We've got a double dose of paperback goodness aimed to please those Hellgaters who like to read and those who like to read...less. Let's hit the books!

Recently slated for a release date of April 8th, Tokyopop's Hellgate: London manga, simply titled Hellgate: London, will bit hitting shelves in just two short weeks. This graphic novel is a prequel to the actual game, taking place 18 years before you begin your adventure in Russel Square. Here is the plot synopsis from Tokyopop's website:

In the year 2020, a demon invasion strikes several cities around the globe...including London, home to college Rugby champ John Fowler and his family. But before the climatic Battle of All Hallow's Eve, John and his sister Lindsey attempted to discover the story behind what seemed to be a series of bizarre portents: an exhumed skeleton, a haunting apparition, and a powerful sword that they find in their attic. Solving the mystery, though, reveals something about their family that changes their lives forever...In the prequel to the hit video game, explore the world of Hellgate just 48 hours before the world becomes a demon-ridden, war-torn hell--and discover just what might have started it all.

"Will they survive the invasion?" "Who is the figure in red at the top?" "Are Molten Edge swords really that huge?" If these are the questions you find yourself asking, you'll be glad to know there's more information to be had on the Tokyopop website including character profiles and a word from the manga's senior editor.

Now, something for the Hellgater who's more of a traditional reader. Mel Odom has completed the second in a trilogy of novels based on the Hellgate: London universe, fourteen years before the time Hellgate: London video game takes place in. Titled Hellgate: London: Goetia, it continues where Hellgate: London: Exodus, the first book, left off:

2024: Four years after the Demons opened the planar rift known as the Hellgate, mankind's desperate struggle to survive continues. Simon Cross, expatriate of the secret Templar order, works to find and transport survivors out of the ruined city. Hiding within London's Underground system, Simon is raising an army to fight against the encroaching Darkness. Now, he battles the monsters that roam the city and fends off a jealous Knight who plans to take Simon down...all while striving to reunite the divided Templar forces.

Warren Schimmer, a Cabalist who is magically linked to a powerful demon, searches for Goetia. Also known as the Lesser Key of Solomon, this ancient artifact could provide the forces of good or evil with an edge in the ongoing war. Standing in his path is Simon Cross. Warren has made a bargain with his Demon lord for survival and the promise of vengeance against the persuasive Templar...but a Demon's promise is made to be broken.

More information on Goetia can be found at Simon & Schuster's website including an excerpt from the novel.

Hey folks! It's Friday! For me, that means a marathon session of Full House reruns; for you, that means two more Hellgate: London manga sketches. This female character is one of my favorite designs, and I think you'll like it just as much. The second image shows a Demon about to get his booty kicked - and who doesn't love that?

Are those Bugle Boy jeans you're wearing?

Sit, Booboo, sit.

I hope you've all enjoyed checking out these images from the manga. Once things get farther along, expect to hear much more about the book. Thanks!

As promised, here are two new rough sketches from the upcoming TOKYOPOP Hellgate: London manga.

Eat your heart out, Cloud.

I wouldn't be laughing...

Check back tomorrow for more!

Today I have a special treat for all of you. A while back, we announced that manga megastar TOKYOPOP would be teaming up with Flagship Studios to produce a book based on Hellgate: London.

It's been kept under wraps since the announcement, but I just can't take it any longer. With the game shipping in a few weeks, and all of our great fans giving us so much support as we near the finish line, I have to give something back.

So, each day for the rest of this week, I'll be posting some rough sketches from the Hellgate: London manga. If you don't know much about it, don't worry - you're not alone. We're still not talking too much about the story, but I will say that it's by far the most unique take on the Hellgate universe yet. Not just in terms of story, but also art style.

Save your questions for later, please. ^_^

The script is being written by Arvid Nelson. Comic fans might recognize the name as he's the creator/writer behind Rex Mundi, the popular Dark Horse comic. If you haven't checked it out, you should. Heck, Johnny Depp liked it so much he's not only producing the upcoming movie, he's starring in it. If you can't trust Edward Scissorhands himself, who can you trust? The point is, you can expect a top-notch story when the book is done.

Ivan when he has a bad hair day.

A Korean artist named Jeong Mo Yang is doing the super duper artwork. These rough sketches only hint at his phenomenal skills, so keep an eye on this guy in the future.

Check back tomorrow for some more manga goodness. Thanks again everyone for all your support!