PRESS START: Metal Gear Solid, Street Fighter, Atari

by Andrea Purcell

It’s dangerous to go alone, so take July’s PRESS START: Video Game Comics and Collectibles Column! This month we explore the art of Metal Gear Solid V, pit Street Fighter against G.I. Joe, get a glimpse at the Art of Atari, and more! Level up your comics and collectibles with PRESS START!

Video game-related items are sprinkled through each month’s PREVIEWS catalog, and we go through to pick out the coolest products. With everything from comics and art books to statues and toys, the PREVIEWS catalog is full of everything a gamer needs.

Don't wait to reach a save point. Head to your local comic shop to pre-order all of the cool items in this month’s column and many more!

The Art of Metal Gear Solid V

Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series is considered to be one of the most influential and beloved video game franchises of all time. With a diehard fan base and innovative gameplay, Kojima was able to create five bestselling and award-winning entries in the long running series. Now Dark Horse Comics is giving fans a look behind-the-scenes at the final chapter for Kojima’s beloved protagonist, Snake. The Art of Metal Gear Solid V (JUL160156) is a beautiful, full-color glimpse into the long and arduous process behind the bestselling game. Full of never-before-seen concept art and commentary, this art book is a beautiful addition to any gamer’s collection. 

Dark Souls Legends of the Flame #1

For hardcore gamers who love the challenge of an unforgiving and brutal video game, Dark Souls is there. Now fans of the series will be able to learn more about the realm of Dark Souls and the characters that inhabit it in Dark Souls Legends of the Flame #1 (JUL161930). An all-new mini-series from Titan Comics, Legends of the Flame gathers some of the finest writers and artist working in comics today to create an action-packed anthology full of myth and champions. Learn more about the hollowed champions who gather around the blazing bonfires to ward off the monsters prowling around every corner, and see if you can survive what lurks in the dark.

Street Fighter X G.I. Joe

It’s time to fight as two classic franchises are pitted against each other in battle, and only the strong will survive! IDW Publishing’s latest crossover has set the stakes higher then ever as M. Bison and Destro join forces to take over the world once and for all in Street Fighter X G.I. Joe (JUL160508). Sixteen combatants enter, but these are no standard fighters as Ryu, Snake Eyes, Guile, Scarlett, Chun-Li, Duke, and fan-favorites from both franchises must work together to take down Shadaloo and Cobra. It’s the ultimate battle between the World Warriors and the Joes with the fate of the world hanging in the balance! 

Art of Atari

Fans of old school gaming know the power of Atari. From the simple yet addictive gameplay to the classy wood paneling on the Atari 2600, many long-time gamers got their start with Atari. Now Dynamite Entertainment is giving fans a new look at one of the most intriguing and oftentimes perplexing aspect of the early days of video games with Art of Atari (JUL161467). Featuring the most complete collection of Atari artwork ever produced, this full color hardcover spans over four decades of illustrations from game cartridges, boxes, magazines, and more. The first official retrospective of Atari’s artwork, this art book is a must-have for fans of classic gaming or those looking to relive their childhood through the wondrous illustrations found inside.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 1/7 Scale PVC Link Figure

Add the protector of Hyrule to your collection with an all-new figure from The Good Smile Company. The highly detailed and beautifully colored Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 1/7-scale PVC Link Figure (JUL163072) is brimming with details and loving touches that make this a figure no fan will want to miss. Standing at the ready with the Master Sword in hand, Link is ready to take on Ganon and protect Princess Zelda from harm. With intricate sculpting and careful attention to detail, the 1/7 scale Link figure is sure to become a coveted collectible for years to come. 

Assassin's Creed Locus #1

Set in the world of Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, we find Titan Comics is bringing an all-new story to life in Assassin’s Creed Locus #1 (JUL161921). This mini-series delves into the sordid underbelly of Victorian London as New Yorker Tommy Greyling must find a Piece of Eden that may change the world as we know it! Tommy’s not alone on his quest as Evie Frye and Henry Green join him to help this recently drafted assassin learn the ropes as he navigates a completely unfamiliar world. A great standalone story or the perfect piece of world building, fans of Assassin’s Creed won’t want to miss out on this brand new story.