Raising over $1,000,000 through successful Kickstarter, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – Raising the Dead The event was a huge success. The crowdfunding campaign marks an epic return for the series after 25 years, and has shown off some promised merchandise since launch, such as collectible masks and memorabilia, that is reinvigorating the die-hard love for PS1-era vampires of yore.
We interviewed the creator and screenwriter of “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – Resurrection of the Dead” Joshua Viola, Narrative Guide Brent Friedmanand artistic director Daniel Kabuko about Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and asked them how the game impacted their lives and what they were looking forward to in the graphic novel.
We also previewed some of the covers and the first few pages of artwork. Take a look below.
Christian Angel: Kane’s legacy The Franchise means a lot to fans for different reasons, but what does the legacy of this game mean to each of you?
Joshua Viola: Soul Reaver in particular has been a part of my life since the beginning. When I first played Soul Reaver in 1999 or 2000, I was instantly hooked. This isn’t just a game, it’s a monumental experience, a story that resonates on a deeper level. Raziel’s journey, themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption were so profound that I ended up getting Raziel tattooed on my body as a permanent reminder of how much this game means to me. Soul Reaver was ahead of its time in many ways – storytelling, atmosphere, art design. The world of Nosgod has a vibrant feel, with its own history and lore, all intertwined with a complex and mature narrative. It was one of the first games that made me realize how powerful video game narrative can be, and how it rivals the best movies or novels.
Brent Friedman: The first Soul Reaver was one of several games from the late ’90s (the other being Resident Evil 2) that introduced me to the power of interactive storytelling. Before that, I played games mostly for the gameplay. But Soul Reaver, and the series as a whole, is so story-focused that I can barely remember the gameplay. All my memories focus on the deep lore, unpredictable character arcs, and superb dialogue. As a writer, this series is inspiring.
Daniel Kabuko: Soul Raider is a bold outpouring of our team’s creativity and we’re confident it will find an audience. I poured my passion and interest into it, believing it will resonate with those who connect with its themes, style and storytelling. When I worked on Soul Reaver, I knew it was special; it was special. Nothing else looks or plays like it. The story is deep and rich, allowing me to incorporate visuals that reward observation and insight. Over the years, this legacy has developed a connection with fans, who still ask for its clues, possibilities, and hidden details. I’m deeply grateful for the love and connection I feel with the fans of “Legacy of Kane” because they truly understand that there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Angelis: If you had to choose…are you team Lazier or team Kane?
Friedman: If I had to choose, I would be Team Raziel. Before I went back to play Blood Omen, I played Soul Reaver, so my allegiance was naturally with Raziel from the get-go. That said, after playing all the games and really immersing myself in the series’ story, I’ve developed a certain love for Kane. He’s certainly flawed – both characters have them – but it’s hard not to admire his unscrupulousness. I mean, this guy “fights the establishment” in classic antihero fashion.
Viola: This is a tough question, and honestly one I grapple with every time I think about it. I used to be a member of Team Raziel, but now that I’ve had the chance to write these characters and work on their motivations, Kane may have surpassed him. But it’s a tough decision. They are two sides of the same coin, each with their own pros, cons, and epic stories. So, while I’ve always been a Team Raziel at heart, I can’t help but be more interested in Kane than I’ve ever been. They’re all too cool to definitely choose one over the other.
Kabuko: It’s “Sophie’s Choice” because they are like my children. Both characters are incredible and unique, and their stories have amazing arcs. Raziel is sincere and angry, with absolute conviction in his beliefs (even if they have radically changed). Once you set your direction, it’s unstoppable! Kane is calculating and doing what needs to be done, despite the emotional pain it causes him, because he sees the bigger canvas. His sacrifice and nobility demonstrate wisdom, insight and ruthlessness. He figured out how to win a rigged game! So I don’t think I can really choose one over the other.
Angeles: Brent, can you share some never-before-seen ideas from Soul Reaver that will be used in the graphic novel?
Friedman: I don’t want to spoil any surprises for readers (yes, there will be many!), but I will say that this graphic novel will look at Lacy in a way that is, in my opinion, incredibly exciting My wings, and definitely not like I’ve seen before. This aspect of Raziel’s backstory was not fully explained in the original game, leaving some fresh ideas for this very important development in his character arc.
Angelis: For Joshua, The Legacy of Kane series is a gothic story about power, about revenge, and most importantly, about free will. What themes will your prequel explore?
Viola: The series has always been filled with powerful themes. They are the building blocks that make this series so captivating. In our prequel, we’re definitely embracing those same themes, but we’re also exploring Raziel’s past in ways we’ve never seen before. One of the core elements we are looking at is identity. Raziel’s journey has always been about transformation, but this prequel delves into who he was before becoming the Ghost we know. We’re looking at what it means to lose everything you once were, and how that loss shapes your sense of self. While themes of power and free will remain at the heart of the story, there’s also a focus on the consequences of these choices—how they ripple over time, affecting not just Raziel, but the entire Nosgothic world. We wanted to stay true to the elements that made The Legacy of Kane so iconic while adding new layers to the story that fans haven’t seen before. It’s about honoring the past while also pushing the narrative in a new direction that’s both fresh and familiar.
Angeles: Daniel, over the past 30 years you’ve created art for some of the biggest games and shows in pop culture (especially Vampire). How has your art style changed from your original Soul Reaver days?
Cabuco: I think in my own artistic development I’ve been making a serious attempt not to do the same things that have been done before. So in the beginning I was freer and willing to create, give up and combine designs to break my own constraints. I place more emphasis on the beginning of the visual design process and believe that taking it to detailed completion will only be the end of the pipeline. In the past, I would get excited about an initial design and push it really hard because no one had seen some of it in the game at the time. Now, creativity in games has exploded, and with it, the tastes of gamers (i.e. audiences). So it was really about finding a new, expressive visual design.
Angelis: Finally, tell us something about what fans can expect from the graphic novel adaptation.
Friedman: Fans can look forward to learning more about the series’ story. Without giving too much away, the graphic novel will explore Raziel’s past in a further humanizing way and fill in some of the gaps in Nosgoth’s history. As part of the quest, the graphic novel will also introduce a new character to canon, a mysterious woman named Alales who is central to Raziel’s backstory. Full disclosure: I may actually be Team Elaleth.
Viola: Fans can look forward to seeing the world of Nosgod come to life like never before. The graphic novel offers a fresh visual take on the iconic character while retaining the dark, gothic atmosphere that defined the series. Plus, we’re exploring untold stories and deepening the lore with new insights into Raziel’s past, so even long-time fans will find something new and exciting to delve into.
Kabuko: The graphic novel adaptation of Soul Reavers will bring a visually dynamic and captivating take on the world we love, telling the story in a whole new way. There will be surprising insights and revelations!
The “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – Resurrection of the Dead” prequel event will last until September 12th.
