How Marvel Comics Solves the Problem of Adapting a Choose-Your-Own-Path Video Game

With the new Guardians of the Galaxy game.

By Joshua Yehl

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series has its first episode out and a new Marvel comic book series along with it. The problem with adapting a choose-your-own-path video game into a comic book is that it can't cover every possibility and must decide on one thread to follow (unless it's a choose-your-own-path comic of course, which this one is not).

Injustice: Ground Zero over at DC Comics is a comic book adaption of the Injustice: Gods Among Us game, and there they chose Harley Quinn to be the point-of-view character. That way, the reader can see the events of the game play out through her eyes and as she helps Batman take down a tyrannical, grief-stricken Superman. With this comic solidifying Injustice canon it did, however, wind up ruling out some characters' plot threads presented in the game's story mode. But given that the game came out in 2013 and gamers are already diving into Injustice 2, it's probably okay that the folks at DC and NetherRealm decided to use this comic to say "this is how it really happened."

Marvel, on the other hand, chose to make their Guardians tie-in comic (by writer Fred Van Lente and artist Salva Espina) a prequel that sets up the story, completely side-stepping the issue altogether. Marvel games producer Tim Hernandez explained the decision in an email interview:

"Making sure the story was connected to the game’s plot was definitely was a fun early challenge. In addition to the multiple story paths which radically alter the plot path of the game, we also had to consider when a reader might be encountering both series. While of course we hope fans will have played a few episodes of the Telltale game when reading the comic, some might be an episode or two behind at any given point, and others might be waiting to play all five episodes before or after the comic," Hernandez said. "So, being mindful of spoiling the big dramatic moments of the game, Fred was really open to collaborating with the game’s creative team at Telltale to come up with a fun direction for the comic that stands on its own, helps set up the events of the game, and also feels true to the unique dynamic of these Guardians. The game takes each character on extremely unique paths, and touches on some major themes we haven’t seen with them before in any medium. Fred did a great job of coming up with an adventure that showcases all of those ideas in the comic, but also begins chipping away at the larger emotional pressure points of our slightly dysfunctional(to put it mildly!) family that will manifest in the game. Likewise, on the art side Salva was eager to use game assets and early game builds as reference, so there will be an obvious visual connection too. We really are approaching both series as two parts of one larger Guardians story. Oh and there will be plenty of shared Easter eggs so keep your eyes open for those too!"

First look at Issue #2. Art by Salva Espina. (Marvel Comics)

First look at Issue #2. Art by Salva Espina. (Marvel Comics)

What do you think of Marvel's approach to making comic book tie-ins for video games with multiple story paths? Let us know in the comments.

Joshua is IGN’s Comics Editor. If Pokemon, Green Lantern, or Game of Thrones are frequently used words in your vocabulary, you’ll want to follow him on Twitter @JoshuaYehl and IGN.

Let's block ads! (Why?)