Back in the beginning of February Game Rant told you about DC Comics’ plan to release comic book mini-series tying together one of the best games of the past few years and one of the most anticipated games of this year. DC Comics will be releasing a special six-issue Batman mini-series to bridge the gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Back in February we only got to see the cover art for the series, but now DC Comics has released the first five pages of issue #1. Warning: spoilers ahead.

There are some specifics known about Batman: Arkham City’s story already. Arkham City will take place about one year after the events of Arkham Asylum. The game will take place mostly outdoors because Arkham Asylum has been moved to the new ‘Arkham City’ (by order of former Arkham warden, and newly elected mayor, Quincy Sharp). The 'city' allows all of the Arkham inmates to roam freely inside the facilities walls. Mayor Sharp appoints Hugo Strange to run the newly created ‘city.' And as if that wasn’t enough, Strange knows Batman’s secret identity.

The recently released preview pages focus on the Joker (makes sense as his role in Arkham City seems to be increased) and his experiences directly after his final battle with Batman at the end of Arkham Asylum. Joker is being held in maximum security facility and isn’t doing well physically. The Titan Formula that he took in Arkham Asylum has degraded his health to the point where he doesn’t think he has long left to live.

Joker-Two-Pannel

Harley Quinn is being held in another section of the facility, kept apart from Joker since the events of Arkham Asylum. She overhears two guards discussing Joker’s failing health and possible plans to murder Joker. You can check out all of the preview pages for yourself over at Gamespot UK.

The comic series is being written by Paul Dini who has written for multiple Batman comics and animated features (as well as for both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City). The book's artist, Carlos D’Anda, was also the concept artist for Batman Arkham City. With all of the cross over between the video game and comic world, the comic mini-series could prove to be a great addition to one of the biggest titles of the year.

Will you be picking up the special Batman mini-series? Do you like these 'bonus content' offerings from game developers or do you only care about the game? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.

The first and second issues of the six-issue miniseries will hit stands this May. Batman: Arkham City will be available for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 October 18.

-

Follow Game Rant on Twitter @gamerant

Source: Gamespot UK