Fans of the bestselling Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver video game series will be able to discover more of the franchise’s untold backstory in an all-new, original graphic novel titled Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise, now live on Kickstarter. 

Arriving in time for the 25th Anniversary of the original Soul Reaver, the publication of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise will mark the first official new Soul Reaver narrative in two decades, since 2003’s Legacy of Kain: Defiance. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise delves into Raziel’s past as a human Sarafan warrior and his transformation into a vampire lieutenant under Kain. The story introduces new characters, including a mysterious vampire with deep connections to Raziel and Kain. This compelling tale explores and expands the existing canon while answering long-standing questions.  

Published by the newly minted Bit Bot Media, the project is helmed 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), and covers by Dave Rapoza (Destiny, Magic: The Gathering), Aaron Lovett (Monster Train, Inkbound) and Matthew Therrien (R. L. Stine’s Zombie Town, The Wrath of Becky), with additional art by Jonny Bush (Rob Zombie, Ghost) and Ninja Jo (Star Wars, Stranger Things). Brent Friedman (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Call of Duty) provides narrative guidance alongside creative direction and input from Crystal Dynamics, including never-before-seen ideas and elements from unreleased Soul Reaver lore. The all-new graphic novel also features concept art by Daniel Cabuco, who provided concept art for Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2 and was the Art Director for Legacy of Kain: Defiance.  Check out cover art by Dave Rapoza below. 

“Raziel’s story spans centuries, offering rich material to explore,” says co-writer Joshua Viola. “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise not only fills in the gaps but fleshes out his character in surprising ways, revealing more of what shaped him into the Raziel we know and pity. We have lots of surprises in store beyond the graphic novel that will blow fans’ minds.” 

“It was important to Josh and I to find, after twenty years, the right place and time to re-enter this world,” said co-writer Angie Hodapp. “We wanted to find new stories about these characters that felt organic to the original canon — stories that would excite longtime fans of the games with plenty of familiar elements, while also inviting new fans to join in. With that in mind, and with the directive from Crystal Dynamics to introduce new characters while keeping our story lens tight on the known cast, Josh and I explored Raziel’s past…specifically, his human past and the genesis of his wings in the days before Kain cast him into the Abyss.” 

The Kickstarter campaign has been a labor of love for BitBot Media, who are going all-out with incredible backer incentives for fans. Check out some highlights below, and pledge now on Kickstarter to secure your incentives!  

Raziel & Kain Latex Masks 

Great for display or to wear, these high-end Latex masks feature Kain in his mid-evolution form, and Wraith Raziel with removable cowl.  

“With our Legacy of Kain latex masks, we aimed to honor Kain and Raziel while introducing fresh design elements,” says Joshua Viola of Bit Bot Media. “Each mask is a labor of love, designed by our partners at Oktober Studios to look great on a shelf or win the best Soul Reaver cosplay at a fan convention. Either way, our masks will allow fans to immerse themselves in the world of Nosgoth like never before.” 

Read more on Comics Beat.  

3-Foot Reaver Replica  

This sizeable sword replica is a must-have for mega fans, made with durable EVA foam over a lightweight aluminum frame.  

“The Reaver is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of power in the world of Legacy of Kain,” says Joshua Viola of Bit Bot Media. “As a fan, I’ve always dreamed of having an official Reaver to display on my wall—and now, you can! Plus, you can cosplay with it. Our partners at Oktober Studios created a truly unique collectible for fans to hold in their own hands. We wanted it to feel like the closest you can get to a blade infused with vampiric energy to consume the souls of your enemies!” 

Read more at AIPTComics.com. 

Soundtrack & Vinyl 

A companion soundtrack makes perfect sense considering BitBot is co-owned by well-known electronic and metal musician Klayton, who you might know as Celldweller or Scandroid.  Klayton’s soundtrack will feature remasters of iconic Soul Reaver music and a special guest appearance from Matt Heafy, lead singer and guitarist for the metal band Trivium. 

“Respecting a revered franchise like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is paramount,” Celldweller mastermind Klayton said in a statement. “As we breathe new life into this iconic series, my goal was to ensure that the new music evokes the same mood and atmosphere that fans have cherished, while also offering fresh, innovative elements. It’s a delicate balance of honoring the original and pushing creative boundaries to deliver a Celldweller experience that feels both nostalgic and new.” 

Read more via Revolver Mag. 

And More… 

The campaign is also offering up a skateboard deck featuring exclusive art by Aaron Lovette, as well as a slew of t-shirts, caps, and more. Check it out now!