Macabre Daily Talks With Bit Bot Media's JOSHUA VIOLA About Reviving "THE LEGACY OF KAIN: SOUL REAVER" (INTERVIEW)

Joshua Viola (LEFT) and Klayton / Celldweller (RIGHT) of Bit Bot Media

We here at Macabre Daily haven’t hidden our enthusiasm for the upcoming Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver revival spearheaded by Bit Bot Media. Not only is LoK: SR one of the best games of its time, but it is also a franchise woefully absent from the pop culture realm for over a decade. The good news for old fans and potentially new ones is that Bit Bot Media, led by Joshua Viola and Klayton (Celldweller) is just as excited as we are to bring Kain and Raziel back to the masses and Joshua was kind enough to share some exciting behind-the-scenes words on the process.

Check out the interview below to learn more, and if you’re keen on supporting the Kickstarter campaign you can sign up and pledge using this link! We will bring you more details on this as they become available, and thank you again to Joshua for taking the time to answer our burning questions!

Aaron Lovett’s cover for “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise”

Macabre Daily: How did you and the Bit Bot Media team get involved with this project?

Joshua Viola (JV): The truth is, this project is a big reason Bit Bot was created. Klayton (Celldweller) and I had been talking about forming a multimedia company focused on licensed IP, comics, video games, and film, among other things. When the Soul Reaver opportunity came our way, we knew it was time to move forward and solidify our vision, which led to the formation of Bit Bot Media—and with it, a whole slate of other exciting projects.

MD: Fans of the games have long awaited some kind of return to the world of Nosgoth, what can they expect in "The Dead Shall Rise"?

JV: The Dead Shall Rise blends the familiar with the new, honoring the franchise's legacy while charting new directions. As Raziel and Kain’s destinies intertwine, the narrative unfolds in compelling ways. We explore untold chapters of Raziel’s life, filling in the gaps between the Blood Omen and Soul Reaver games.

MD: What kind of materials were you given access to that would help inform things like canon and lore? And how much creative license were you given to expand and/or change that?

JV: We had access to a wealth of materials, including a comprehensive bible hundreds of pages long, graphs and diagrams outlining the various timelines, concept art, and direct access to key figures at Crystal Dynamics.

Matthew Therin’s cover for “Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise”

MD: Alongside the graphic novel, there is also some work being done to create unique replicas and collectibles including the Reaver sword. What other kinds of collectibles can fans expect to see?

JV: One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the new merch we're offering. After a long dry spell for the franchise, we're finally bringing fresh products to fans. We have high-end latex masks, Reaver sword replicas, a soundtrack by Celldweller (featuring Matt Heafy of Trivium), apparel, and a few more surprises in store.

MD: Despite its popularity during release, The Legacy of Kain series could be considered somewhat niche these days, how or will this graphic novel help newcomers acquaint themselves with the story and characters?

JV: We’re keeping that in mind as we approach the writing. While longtime LOK fans will have no problem coming into the story, we’re crafting the narrative so that newcomers can also enjoy it. The beauty of a prequel is that it starts from the beginning (or at least a new starting point), and since our story is deeply focused on Raziel’s origins, it will offer something fresh for everyone.

MD: As fans of the games, we have to ask if you are able to share any updates on if another game or remaster is in the works. We've heard rumblings of one, but if you have any more details to share we would of course love to hear them!

JV: I’m just as excited as you are about those possibilities, but we don’t have any insight into that. Fingers crossed!

MD: Are there any plans beyond just this one graphic novel, and if so, could you speak more to where you all envision the series going?

JV: I think that all depends on the success of our campaign. If fans make it clear they want more from this series, I believe there's a chance we'll see it, and I'd be thrilled to be involved.

Featured above: Dave Rapoza’s cover art from sketch, to revision, and final art!

Stay up to date with “The Dark Side Of Pop Culture” by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.