Nearly three decades after the original "Thief: The Dark Project" captivated players with its shadowy fantasy world, master thief Garrett is poised for another adventure, this time in print. "Thief: Pulse of Promise" is a brand-new, officially sanctioned graphic novel from Bit Bot, offering an exclusive sneak peek into its pages as the project launches on BackerKit. This eagerly anticipated release promises to bridge the narrative gap between two iconic installments of the "Thief" video game series.
Authored by Joshua Viola and Sean Eads, "Pulse of Promise" is strategically set between the 1998 release of "The Dark Project" and 2000's "Thief II: The Metal Age." Far from being a mere retelling or reboot, this graphic novel functions as a crucial, previously untold chapter in Garrett's journey, enriching the established lore for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Its placement within the existing timeline ensures a seamless integration, providing depth and context to the enigmatic protagonist's adventures.
Garrett's latest escapade plunges him into the heart of ancient Keeper secrets, forces that lurk in the shadows of the City, and the puzzling destiny of a young boy whose role in these events is far greater than Garrett initially perceives. The narrative also sees the return of beloved characters such as Artemus and Father Karras, further intertwining this new story with the established universe. The artistic vision for "Pulse of Promise" is brought to life by Emanuele Ercolani and Gianluca Papi, with Jeremiah Lambert handling the lettering, promising a visually stunning and immersive experience.
The creative team at Bit Bot has collaborated closely with Eidos-Montréal to ensure that the graphic novel's portrayal of characters, factions, and the world itself remains perfectly consistent with Garrett's life during this specific era. While "The Dark Project" itself is receiving renewed attention with a remastered edition announced by Nightdive Studios, Eidos-Montréal, and Atari, "Pulse of Promise" offers an alternative and equally compelling entry point back into this rich universe, foregoing the need for a full remake or sequel to expand the lore.
"Thief: Pulse of Promise" is being offered in three distinct hardcover editions through its ongoing BackerKit campaign, including a deluxe version that comes complete with a slipcase and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Beyond the graphic novel itself, the campaign also features an original soundtrack composed by Celldweller, showcasing new voice-over performances from Stephen Russell, the original voice actor for Garrett. Additionally, a range of collector's items are available, such as a Garrett statue, a plush toy, art prints, apparel, and a faithful replica of Garrett's iconic mechanical eye.
This new graphic novel is an exciting development for fans of the "Thief" series, offering an expanded narrative that fits neatly within the existing canon. By exploring an untold chapter of Garrett's life and engaging with the established lore, "Pulse of Promise" provides a fresh yet familiar experience, bolstered by high-quality production and a variety of collector's incentives through its BackerKit campaign.
