Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 Graphic Novel Collection Review

Titan Comics has published a graphic novel collection titled Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 available from numerous online retailers and high street book stores. Can the fourth set of four comic book issues collected together in Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 deliver what it sets out to by producing a continuation of the graphic novel sequel to the smash hit Bloodborne videogame?

Bloodborne is a third-person action horror RPG developed by FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki; released in March 2015 followed by an expansion titled The Old Hunters that are both available exclusively on PS4. Bloodborne received worldwide acclaim from gamers and critics alike, living up to the anticipation in the process; especially given the director Hidetaka Miyazaki had previously directed such appreciated games as Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls. Bloodborne earned many awards including Game Design, Original Action Game and Original Dramatic Score in a New IP from the 12th British Academy Games Awards; Game of the Year, PlayStation Game of the Year, Best Visual Design and Studio of the Year at the Edge Awards 2015; and Best Original Game and PlayStation Game of the Year from Golden Joystick Awards 2015. Bloodborne proved extremely successful for FromSoftware, Hidetaka Miyazaki and publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment as it sold one million worldwide within a month and had sold two million worldwide in half a year.

Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 graphic novel collection is in extremely experienced hands as it is written by Ales Kot; a writer, director and producer of films, television, videogames and comics such as Change, Material, The Surface, Wild Children, Wolf and Zero. Ales Kot’s writing is complimented by artwork from Piotr Kowalski; a dedicated comic book artist with a dark, foreboding style including graphic novels such as Dark Souls, Marvel Knights: Hulk, Robocop, Wolfenstein and more besides. Meanwhile, colour art is by Brad Simpson that provides colour art for Marvel Comics such as Deadpool, The Amazing Spider-Man and Vengeance in addition to 30 Days of Night and The Witcher, while lettering is by Aditya Bidikar having been a letterer for such graphic novels as Empire of Blood, Every City is a Story, Grant Morrison’s 18 Days and Yellow Submarine.

The story revolves around a new perspective on some of the major happenings over the previous three volumes that in turn shed new light on Yharnam’s ever present nightmares reoccurring
in the darkness of night.

A trademark quality of writing as established in the three previous Bloodborne graphic novel volumes returns in the fourth volume. The Veil, Torn Asunder deals with a mixture of real world themes that is depicted from both dialogue and artwork.

Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4’s amazing presentation begins from the haunting front cover artwork as the Hunter wields his weapon as enemies have their pitchforks and flame lit torches at the ready. Back cover artwork features a scary monster showing a penetrating glare and sharp teeth, alongside an intriguing synopsis of the story. Piotr Kowalski’s art, colour art by Brad Simpson, alongside lettering by Aditya Bidikar collectively shifts pace to such efficient affect, while simultaneously fully complimenting Ales Kot’s writing as it did in the three previous volumes. A Song of Crows had twisted montages, but The Veil, Torn Asunder is the most artistically creative narrative from the four Bloodborne volumes with art that is hand-in-hand with every step of the storytelling.

Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4’s value originates from Bloodborne fans wanting to see a continuation to the story of the three previous volumes following on from the videogame, alongside cover art representing each of the four individual issues, a cover art gallery mostly focusing on alternative cover art of each issue, cover sketches and a further look at the art process via some interior design sketches within the 112 pages.

Overall, Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 is the most harrowing of the four Bloodborne graphic novel volumes due to its use of real world themes combined with horror. Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 is as highly recommended as the three previous volumes to fans of the Bloodborne videogame and videogames by FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki, alongside videogame related graphic novel adaptations or sequels.

Fans of Bloodborne should also look at other Bloodborne graphic novels from Titan Comics including Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep – Volume 1, Bloodborne: The Healing Thirst – Volume 2 and Bloodborne: A Song of Crows – Volume 3 graphic novel collection.

10 out of 10

Analysis
• Title: Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 Graphic Novel Collection
• Writer: Ales Kot
• Art: Piotr Kowalski (Art), Brad Simpson (Colour Art) and Aditya Bidikar (Lettering)
• Publisher: Titan Comics
• Length: 112 pages
• Cover: Paperback

Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 graphic novel collection can be purchased in the UK from Amazon and Forbidden Planet and digitally at ComiXology. Bloodborne: The Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 graphic novel collection can be purchased in America and Canada from Amazon and digitally at ComiXology. You can also find Titan Comics’ official website including a back catalogue of captivating comics and graphic novels and product details regarding Bloodborne: The
Veil, Torn Asunder – Volume 4 graphic novel collection.