When it comes to FromSoft games, they knocked it out of the park with Elden Ring. I've never played the title myself, but from a marketing and success standpoint I don't think I've ever seen the company reach so many people and have such a cultural impact. "No maidens?" was everywhere for weeks on end. The game is back in the spotlight once again thanks to the upcoming DLC Shadow of the Erdtree set to release on June 21st. But what you may not have known, is that a spin-off manga is also on the way with a release date of July 4. What type of manga you may ask? Something only natural for Elden Ring: a comedy omnibus! That's right, prepare to slap your knee with the debut of "Elden Ring: Distant Stories of the Land Between'' next month.
An environment ripe for hijinks.
What the fuck? Who approved this? I'm not trying to be a hater here. In fact, I'm pretty interested in the lore of Elden Ring despite not completing a playthrough myself. The lore nerds are quick to bring up how interesting the world is if you bother to stop and analyze some of the hints and notes the devs leave behind that explain the inner workings and cultures of The Lands Between. But is the best idea we could approve for a manga format... a comedy? If there's one genre I wouldn't associate with Elden Ring, it'd be that one. I'd love to learn more about some of the NPCs that you come across, bosses you encounter, creatures you discover, etc. in a short story series filled with care and attention to detail. Not every story needs to be some depressing shit, but to me this seems like being handed the keys to a new sports car and using it to go drive around a school zone. A complete waste of potential that almost seems purposely irresponsible. What makes me confused is the author is Haruichi who worked on the Star Wars: Visions manga so we know he can write short stories of more... apt genres.
If anyone is actually hype to see some hilarious antics ensue with the Elden Ring cast, by all means I'd love a review once this project comes out. Maybe my man will strike comedy gold with these NPCs and make me eat my words. Lord knows it wouldn't be the first time. Have you played Elden Ring? Are you excited for the DLC? Are you interested in the comedy manga? Become tarnished, acquire maidens, and fell enemies in the comments below!
