Compared to what it was 15 to 20 years ago, the video game industry has evolved tremendously. It is now a multi-million dollar industry that is constantly growing and while it seemed like it was going through some hard times a few years ago, the same can’t be said today. Game studios have us eating out of the palm of their hands, as we constantly lap up and fork out the dough for pre-orders, sequels, downloadable content and even merchandise (clothes, figurines, etc).
Over the years, there have been plenty of crossovers from comics to video games but not the other way around, so here are a few video game titles that I think would crossover to comic books perfectly.
1. Fallout
What it’s all about:
The Fallout series is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic setting. The game takes place in an alternate timeline where the world didn’t end up in the way it is today. A global petroleum shortage triggers a battle for the last of non-renewable resources. This fight for resources ends on 23 October 2077 as a global nuclear war occurs, destroying most major cities in less than a few hours and wipes out just about every living thing on the surface of the Earth.
Each game puts players in the vault suit of a survivor that has a main quest to accomplish, however the fun was getting to it as along the way he/she would meet a cast of very interesting characters, visit a slew of locations and also play a major role in how the world around them flourishes or crumbles.
Why it’s perfect for a comic:
Fallout actually has a comic book to its name but that was just for gamers who purchased the Collectors’ Edition of Fallout: New Vegas. It acted as a prequel to the events of the game so it didn’t really use much of the lore of the game. For Fallout to succeed in making the jump to comics, it has to take full advantage of the rich history and lore that the designers and writers have created.
There’s so many things a writer can use to their advantage when it comes to comics. For example, instead of focusing on the United States, the comics can even explore other parts of the world, such as China, Japan, Russia and etc. How badly were these countries affected from the nuclear war? How did they cope after the bombs dropped and did they ever rebuild settlements and civilization? There’s just so many ways writers can spin stories in other parts of the world, as we don’t get to see them in the games.
Or if the story were to remain in the United States, writers can take a page out of the Nuka Break fan-made series and introduce new characters that traverse the wasteland in search of adventures. Or instead of looking at yet another vault dweller, the comics can explore the history and endeavours of a certain member of the many factions in Fallout such as the New California Republic, Brotherhood of Steel, Enclave, Great Khans, Caesar’s Legion and etc.
A comic series based on Fallout should also be catered to an adult audience as it has to be gritty and bloody and gory yet realistic and also filled with humour. Think somewhere along the lines of Garth Ennis’ Preacher and also The Walking Dead with a good mix of Mad Max. It is after all a wasteland where rules and regulations of old no longer apply and things like slavery, prostitution and drugs are in full swing.
All in all, there’s just plenty of potential in Fallout that is ripe for the picking for a comic book and I for one am really looking forward to see someone bring this wish of mine to life.
