The Top 7... Games that deserve comic book spin-offs
We picked out seven games that have (basically) never had their own comic book series before and detail as best we can for potential publishers just why they'd work in the realm of word balloons. Just in time for San Diego Comic Con, we start our dream list with...
7. Fallout
A stop in Megaton, a visit to Rivet City, a brush with the Brotherhood of Steel, eventually the wanderer could reach the West Coast of the first Fallout and visit the Hub, Necropolis and other locations from the original turn-based outings. While the series should be focused on a single, man without a name type of protagonist, it wouldn't be Fallout if he didn't have some occasional company. A rotating cast of secondary characters would give the reader a chance to meet people from all walks of post-apocalyptic life, and the rate at which they betray and dispatch each other would illustrate why the wanderer prefers to travel alone, or with just a dog.
6. Saints Row
There are so many possibilities. A four issue story arc could follow the deadly exploits of a new pro wrestling tag team's adventures at Murderbrawl XXXII, then the very next issue could show the life of a furry that's competing on Professor Genki's TV show. Giant mechs could fight flying pandas as a zombie outbreak is suppressed by hulked out clones of tiger men. Anything can happen in Steelport and the shifting reality and tone would allow for revolving door creative teams of the comic industry's best and brightest. Anything you dream can be a reality in Saints Row, it just won't be Comic Code approved.
5. Skullgirls
The trick with a Skullgirls comic would be balancing the games multiple endings one for every character. Also, since theres likely going to be a sequel, or at least some DLC, the series cant get in the way of wherever the games are going to end up. Thats why the comics should be a limited run, devoting three or four issues to each character. It would follow the fighters' backstories, their time in the tournament, their encounters with the Skull Heart and the aftermath from it. This way, all the different possible endings can remain timelines that could have been, just as the game puts it.
4. Mass Effect
As an ongoing series that jumps around in the Mass Effect universe, it would give writers and artists the freedom to pick any moment in that galaxys history to expand on. The plots could range from world-changing events to slice of life stories. A three issue storyline on the decline of the Krogan empire could be followed by a yarn about three merchants competing for Shepards endorsement on the Citadel. And speaking of the commander, it should probably be an established convention that the character of Shepard may be artfully alluded to, but never shown. After all, everyones Shepard is different, in physical appearance and the choices they make. By avoiding his/her presence, and certain choice-heavy moments of the games plot, the series could maintain the illusion that this is the same world we experienced in the games, just brought into greater focus through the medium of comics. Though that shouldn't limit the creators, as some stories could expand on the multiple possible endings of the game, focusing on one potential outcome for a small, stand-alone story arc, almost like the "what if?" stories that comic authors usually resort to, only this time it's about Geth instead of Captain America.
3. Chrono Trigger
Akira Toriyama's character designs and Yuji Hori's narrative are a perfect fit for black and white comic page which would house the continuing adventures of our favorite time travelers. You could see Magus' search for his sister, Crono and Marle's new life together, and other hanging plot threads that would bridge Chrono Trigger to it's somewhat convoluted sequel Chrono Cross. We'd rather have a new game, but since Square doesn't seem into it, at least meet us halfway and give us 500 pages of manga.
2. Red Dead Redemption
As with many Rockstar titles, Red Dead Redemption was such a compelling sandbox experience because it felt like a living, breathing world. It was all so well-drawn - the realistically rendered animals, the expansive outdoors, the run down towns, and the characters, especially Marston himself. He was consistently characterized, well-voiced and had a past that was always rearing its ugly head, making us yearn to know more. Thats why its as deserving as any game to get the fully fleshed-out backstory treatment. Just like its source material, Red Dead Redemption would be a turn of the century period piece, with an ear for turn of the century idioms and an eye for historical detail and brutal frontier violence.
1. Psychonauts
Psychonauts' cliffhanger ending left fans dying to see the continued adventures of Raz, Lili and the rest, so keep the story going in the comic medium that plays to almost all the game's strengths. The clever writing could shine on the page, the characters would look as good (if not better) as line art, and unlike a game, it wouldn't need to be a million-seller to be a success. Yes, there are rumors of a second Psychonauts game happening eventually, but Double Fine's fans would be better served with a comic they could read right now. That's a Kickstarter we'd give at least $20 towards.
The never-ending battle
If you want to learn more about comics (or comix), take a look at the best superhero games of all time and the top 7 comic book games that need to be made.