10 Best Comic Books Based On Video Games

Perhaps the more common trajectory is comic books crossing over to video games. But did you know that there are several video games that crossover to the comics world? Some video games simply have such engaging stories and lore that they make sense to transition to a series of comic books, too. Moreover, whenever comic books adapt video games, they often expand on the story, characters, and environments a lot more. They create a more structured flow with prose and visuals that immerse you further into the franchise. Still, not all comic books based on video games have been executed to perfection. For that reason, we’ve compiled the best comic books based on video games worth checking out below. 

10. Bloodborne

FromSoftware Soulslike games are their own kind of fun to play as video games, despite their grueling difficulty. However, the comic book scene also manages to capture Bloodborne quite satisfyingly. It all started with player and fan Ales Kot, who depicts the dense lore and gothic horror game flawlessly in the comics.

Since then, Titan Comics has picked up the mantle, publishing a variety of entries worth checking out. They capture the game’s eerie atmosphere while also portraying the haunting visuals of the nightmarish world of Yharnam.

9. Marvel’s Spider-Man

Spider-Man has always nailed it in the comics. On the gaming industry front, though, it’s Marvel’s Spider-Man that takes the crown. It truly brings to life the realistic swinging through New York, from skyscraper to skyscraper, almost like you can feel the wind breeze past you.

The worldbuilding is phenomenal, as is the story and gameplay. These have all been adapted into comic books to great effect.

8. Halo

It was inevitable that the Halo sci-fi franchise made it to the best comic books based on video games. Thanks to the partnership with Marvel Comics, you can now take in the Halo universe, perusing through four stories adapted from the first two games.

So, there’ll definitely be some familiarity, especially from veterans of the series or those who’ve watched the TV series. 

7. Injustice

Injustice is a fighting game that suffers a bit from the genre’s difficulty in telling the most profound stories. Yet the foundation is there, with an alternate reality of Superman as the villain and waging war among the characters of the DC universe. With the comic book adaptation, you can now enjoy a more expanded history.

The comic books expounded further on Superman’s villainhood. Plus, you get more characters that aren’t in the game, also with backstories and motives. The comic books are so tantalizing that they pretty much rank among the best comic books based on video games out there.

6. The Last of Us: American Dreams

The Last of Us tells a gripping post-apocalyptic survival tale on its own. However, The Last of Us: American Dreams comic expounds on Ellie’s life before everything went dark. It’s the prequel that dials way back even before Left Behind DLC.

We get more perspective on Ellie and Riley’s friendship as well as the events that led to the molding of Ellie as a resilient survivor.

5. Tomb Raider

Lara Croft, the archeological Tomb Raider, has captivated fans for decades now. She’s brave and often embarking on the wildest adventures. So, the best comic books based on video games go on to give her a well-earned platform.

Even as she hunts down ancient treasures and defeats rival hunters, the comic books never fail to go deeper and more fearless. They expand further on the video games’ universe and build fresh narratives for old and new audiences alike.

4. Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed has become quite the expansive franchise. In truth, the premise can branch into a thousand tales and still be sufficient enough for a standalone entry. So, it makes sense that the series would transition into the comics. More so, the comic books would add new protagonists and worlds, including Salem and the Inca Empire, among others.

They’ve been quite the success, continuing the expansion of Ubisoft’s story, world and lore. They delve into different timelines and Assassins across the centuries with detailed stories and intricate artwork. 

3. Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog has not only risen to prominence in gaming but also in film and comic books. The comics, in particular, have been consistent enough to earn 2008’s longest-running comic series in the United States Guinness World Record. You may find some stories and environments that have crossed over from the games to the comics.

However, the comic series is, for the most part, independent, telling a parallel universe story but also with a fresh perspective and even branching into rewriting a new universe.

2. Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies is adapted from a tower defense mobile franchise of the same name. While it may not be as popular as Sonic the Hedgehog and other comics, it certainly stands out for its tendency to take things lightly. After all, that’s the beauty of comics is in how delightful they are, injecting humor and quirkiness into their stories and characters.

It helps that the graphics are colorful and the characters are an odd but ultimately fun bunch. Any gamer can read Plants vs. Zombies, even kids, and it’s a series that will keep you engaged for a while. Individual entries often follow a different character’s journey. Meanwhile, you can run into new ideas like time traveling. 

1. Batman: The Arkham Series

In gaming, Batman: The Arkham series is the height of the Dark Knight’s story and universe. This has been translated well into the comics, if not better. Batman’s character depth is impressive, as is the Arkham universe. You’ll find prequels, sequels, and rewrites of the Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins, and Arkham Knight entries.

As expected, the storytelling is on point while the graphics are intriguing, thanks to Paul Dini and Peter J. Tomasi’s expertise. You can always check out DC’s many comic books. But Batman: The Arkham series sure does stand tall among the best comic books based on video games.