"Aiva's Story" tells the story of a young Asmodian warrior named Aiva, which seems completely appropriate given the name of the issue. Aiva has vowed vengeance against the Elyos who killed her family during a raid, and the comic tells the story of this quest for revenge through the artwork of Neil Googe and the words of David Noonan and Ricardo Sanchez.

The limited-edition comic will be given away free to folks who purchase the game at GameStop later this month, with a limited number of copies also available to visitors to NCsoft's booth at PAX 09 this weekend.

I like the idea of delving more into the fiction of Aion via a comic, but a limited-edition one-shot? That will never do. Full series please.

Rather than worry about issuing a preview comic months in advance like some video game adaptations, the Free Realms comic series kicks off today, with issue one arriving on comic store shelves around the country as we speak. The book is penned by J.S. Lewis, writer of the Grey Griffon series of young adult fantasy books, with art by art by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez.

SOE has passed along the first several pages, and already I am seeing inconsistencies with the game. For example, all combat is instanced, so that poor guy would have been dead. And then he'd come back to life two or three times before the mission ended. Lewis did however nail the common response to a friend request.

DC Comics adds another video game license to their Wildstorm imprint with Dante's Inferno, the action-adventure game adopted loosely from Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy". The creative team of artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage are handling the six-issue series, scheduled to launch in December of this year. The comic will touch on some of the more action-packed moments of the game, while adding a bit of depth to the game's back story by exploring Dante's lost-love Beatrice's plight as her soul travels through the nine circles of hell.

Latorre and Gage will be at the Sand Diego Comic-Con this week, signing the special #0 preview issue that's been prepared for the show, with Latorre also signing a Dante's Inferno lithograph he created, which is a show-exclusive limited to 750 copies.

The Dante's Inferno celebration kicks off on Thursday afternoon with a panel titled "Go to Hell With Dante's Inferno," where various members of the development, comic, and animated feature teams will talk about adapting the classic work of literature, along with a special screening of the first trailer for the animated feature.

On top of all that, the game will also be playable on the show floor for all attendees.

For those of you trying to schedule this week (like us), I went ahead and included all of the details about who is going to be where doing what, directly from the EA press release.

"Go to Hell With Dante's Inferno" Panel – EA, DC/WildStorm and Starz Media present a panel discussion about how each group has translated the various aspects of "The Divine Comedy" into a video game, a comic series, and an animated feature. Find out from the creative minds behind each adaptation, where they were faithful and where they invented and get a peek at EA's game in development, and be among the first to watch the world premier trailer for the animated feature "Dante's Inferno" co-produced by EA and Starz Media's Film Roman animation studio. The panel is at 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 23rd in Room 8.

Dante's Inferno Comic Preview Issue Signings – Artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage will be at the DC Comics booth signing free copies of the Dante's Inferno comic preview issue. The signings will take place at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and at Christos Gage will be signing them at the EA booth on Thursday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Dante's Inferno Limited Edition Lithograph Signing – Diego Latorre has created a special, limited edition lithograph exclusively for Comic-Con, with only 750 copies available. He will be signing these copies at the EA Booth. These signings will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play the Dante's Inferno Game – One of 2010's most highly anticipated action-adventure games will be playable for all show attendees at the EA booth during all exhibition hours!

UPDATE: DC sent us an exclusive shot of the limited-edition lithograph being sold at the convention. Click on the image for a large version.

The God of War mini-series will be written by comic book legend Marv Wolfman, notable for his work on Marvel's Blade and DC's Crisis On Infinite Earths, and illustrated by Kevin Sharpe and Andy Park, reports IGN. Wolfman considers himself a fan of both the God of War series and Greek mythology, the basis for DC's Teen Titans, a franchise he helmed in the 80s.

Wildstorm currently has comics based on the video games Prototype, Gears of War and World of Warcraft in production.

DC/Wildstorm's four-color treatment of Kratos' "dark past" isn't the only expansion of the Greek mythos Sony has planned, with a novelization and
movie in the works.

