Grinding Gear Games, developer of the critically-acclaimed action role-playing videogame Path of Exile, today announced that it will be partnering with comic book and graphic novel publisher Dynamite Entertainment to launch a four-issue comic book series based on Path of Exile. Featuring canonized lore based on the in-game world of Wraeclast, this is the first time the Path of Exile IP has been utilized in a medium outside of the game.
Planned for a summer release, the first issue of the Path of Exile comic series will reveal backstory from an upcoming, unannounced expansion, weaving elements from the existing in-game narrative with an entirely new and gripping conflict. Each 22-page issue will release digitally with individual cover art, and the entire series will ultimately be compiled as a full-color, printed graphic novel, and be published by Dynamite next year. Additionally, each issue will feature unique in-game bonuses for players of Path of Exile, such as armor cosmetic effects, among other surprises.
In close collaboration with Grinding Gear Games’ Creative Director Erik Olofsson and Narrative Designer Edwin McRae, the Path of Exile comic series will be illustrated by Carlos Rodriguez and written by Royal McGraw. Carlos Rodriguez is a comic artist with published work in series such as Nightwing and Teen Titans (DC Comics), as well as in Fall of the Hulks: Red Hulk and X-Men Vs. Agents of Atlas (Marvel), among countless others. Royal McGraw is a professional writer who has penned projects for DC Comics, Syfy Channel, Electronic Arts, and other top-tier entertainment companies.
“We are thrilled to be working with Grinding Gear Games on this,” said Rich Young, Dynamite’s Director of Business Development, who is also serving as Editor on the project. “The work being produced by the creative team is really top notch, and it’s tying in seamlessly to the game, thanks to Edwin and Erik. I think that fans of Path of Exile are really going to enjoy this series, which adds to the depth of the game, but in a different medium.”
Path of Exile is an online action role-playing game set in a dark fantasy world. Playing as one of seven unique character classes, players find themselves banished for their past misdeeds to world of Wraeclast. There, they encounter hundreds of species of deadly enemies laden with loot and mysterious artifacts as they explore the abandoned continent. With over 5.5 million and counting registered users, Path of Exile has received universal critical acclaim, including 2013 Game of the Year awards from leading game sites such as GameSpot and PC PowerPlay.
Official Website: http://www.pathofexile.com
Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/238960/
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