INTERVIEW: More than $1.2M pledged for new ‘Soul Reaver’ book
Image courtesy of Aaron Lovett / Provided by Superfan Promotions.
There are successful Kickstarter campaigns, and then there’s Legacy of Rain: Soul Reaver, the new prequel graphic novel based on the epic Crystal Dynamics video game. This publishing project, billed as the first new Soul Reaver narrative in more than 20 years, is titled The Dead Shall Rise, and fans have turned out en masse for the fundraising campaign. As of press time, more than $1.2 million had been pledged for the project, with little more than two days to go.
Some details have been revealed about the new graphic novel: The story surrounds the origins of Raziel, including his childhood, the events that led him to join the Sarafan and the emergence of his wings, according to press notes. Kain and Moebius also make appearances. For diehard fans, the new story will connect the Blood Omen and Soul Reaver games.
Fans who donate can get their hands on a number of cool products, including the graphic novel in three different forms: a standard edition, limited edition or deluxe signed edition with slipcase. There are also digital PDFs of the book, plus variant covers. The combos are numerous and include everything from skateboards to masks to art prints. There’s even a Reaver sword replica. Forty fans have already backed a $2,500 ultimate fan package that includes “all of the above.”
The team that has come together for this project is dedicated and extensive. At the helm are writers Joshua Viola (True Believers) and Angie Hodapp (Unioverse). Interior art comes courtesy of Juan Samu (Star Wars), while covers are by Matthew Therrien, Dave Rapoza (Destiny) and Aaron Lovett (Monster Train). Additional art is provided by Jonny Bush (Rob Zombie) and Ninja Jo (Star Wars). The letterer is Jeremiah Lambert (Masters of the Universe), and colors are from Zac Atkinson (Farscape). Brent Friedman provides narrative guidance and creative direction for the entire graphic novel, according to press notes.
Recently Viola exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to delve into what fans can expect in this new Soul Reaver story. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Were you familiar with the video game Soul Reaver before taking on this project?
Absolutely. My connection to the franchise played a big role in landing the gig. I even have Raziel tattooed on my forearm, so this project is deeply personal to me.
What can fans expect from the graphic novel? How far back does the story go?
Fans can look forward to numerous revelations about Raziel’s past, from his early years as a human boy and his transformation into a Sarafan, and later a vampire, to the significance of his wings. Given Raziel’s extensive history spanning thousands of years, we have ample room to explore his story from his distant past through to the very first moments of Soul Reaver.
What do you like about the character of Raziel?
Raziel is an incredibly complex character with multiple iterations, each possessing unique personalities. This diversity offered a wealth of creative freedom to explore and develop his story in various ways.
Are you generally a fan of vampire tales?
Absolutely, but it varies depending on the type of vampire tale. I’m particularly drawn to stories where vampires are depicted as real creatures. That’s what fascinates me most, and the Legacy of Kain series does this exceptionally well. Other vampire favorites of mine include Blade (the first two films), Castlevania, The Strain, Fright Night, Let the Right One In, Salem’s Lot and The Lost Boys, to name a few — all of which offer unique takes on the genre.
Did having an established end to the narrative (the video game’s content) make your job any tougher?
Not really, since ours is a prequel. We’re delving into Raziel’s past, which is extensive and has been frequently referenced but not fully explored or shown. We’ve mostly just heard about it, rather than experiencing it firsthand.
What was it like to work with the creative team on this project?
Great! Angie is a close personal friend, and we’ve collaborated many times before. This project has probably been the most fun for me so far. I’ve also worked with most of the other artists on numerous occasions, too, and Crystal Dynamics has been fantastic throughout the process.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver — The Dead Shall Rise is currently raising funds via Kickstarter. Click here for more information.
