionage plot. This blend of historical events withthe ongoing struggle between Assassins and Templars provides a compelling narrative that expands on the game’s rich lore.
The series doesn’t stop there. The second arc explores the Inca Empire, while the third brings readers to Renaissance-era Florence. Each arc is cleverly paired with a parallel modern-day storyline featuring Erudito,providing a unique perspective on the ongoing Assassin-Templar conflict. With its historical depth and thrilling espionage elements,Assassin’s Creed: Assassinsadds new layers, especially given therecent release ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, offering fans an exciting way to experience the saga beyond the games.
4The Mass Effect Comics
Commander Shepard Voyaging Beyond the Games
The Mass Effectuniverse is by no means confined to the games alone. The comic series takes fans deeper into the expansive world,providing backstory and character development that enhances the game experienceeven more than the legendary edition. Starting withMass Effect: Redemptionand spanning several other series likeEvolutionandInvasion, these comics dive into key moments and characters not fully explored in the games, such as the origins of the Illusive Man and Aria T’Loak’s struggles against Cerberus.
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Interactive comics likeMass Effect: GenesisandMass Effect: Genesis 2even allow players to make key decisions,further immersing them in the world of Commander Shepard. With anthology collections such asMass Effect: The Complete Comics, fans can explore the entire universe, from the First Contact War to the events leading intoMass Effect: Andromeda. These comics enrich the game’s storylines, offering deeper context and expanding on the characters and events fans already love.
3Fallout: New Vegas: All Roads
A Comic That Puts You In The Apocalypse
Fallout: New Vegasis known for its vast, immersive world, but despite no one having heard of it,Fallout does have a prequel comicthat adds crucial depth to the narrative. Written by Chris Avellone and illustrated by Jean Diaz and Wellington Alves,Fallout: New Vegas: All Roadsdelves into the events just before the game begins,focusing on Benny’s plan to kill the Courier. It provides a richer backstory, exploring Benny’s manipulative nature and revealing his complex motivations, which sets the stage for the player’s encounter with him in the game.
All Roadsenriches theFallout: New Vegasexperience by giving players deeper insight into familiar characters and events. This comic enhances the emotional weight of the player’s choices in the game, offering context to the journey of the character you play.While initially bundled with the Collector’s Edition, it’s now available digitally, making it a must-read for anyFalloutfan who wants to explore the lore beyond the game.Fallout: New Vegas: All Roadsis a vital addition for anyone invested in the series.
2Batman: Arkham Comics
Enter The Arkhamverse
TheBatman: Arkhamseries has become a massive multimedia franchise, with video games, comics, and animated films enriching the iconic Batman universe. The Arkhamverse comics, includingBatman: Arkham Asylum-The Road to Arkham, The Riddler’s Gambit, andBatman: Arkham Knight, offer fans deeper insights into the events surrounding the games.These comics explore key moments before and after major story arcs, such as Batman’s encounters with the Joker and the rise of Batgirl, adding extra context to the game’s rich narrative.
TheBatman: Arkhamcomics let readers immerse themselves even further in the world Rocksteady is so masterfully crafted, even if recent events make it seem like it is ending. They provide a rare opportunity to explore Batman’s relationships with Gotham’s iconic characters,offering a fresh perspective on his struggle to balance justice and vengeance. For many, the Arkham series is the definitive Batman universe, and these comics let us play in that world, expanding on its rich lore and leaving us with a lasting sense of Gotham’s endless shadows.
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1Injustice: Gods Among Us
A Dark Prequel to the Iconic Fighting Game
By far, one of the best video game-based comics has to beInjustice: Gods Among Us. This story takes readers deep into the alternate universe of the popular fighting game, exploring the descent of Superman into villainy after a tragic death. Written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Jeremy Raapack, the comic seriesdives into Clark’s rise into a totalitarian power, dividing the Justice League into two factions: the oppressive One Earth Regime and the insurgency. The comic offers a thrilling backstory to the game’s main conflict, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.
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The Injustice comic series received critical acclaim, earning high ratings across its various installments.It won the 2013 IGN People’s Choice Award for Best Digital Comic Series and was recognized as one of the best digital comics of 2014. Its bold narrative and darker take on iconic DC characters even caught the attention of filmmakers, with rumors suggesting that it served as aninspiration for Zack Snyder’s vision of the DC Universe. The series’ impact on both thecomicsworld and theInjusticegame franchise makes it an essential read for fans.