The God of War is Summoned [IGN]

The Bioterrorism Security Assignment Alliance is a great deal busier than the Resident Evil video game series would have us believe, at least going by the first issue of Wildstorm's Resident Evil comic book series. Written by game industry veteran Ricardo Sanchez with art by Kevin Sharpe, the first issue follows BSAA agents Holiday Sugarman and Mina Gere as they take of two different but eventually overlapping missions.

Mina Gere's story actually takes place five days before Sugarman's. A new agent, Gere is assigned with investigating a report on bio-weapon experimentation on the Join Nations Space Station, which of course leads to her crawling through cramped spaces and shooting at mutated creatures. Meanwhile, in the present, gruff veteran Holiday Sugarman leads a strike team into Grezbekistan in order to retrieve a downed satellite containing samples of a tweaked version of the T-Virus. While the two never meet during the first issue, it's easy to see how the characters' paths will cross.

I'm not sure exactly where this story is supposed to tie-in with Resident Evil canon, if at all. The Wildstorm website actually lists the series as a prequel to Resident Evil 5, making mention of Chris Redfield, who doesn't actually appear in this book. The official description reads like so:

Capcom's international video game sensation returns in March with Resident Evil 5 and WildStorm debuts the new prequel miniseries tying into the highly anticipated release! Find out what led Chris Redfield to Africa and learn the dark burden that haunts him! An absolute must-read for fans of the franchise and a starting point for new readers!

From reading that, I don't think that expecting an appearance by Redfield was too much for me to ask, but alas, it isn't so. What we do get is the appearance of enemies from previous games. A Licker makes the scene first, while Holiday's team takes on a horde of Tyrants.

Ricardo Sanchez's writing leaves a lot to be desired. The two main characters fail to make a lasting impression in this first issue, coming off as generic despite some laughable attempts at giving them personality quirks. Sugarman randomly quotes everyone from Euripides to Iron Heroes lead singer Maximus Kilgore, while Gere tells children's jokes to the pilot of her shuttle to help ease her nerves as she travels down a series of corridors that bothers her, despite looking the same as the other corridors she's gone down throughout the issue.

This leads directly to Kevin Sharpe's artwork. While certainly capable, it doesn't feel like there was very much communication between the writer and the artist on the book, as many of the drawings simply don;t feel write for the action they are portraying. Large panels featuring impressive-looking creatures highlight the artist's skill, but don't seem to have any real place in the storyline, and the final page of the book simply had me confused.

As the first issue of a six-issue limited series, Resident Evil #1 doesn't offer much that would make me want to continue reading. There are no obvious hooks to Resident Evil 5, no truly compelling characters, and the storyline as it stands completely failed to grab my interest. It could very well pick up as the series continues, but I'm not sure I'll be there to witness it.

Latest to turn up is a Resident Evil 5 comic, one that will serve as a prequel to the game. At the comic's conclusion, we'll know not only what led Chris to Africa, but learn more about the...wait for it..."the dark burden that haunts him".

The first issue is due in March 2009.

Resident Evil [WildStorm, via Dtoid]

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

Details on creative teams, launch months, and storylines are still forthcoming. This needs to stop. As a recovering weekly comic book addict, combining comics and video games makes it far too easy for me to justify those weekly comic shop visits. Have mercy!

DC COMICS AND CAPCOM® ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR RESIDENT EVIL®, AND DEVIL MAY CRY® COMIC BOOK SERIES

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Jul 25, 2008 — DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comic books in the world, and Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to join forces to create a comic book series based on Capcom’s popular gaming properties Resident Evil® and Devil May Cry®.

“Capcom is thrilled to be partnering with DC,” said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Comics are a critical component in Capcom’s merchandising strategy for our most cherished franchises, as they target the same discerning, loyal fans that care most about these established brands. DC’s undisputed development and distribution strength within the comic industry make them an ideal partner to further expand two of our most successful and sophisticated gaming properties.”

Details on the new series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date. Both titles will be published by DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint.

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

The Resident Evil series of video games has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Resident Evil® 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil® 4 did. To coincide with the Resident Evil comic book is the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 5, which unveils a world where the biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed the menace of Resident Evil was destroyed, a new terror appears in Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil’s returning hero, Chris Redfield, has followed the path of the evil around the globe, and after joining a new organization, heads to Africa, where the latest threat is transforming people and animals into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures. Joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the duo must work together to unravel the truth behind the evil menace.

