Anyone who saw the latest gameplay demo of hell is us Remi, who has already roamed the dark world of Hadea, knows it, at least superficially. But why would a peacekeeper voluntarily abandon his post to face a world torn apart by war and overrun by monsters?
This very question is now coming into focus. NACON and Rogue Factor have announced a 16-page prequel comic at San Diego Comic-Con, which will be released digitally on August 6, 2025 – free of charge and with high-quality visuals.
Background information that deepens the game
The comic, created in collaboration with Dead Good Comics, explores the final days before Remi's departure. According to the official description, it deals with personal loss, moral conflicts, and a decision that changes everything. It's the kind of context that's often lacking in the game itself, especially in a title that deliberately eschews traditional quest markers and prioritizes exploration. Featuring artists such as Andrea Scalmazzi (Dune: House Corrino) and author Stu Taylor (Crusader Kings III: Many Roads to Power) the project is more than a nice bonus – it acts like a deliberately placed puzzle piece in transmedia storytelling.
What does this mean for Hell is Us?
The release of the comic a month before the game's launch on September 4th seems strategic. It serves not only to deepen the world-building but also to clarify the tone. Because hell is us This is not a typical action title. Instead of checklist-based gameplay, creative director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête focuses on atmosphere, intuition, and player freedom—elements that only work if you understand the protagonist's motivations. The comic could therefore deliver exactly that: emotional grounding in a surreal environment.
Comics based on video games are often a nice addition. hell is us But it uses the medium effectively to give its world depth, instead of just for advertising. If the game maintains this narrative quality, it could become one of the most exciting titles of late summer.
What do you think: Does a game like this absolutely need a backstory – or should it speak for itself?
