The StarCraft # 1 comic book by Wildstorm Comics and DC Comics will make its official launch on May 27th at all newsstands nationwide. This is one of the most expected comic book titles based in Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft Universe. The comic book heralds the release of the RTS sequel StarCraft II and will give us a glimpse into its single player storyline.
We approached Ben Abernathy (Wildstorm Starcraft Editor) to find out further details of this comic book beyond the solicitations to increase our expectations and crave for this new ongoing series.
What timeframe does the comic take place in?
Ben: Our book takes place in 2552.
What can you tell us about the main characters? And will known heroes such as Jim Raynor, Zeratul, Matt Horner, Tychus Findlay appear in the comic book?
Ben: The main characters are a motley group of mercenaries known as the “War Pigs”, willing to take the nastiest jobs—assassination, sabotage, kidnapping, anything that has a paycheck. And yes, some of the more famous faces from the world of StarCraft will definitely be making appearances.
More after the break ...
Of what little characters we’ve seen, Terrans appear to be the focal point. Can we expect to see any other races featuring prominently?
Ben: Absolutely! While the Terrans dominate the main cast of our initial arc, the other races will be making featured appearances.
What similarities and differences would you say the Starcraft comic book possesses with the World of Warcraft comic?
Ben: While the main difference between the books are the genre distinction—science fiction versus fantasy—I think the passion, approach, and execution are the main similarities. Blizzard maintains a high-level of quality in all of their games and this standard of excellence trickles down to the books themselves. We’ve worked hard to achieve a creative synergy between the writing/art on each title as well as expanding the respective universes in unique ways. We have massive fan bases to please with Starcraft and Warcraft and have put an immense amount of time and effort into delivering to those expectations.
What is the plot for the first arc?
Ben: The plot follows the War Pigs as they’re given a mission that, if successful, will lead to their records being expunged. That mission? Assassinate Jim Raynor! Not the easiest task…as they first have to find out where he’s hiding!
Are we going to see Zerg and Protoss action in the first arc? Or will it focus more with local Terran affairs between the Dominion, mercenary, terrorist and freedom fighter factions?
Ben: The main focus will be on the Terrans, initially, but the Zerg and Protoss will be appearing…in fact, I just finished reading issue three where there’s a particularly cool Protoss appearance!
Who are part of the new creative team behind the comic? i.e. writer, penciler, inker, colorist?
Ben: Simon Furman is our scribe and he’s a legend to comic book readers as really the definitive voice to the Transformers universe. Also, Simon’s worked on the Starcraft property in the past—contributing to the Tokyopop line of original manga. And so far, he’s delivering some terrific work! Our artist is an amazing new voice by the name of Federico Dallocchio—whose most recent work was on DC’s “Prometheus” one-shot. A phenomenal talent, he’s bringing an incredible vision to the book. And lastly, colorist Milen Parvanov might not be a household name yet—but he will after the first few issues of Starcraft go on sale!
Will the comic cover the Starcraft “universe” more broadly? Examples: Hyperspace, planets, cultures, traditions, etc.?
Ben: Definitely… and we’ll likely see further expansion as the series goes on. In the opening arc, as the War Pigs hunt for Raynor, we’ll touch upon quite a bit in the Starcraft universe.
What connection will the Starcraft comic have with StarCraft II?
Ben: Our series will tie into the settings from the first game, helping lay the groundwork for the on-going story, and then the first arc partially serves as a transition between the first and second game. Beyond that, I really can’t go into much detail!
Thanks a lot for providing all StarCraft II fans a glimpse into the ongoing StarCraft Comics Book Series. Register to the StarCraft comics monthly subscription here to get the first 12-issues delivered straight to your home monthly all year-round.
Stay tuned to our upcoming exclusive StarCraft # 1 preview scans.