The latest in the Devil May Cry series, Devil May Cry® 4 is already a bonafide hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in February. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

“Dante, Nero and the world of DEVIL MAY CRY is a perfect fit for the sensibilities of our studio,” Kanalz said. “We have such terrific inspiration from the anime and games and we intend on meeting the exceptionally high standard of quality that has been set for this.”

"We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint."

DC Comics And Epic Games Announce Plans For Comic Book Series Based On Hit 'Gears Of War' Video Game Franchise

New York, NY - April 18, 2008 - DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, in partnership with Epic Games, Inc., announced plans today to publish a comic book series based on the hugely popular action video game franchise Gears of War. The series is slated to debut from DC's WildStorm publishing imprint in October. More details about the series, including the creative team, will be released at a later date.

The winner of over 30 Game of the Year awards, Gears of War for Xbox 360 and PC features amazing tactical action and multiplayer excitement. The plot thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Gears of War 2, which continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution, is the sequel to the blockbuster game that sold over 4.5 million copies and redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. Gears of War 2 is being developed exclusively for Xbox 360 and will launch this November.

"We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint."

"Big guns and monsters — what a perfect comic book for WildStorm! We have an opportunity to work closely with Epic to add to the canon of the Gears of War mythos, so you can imagine how excited we all are, said Hank Kanalz, VP - General Manager, WildStorm. "Epic sets the bar very high, in graphics, story, and gameplay — and expect no less from our series, starting with our lead-in arc that fills in the gaps between the first game and the upcoming sequel."

"PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

DC Comics & Sierra Entertainment To Publish New Comic Series Based On PROTOTYPE Video Game

DC Comics and Sierra Entertainment Ink Deal To Create an All-New Comic Book Series Based on PROTOTYPETM - One of the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2008

Marlow, UK - 15 April, 2008 - DC Comics, the largest English language comic book publisher in the world, and Sierra Entertainment - a division of Vivendi Games, today announced plans to publish an all-new comic book series based on the eagerly anticipated and already highly acclaimed open-world/action video game PROTOTYPE™. The series is set to debut this August via DC's WildStorm imprint, and the addition of such unique, original IP video games like PROTOTYPE is sure to increase their successful line of best-selling comics based on licensed properties. Further details surrounding the new comic book series will be announced later this year.

PROTOTYPE puts gamers in control of Alex Mercer - a genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past, hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence - as he tears through a densely populated New York City moving with Parkour-style fluidity and consuming anybody that gets in his way...assuming their physical identity, memories and abilities. Fueled by a three-way war between Alex, the military's elite Blackwatch division and a viral outbreak known as the Infected, players will venture deep into a dark conspiracy, 40 years in the making.

"PROTOTYPE is all about shape-shifting action, and we're using that key element to redefine the open-world game space," said Al Simone, Sr. VP of Global Marketing, Sierra Entertainment. "Another key feature setting PROTOTYPE apart from other open-world games is its incredibly deep, conspiracy-based back-story, and by joining forces with the largest comic book publisher in the world - DC Comics - we can bring this new anti-hero and his tale to an even wider audience of comics fans and gamers alike."

"We're blown away with what Sierra and developer Radical Entertainment have shown us of PROTOTYPE, and know with absolute certainty that this will make for a terrific comic book," said Hank Kanalz, VP & General Manager, WildStorm. "PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

PROTOTYPE delivers a fresh take on open-world games, with key features separating the game from the rest of the pack, including the anti-hero main character Alex Mercer and his deadly shape-shifting abilities, a stunning representation of New York City circa 2008 as the backdrop, and 'Deceive or Destroy' gameplay allowing players the choice to either blend in with the population or fully unleash Alex's deadly powers. With Radical Entertainment behind the wheel using their innovative 'Titanium' game engine, and touting a catalogue of successful titles including the highly acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Simpsons Hit & Run and others, PROTOTYPE is aligned to be the ground-breaking open-world/action experience gamers have been waiting for.

PROTOTYPE is planned to release this autumn for next-gen console systems and the PC, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on PROTOTYPE, be sure to visit the official game website located at www.prototypegame.com.