Atari’s Yars Rising Comic Book Announced

The Yars universe is preparing to expand even further, as Atari and developer WayForward announced today an official single-issue companion comic book titled “Yars Rising.” The comic is a prequel to the upcoming sci-fi metroidvania video game Yars Rising coming to PC and consoles on September 10, 2024. The 32-page comic will be available online and in traditional comic book retail stores in November.

Yars Rising is the latest offering in a 40-year-old video game franchise that began in 1982 with the release of Yars’ Revenge for the Atari 2600 home console. In an industry first, Atari paired the game cartridge at retail with a comic book. The comic gave players a view into the expansive backstory behind the 8-bit game and set the stage for their on-screen campaign.

Written by Wayforward Game Director Adam Tierney, Yars Rising acts as a prequel to an entirely new Yars story that unfolds within the video game. The comic follows the lead character, professional hacker Emi Kimura, as she and her friends try to navigate the ramifications of a job gone horribly wrong. As the story progresses, readers are given a taste and perhaps some subtle hints about what awaits them in the game.

Yars Rising features the creative talents of artists Ele Bruni (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tea Time, Space Opera), Ashleigh Hetrick (Art Director, WayForward), and Aurora Maeno.

Special PAX West Preview Event
Attendees of PAX West (Aug. 30 to Sep. 2 in Seattle) can get an early release preview copy signed by author Adam Tierney at a signing appearance at the Atari booth. Supplies will be limited; more details will follow.