One of gaming’s most influential stealth franchises is returning as a graphic novel, and we’ve got a first look at some of the merchandise that will accompany it. You can sign up to find out when the campaign will launch on its BackerKit page.
We’re happy to exclusively reveal the first apparel from Bit Bot’s upcoming Thief: Pulse of Promise crowdfunding campaign, including officially licensed T-shirts, hoodies and hats celebrating Garrett and the world of Thief. The collectibles will accompany the publisher’s upcoming BackerKit campaign for the new graphic novel, which bridges the events of Thief: The Dark Project and Thief II: The Metal Age.
Written by Joshua Viola and Sean Eads, with artwork by Emanuele Ercolani and Gianluca Papi, Thief: Pulse of Promise follows master thief Garrett after what appears to be a routine burglary spirals into a mystery involving forgotten Keeper secrets, hidden powers beneath the city and a young boy whose fate could shape the future. The story is set between the original Thief and Thief II: The Metal Age and includes appearances by fan-favorite characters Artemus and Father Karras.
“Thief remains one of the most influential and beloved stealth game franchises ever created,” Viola said. “Every aspect of Pulse of Promise was developed in close collaboration with Eidos-Montréal to help ensure the story, characters, factions, and world align with what longtime fans would expect from this era of Garrett’s life. We wanted this to feel like a genuine standalone chapter between The Dark Project and The Metal Age.”
Here’s your first look at the apparel for the campaign:
The campaign will offer three hardcover editions of the 147-page graphic novel, featuring covers by Emanuele Ercolani, Claudio Mastronardi and Tyler Kirkham. In addition to the apparel, backers will be able to pick up a range of collectibles, including a Garrett statue, plush, art prints, a mechanical eye replica and an original soundtrack by Celldweller featuring new voice work from longtime Garrett actor Stephen Russell.
The reveal comes shortly after Nightdive Studios announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, which marks a modern revival of the classic title, rebuilt using Nightdive Studios’ KEX Engine and scheduled for release this winter.
Originally released in 1998 by Looking Glass Studios, Thief: The Dark Project helped define the stealth genre. Rather than charging into combat, players took on the role of master thief Garrett, relying on shadows, sound and carefully planned infiltration to complete missions in a dark fantasy/steampunk world. Its immersive storytelling and innovative gameplay went on to influence other stealth games that followed, like Hitman, Assassin’s Creed and Dishonored.
Fans who sign up before the campaign launches will also receive an exclusive custom-minted Thief coin available only to BackerKit supporters:
For more information, visit the BackerKit page.