World of Warcraft: Schizophrenia

BlizzPlanet is reporting that the World of Warcraft comic from Wildstorm will be changing its title.  Actually, it’s a bit more than a simple title change, more of a complete format modification.  No longer will the comic flip-flop its focus between Horde and Alliance, as it has since the completion of Varian Wrynn’s story in volume 25.  Instead it will be split in two distinct pieces of literature, World of Warcraft: Alliance and World of Warcraft: Horde, starting in January.

The WoW: Horde comic will kick off the new direction with Issue 1 on January 6.  It’s to feature an unknown orc by the name of Malgar that returns to a life of violence.  If the report is correct, it seems that the Alliance side of things will pick up right where the former series left off (before it became Horde-based).  The first Alliance branded comic will be Issue 26, and follow the Horde debut on January 20.  It also features previously unheard of heroes, something that’s more akin to the novels and manga than the comics.

The Horde edition is being written by Doug Wagner.  Mr Wagner has decided to show “the harsher side of Kalimdor” in the series. It’s drawn by Pop Mahn.  The Alliance story will focus on ” a mysterious quest for a powerful artifact” thanks to Mike Costa.  Neil Googe will be performing the feat that I could never hope to achieve, drawings that go beyond stick figures.  One thing is certain, the different art and writing styles will have readers arguing over what’s better once more, Horde or Alliance (comics).

The split is probably a good idea, giving both factions the ability to shine on its own.  No more unusual segues.  It will also draw in more readers from the Horde, as the faction has been seriously under-represented in the Extended Universe of World of Warcraft.  Plus, I hated the comic’s current title, World of Warcraft. It left so much to be desired, like a subtitle, and always had to be qualified in discussions with “No, I mean the comic.”