Injustice
Injustice is a multimedia franchise consisting of comic books, animated movies, and video games. The comics act as a prequel to the video game, Injustice: Gods Among Us, which was released in April 2013. The storyline follows the Justice League, half of which side with Superman when he turns to villainy after the Joker kills his family.
Fallout
Fallout is a post-apocalyptic RPG franchise set in an alternate future where a nuclear war devastates the world. Players explore vast, open worlds filled with mutants, raiders, and advanced technology. The series emphasizes player choice, allowing various approaches to combat, dialogue, and decision-making. Each game follows different protagonists navigating the wasteland to uncover secrets, form alliances, and rebuild civilization amidst the ruins of the old world. The franchise is known for its rich lore, dark humor, and retro-futuristic aesthetic, which has transferred over into its new series on Amazon Prime.
Team Sonic Racing
Sonic is back with Sega’s Team Sonic Racing! And if you’re looking for an extremely versatile racing game for your PlayStation 4, you need to check this game out. It has 15 different characters who are modeled with their own strengths. Each character excels at speed, technique, or power. There are 14 different offensive or defensive items that heighten the racing stakes, and you can race as a team or an individual, giving you versatile gaming options. Plus, you can either play online or offline as a single player or a multi-player.
We love Sega’s Team Sonic Racing because the cartoon atmosphere brings us to an alternate reality. In this reality, we’re capable of using our character’s strengths against rivals in order to get ahead during the race. But there are tons of features that continue to make this game more interesting and unique with every gaming session. Plus, this game even features an adventure mode, which gives you a story-like experience while you’re racing to your destination.
We would’ve liked to have seen superior graphic quality in this game, but it’s not of poor quality. Overall, the engagement and versatility of this game are going to make it a classic gaming option for years to come. Sonic is a memorable character on his own. But pair ever-changing obstacles and 14 other characters with your gaming-session, and you’re guaranteed to be intrigued for ages. Pick up a copy of Team Sonic Racing if you’re ready to get your socks knocked off.
Warcraft
Warcraftis a multimedia franchise created by Blizzard Entertainment, starting with the video gameWarcraft: Orcs & Humans(1994). It has since expanded into multiple video games, novels, comics, and a feature film adaptation. Set in the high-fantasy world of Azeroth, the series explores the conflict between orcs, humans, and various races through strategy games and MMORPGs. The 2016 filmWarcraftadapted the game series' lore and featured a mix of CGI and live-action.
Minecraft
Minecraftis a sandbox video game franchise created by Markus “Notch” Persson and developed by Mojang Studios. Originally released in 2009,Minecrafthas grown into one of the best-selling video games of all time, spawning spin-offs, merchandise, an animated series, and an upcoming live-action film.
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is one of the best games for Xbox 360 for those who enjoy open-world exploration and swashbuckling pirate lore. This is a hugely popular prequel in the Assassin’s Creed series of games and has the most diverse and massive world of subplots, ocean explorations, caves, jungles, shipwrecks, and much more to enjoy in the 18th-century world of pirates in the Caribbean.
In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, players enjoy a third-person experience as the cocky and brutal pirate captain Edward Kenway on his ship the Jackdaw, through memories retrieved from the DNA of his modern descendant.
Enjoy plundering to outfit your ship with equipment and ammo before embarking on an epic adventure that blends involvement in a conspiracy, and a mission to locate a secret conservatory, as well as establishing a lawless pirate sanctuary on Nassau. Edward’s character grows and develops throughout multiple missions at the same time that he pillages his way through each mission, violently defending himself with dual wrist blades, hand-to-hand combat, and multiple weapons.
Players will also enjoy one of the most immense open worlds to explore and fascinating characters—including Blackbeard himself—to interact with. They will experience many deeply involved subplots and unlimited exploration while fighting to the death in the Golden Age of pirates rampaging on the high seas.
With Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, players may enjoy a single-player experience or multiplayer gaming with a cast of colorful characters to choose from.
This is undoubtedly one of the best Xbox 360 games of all time to truly take players to a world of the past.
