The stealth gaming institution is getting a fresh narrative push beyond its remastered classic. A new graphic novel titled Thief: Pulse of Promise will bridge the gap between the original 1998 game and its 2000 sequel, expanding the lore of master thief Garrett through a crowdfunded comic venture.
The 147-page hardcover is a collaboration between publisher Bit Bot and Eidos-Montréal, the studio behind the franchise. It arrives as the series experiences broader momentum, with a remastered version of The Dark Project heading to PC and consoles this winter.
Pulse of Promise follows Garrett into unknown territory. According to the official synopsis, a routine heist spirals into something far more dangerous when the thief uncovers forgotten Keeper secrets and discovers strange powers buried beneath the City. A mysterious young boy enters the narrative, his fate potentially reshaping Garrett's trajectory toward the events of The Metal Age.
The creative team brings substantial pedigree. Joshua Viola, known for his work on Legacy of Kain, and Sean Eads co-write the story. Emanuele Ercolani, artist on Masters of the Universe, handles interior illustrations alongside Gianluca Papi. Jeremiah Lambert provides lettering.
Both Viola and Bit Bot Creative Director Frank O'Connor emphasized the project's commitment to franchise continuity. Viola stated the entire effort was shaped in close partnership with Eidos-Montréal to ensure characters, factions, and world details match what longtime fans expect from this era. The goal was crafting a genuine standalone chapter that feels earned within the timeline.
The BackerKit campaign offers multiple purchasing tiers. The standard hardcover features Ercolani's cover art. A Limited Hardcover Edition includes an exclusive cover by Claudio Mastronardi of Diabolik. The Deluxe Hardcover Edition steps up with an alternate cover by Tyler Kirkham, a slipcase, and bonus material.
Collectible add-ons include a Garrett statue, plush doll, art prints, and a mechanical eye collector's set. Pre-registered backers receive an exclusive custom-minted Thief coin as a bonus.
Fan-favorite characters Artemus and Father Karras will make appearances, grounding Pulse of Promise within the existing narrative framework and giving longtime players touchstones they recognize.
Author Emily Chen: "Adapting a game universe as intricate as Thief into comics is risky, but the pedigree here suggests this could actually matter to the lore rather than just feel like a cash grab."
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