Fans of the bestselling Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver video game series can explore the franchise’s untold backstory in the upcoming graphic novel, *Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise*, launching on Kickstarter later this year.
This project is led by writers Joshua Viola (True Believers, It Came From the Multiplex) and Angie Hodapp (Unioverse, Shadow Atlas), with interior art by Juan Samu (Star Wars, Godzilla), letters by Jeremiah Lambert (Masters of the Universe, Transformers), covers by Dave Rapoza (Destiny, Magic: The Gathering) and Aaron Lovett (Monster Train, Inkbound), and additional art by Jonny Bush (Rob Zombie, Ghost) and Ninja Jo (Star Wars, Stranger Things). Narrative guidance is provided by Brent Friedman (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Call of Duty), with creative input from Crystal Dynamics, featuring elements from unreleased Soul Reaver lore. Concept art is contributed by Daniel Cabuco, known for his work on *Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver* and *Soul Reaver 2*.
Timed for the 25th anniversary of the original *Soul Reaver* game, this graphic novel marks the first new official *Soul Reaver* narrative in two decades, since 2003’s *Legacy of Kain: Defiance*. Fans can sign up on the BackerKit prelaunch page for an email alert when the project launches and will receive a free digital image from Crystal Dynamics’ archives.
*Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise* explores Raziel’s past as a human Sarafan warrior and his transformation into a vampire lieutenant under Kain. The story introduces new characters and delves into Raziel’s origins, offering fresh insights and expanding the existing canon.
“Raziel’s story spans centuries, offering rich material to explore,” said co-writer Joshua Viola. “This graphic novel not only fills in the gaps but fleshes out his character in surprising ways.”
“It was important to find the right place and time to re-enter this world,” added co-writer Angie Hodapp. “We wanted to create new stories that felt organic to the original canon, exciting longtime fans and inviting new ones.”
This graphic novel is the first publication from Bit Bot Media, a new multimedia company founded by Klayton (Celldweller/Scandroid) and Joshua Viola, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics.
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About Bit Bot Media
Bit Bot Media is a cutting-edge multimedia company co-founded by Klayton (Celldweller) and Joshua Viola, focusing on original films, video games, comics, music, and merchandise. Visit [bitbotmedia.com](https://bitbotmedia.com) for more info.
About Crystal Dynamics
Crystal Dynamics is a top-tier game development studio based in San Mateo, California. Founded in 1992, they are known for iconic franchises like *Gex*, *Legacy of Kain*, and *Tomb Raider*. They continue to innovate with new, technologically advanced projects. Visit [Crystal Dynamics](https://crystald.com) for more info.