‘Prototype 2’ Gets Digital Comic Series from Dark Horse

It’s no surprise that one of the more anticipated games of 2012 for The Flickcast is Prototype 2. Since getting a peek at San Diego Comic-Con and getting hands on at NYCC, we are counting down to Prototype 2’s April 24th release date. Also looking forward to the release are the folks at Dark Horse Comics. Starting February 15th, Dark Horse will be launching an all digital three part web series focusing on filling in the events of what transpired between the first game and Prototype 2.

The first entry, “The Anchor,” illustrated by Paco Díaz, continues the story of Alex Mercer, the protagonist from the first game, while the second story, “The Survivors,” illustrated by Chris Staggs, follows a small group of residents of New York trying to escape the city after it has been transformed into NYZ with the outbreak of the Blacklight virus. The third and final story, illustrated by Victor Drujiniu, is “The Labyrinth” and provides fans a deeper look into the backstory of PROTOTYPE 2’s new protagonist, Sgt. James Heller.

“We’re always looking for meaningful ways to expand the PROTOTYPE universe, and Dark Horse Comics is an industry-leading creative powerhouse delivering best-in-class graphic storytelling that integrates deeply to the core of our IP,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment. “With this partnership, our fans will finally be given answers to some dramatic loose ends from the first PROTOTYPE game, as well as the truth behind Alex Mercer’s descent and evolution into a twisted shadow of his former self for PROTOTYPE 2.”

“Sgt. James Heller’s heart wrenching backstory meshed with the sheer amount of over-the-top shape-shifting action in PROTOTYPE 2 lend themselves perfectly to a comic book series,” said Dave Marshall, Editor, Dark Horse Comics. “We worked extremely close with Radical Entertainment’s story team for PROTOTYPE 2, and can’t wait to visually walk fans through the many dark secrets strewn throughout the tattered world of New York Zero!”

This isn’t the first time Prototype has had a comic series though. The original game released alongside a six issue miniseries revolving around the events prior to the first [Prototype] from DC’s Wildstorm imprint. Though the game was popular, the comic tie-in never received a warm reception and didn’t garner much attention. The story of the first issues felt so far removed from the events of the game that the title’s poor sales decreased as each issue released.

Hopefully Dark Horse will be able to better capitalize on the more recent popularity of the series as well as the characters people have begun to become familiar with and utilize the digital distribution system as a more effective way of getting this gap covering story to the customers.

Prototype 2 will be available every two weeks on Dark Horse Digital starting February 15th. Stick to the Flickcast for more on the game Prototype 2 as more news becomes available before its April 24th release.