Hellgate: London is the prequel to the video game of the same name, an RPG in which London is taken over by hordes of demons and humanity must fight for survival. If you play video games on a regular basis, or even just hang around with someone who does, Hellgate might be something you are familiar with. There have been books written in that universe by several authors, including Mel Odom. Now we have a graphic novel series being put out by Tokyopop to add to the whole experience. 

“On October 31st, 2020, man stood against an invasion of demonkind at the battle of All Hallows’ Eve. In the weeks leading up to this decisive clash, as the barrier between our world the underworld dissolved…many people discovered in themselves a calling…” 

John Fowler, a college Rugby champ, wakes up from a terrible nightmare filled with demons only to discover he’s late for class. At school his archeology class is uncovering some remains on the grounds of the college. Mostly they find broken pots and household items, but amongst the debris is a skeleton buried face down. The teacher explains that in earlier centuries those believed to worship Satan were buried face down and on unhallowed ground. Near the remains John finds a strange talisman.  

The body and the talisman are only the beginning. John and Lindsey, his cricket-bat-wielding sister, learn that their family are members of the Templar Knights and sworn to fight evil. Not only that but evil is one the rise again and they can’t just sit quietly on the sidelines hoping it will go away. Soon the two are on a quest, hoping to discover more about the talisman and their family.  

This isn’t anything that is going to jump off the page at you. It’s decent, with enough action and a little mystery to keep you going, but don’t expect great things. One of the things I did enjoy about Hellgate: London was the British terminology. It was a nice touch and gave the whole thing a more authentic flare. Small maybe, but the details matter. Also, the background of the Templar Knights gives the whole thing some nice depth.  

Hellgate: London is rated 16+ for strong language with moderate violence and gore. The artwork is fair, about what you would expect from a graphic novel centered on action with extra icky demons. Also included is an exclusive excerpt from Goetia, book two of the new Hellgate trilogy by Mel Odom. Over all this is a pretty good place to start if you want to get into the Hellgate universe.