Sword of Justice

Sword of Justice is a five-issue, limited edition, Diablo III comic book. This title was revealed[1] during the Blizzard Merch panel at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.

The first (of five) issues is set to go on sale November 23, 2011, and should retail for $2.99. Blizzard has not yet announced plans to collect all five in a graphic novel, for fans who would prefer to buy the whole thing at once.

Comic Details

First issue cover art concept.

This series of comics is being written by Aaron Williams, with artwork by Joseph Lacroix and coloring by Dave Stewart.

The official press blurb reads as follows:

"From the world and legends of Sanctuary, the setting for the award-winning Diablo video game, comes the tale of a hero's birth. Jacob has fled from his homelands in the north, hunted by his kinsmen for the crime of murder. Led by the visions of an ancient prophet, pursued by his childhood friend, Jacob finds his destiny in a desert cave at the foot of a mountain carved in two by the sword of an archangel-- Tyrael. But will Jacob be able to claim the sword that could save his people, if not the world, before he's brought to 'justice?'"

The story takes place during the twenty years between the end of D2 and the start of D3. The protagonist is a young man named Jacob who lives somewhere near the Mount Arreat Crater. As we know from the game lore, Tyrael used his sword to destroy the Worldstone in the concluding plot event of D2X, then vanished and has not been seen since. Tyrael’s sword did not vanish though. It remained in the mortal realm after Tyrael’s disappearance, and somehow sent visions into Jacob’s head, leading him to discover the weapon.

Jacob takes the weapon and by it is compelled to serve as the “avatar of justice” on Sanctuary.

Few details were revealed about the story, but the official quote during the panel is short and informative:

It's got a mortal hero, it’s got barbarians, it’s got demonic corruption, and a sexy wizard. Everything you could want.

Full video of the presentation can be seen here, courtesy of Gamespot. The Sword of Justice is revealed at about 29:40 into the panel.

Critical Reaction

Sample image from issue two.

The first review was posted in November 2011 on IGN.[2] They gave it an 8.0/10 score.

Diablo #1 isn't what one would call a rousing fantasy epic. Where it succeeds is in terms of characterization. Writer Aaron Williams displays a knack for dialogue. His execution ensures that Jacob comes across as more than another fantasy hero of humble origins. The frequent humor also helps lend this story a distinct voice of its own. The book is somber when it needs to be a slightly silly in other spots. Not unlike a lot of Blizzard games in that regard.

The art style doesn't necessarily evoke the Diablo games, either. This is probably for the best, as whenever adaptations struggle to capture the look of the source material readers usually wind up with the hideous CG visuals of God of War or the "crosshatch like it's 1993" approach in Gears of War. Joseph Lacroix's pencils are fairly loose and scratchy but packed with plenty of energy. The real star is Dave Stewart, who proves why he's still one of the best colorists in the business.

There's not much about Diablo #1 that overtly cries "Diablo!!!" But it is a satisfying read, and that's something far too few of the projects can ever claim.

Creator Interviews

Blizzard set up numerous interviews with the artist and writer as they promoted the first episode in December 2011. A representative quote[3] can be read here, with links to various interviews below.

How did you design Jacob? Is he based on any existing character in the Diablo III universe?

Certain characters are directly and 100 % inspired by the characters of Diablo III: a sorcerer, monsters, and many others… I am forced to remain vague because these characters will appear in the issues to follow. They are directly from the universe of Diablo, so they must be faithful to it: the anatomical details, the attitudes, and the clothes. Jacob, on the other hand, is a young man who has not found his way yet. To take the parallel of the creation of a character, he is this young, light-leather-dressed, human being who has not chosen yet which class he is going to play. He comes from a walled village in the Badlands next to mount Arreat. His people are in conflict with wild and hostile barbaric tribes. He is propelled into an adventure that is much bigger than he is. At the beginning, he seems weak and resourceless but he’s going to reveal himself little by little and his fate (as we can see on the cover of the first issue) is going to cross that of Tyrael and his legendary sword.

Interviews:

• Diablo 3 Poland interview.
• Diablo 3 Ingame interview.
• IGN Interview with Aaron Williams.

Media

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  First issue cover art rough draft.

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  Cover artwork for issue one.

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  Page 14 from issue one.

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  Cover artwork from issue two.