One of the most infuential and popular videogames of all time is headed to the comic store. Dark Horse Comics, Mojang AB and Microsoft are teaming up for a “multi-project publishing partnership” focused on Minecraft. The first offering? A series of Minecraft graphic novels, set for release next summer. Scroll down for an exclusive first look at Minecraft Volume One.
Here’s what we know about the story of the upcoming comic so far, courtesy of Dark Horse: “In Minecraft Volume One, everyday kid Tyler’s life is changed when his family moves away from the town he’s always known. Thankfully, Tyler has a strong group of friends forever linked in the world of Minecraft! Tyler, along with his friends Evan, Candace, Tobi and Grace, have gone on countless adventures together across the expanses of the overworld and are in need of a new challenge. They decide to go on the Ultimate Quest—to travel to the End and face off against the ender dragon!”
“We are very excited at the prospect of bringing Minecraft to comics,” said Dark Horse President and Founder Mike Richardson of the partnership. “The world of Minecraft is vast with countless stories to tell. We look forward to working with the great people at Mojang AB and Microsoft to bring these stories to its enormous fan base.”
Since its release in November 2011, Minecraft has sold 144 million copies across all platforms, making it the second best-selling video game of all time. (Tetris remains the king of the hill.) Nearly seven years on, the Minecraft fandom is going strong, with more than 75 million fans playing the game every month. “We can’t wait to follow the incredible imaginations that Dark Horse’s comic creators will bring to the world of Minecraft,” said Lydia Winters, Chief Brand Officer of Mojang AB, said of the collaboration.
Minecraft Volume One will feature the work of writer Sfé R. Monster (The Beyond Anthology, Seven Stories from the Sea), artist Sarah Graley (Kim Reaper: Vampire Island, Our Super Adventure) and letterer John J. Hill (Bedtime Games, Superman). Minecraft Volume One debuts summer 2019. The 80-page graphic novel will be released next summer, and is currently available for pre-order from Target, Amazon, TFAW and other retailers. It will sell for $9.99.
While you wait to get your hands on the graphic novel, Minecraft is available to play on just about every gaming device conceivable: Windows, Mac OS, Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Switch, DS, Apple TV, Oculus Rift and Gear VR.