New Splinter Cell graphic novel will shed light on Fisher's past

A graphic novel for the Splinter Cell universe was announced by Ubisoft Wednesday and will bridge the story between Splinter Cell: Conviction and Blacklist. The novel will be written by accomplished writer Nathan Edmondson (of "Who is Jake Ellis?" fame) and artist Marc Laming.

In a video posted Thursday on G4, the game director for Blacklist, Patrick Redding, discussed the project, including that protagonist Sam Fisher's background will be a key part of the plot. However, while Edmondson has said that he hopes to appeal to the hardcore fans of the series, the story will be easily-accessible to those with no prior knowledge of the Splinter Cell franchise.

And this is certainly a pleasant surprise for those of us gaming lore nerds who can't get enough from our video games. Graphic novels based on games, unlike films, usually turn out surprisingly well-done, such as those based on the Halo and Metal Gear Solid stories. And, of course, there's the 2010 Left 4 Dead virtual graphic novel, which managed to indulge fans' (and my own) endless appetite for the undead.

Splinter Cell: Echoes is set for a release date sometime in 2013, and I'll keep up with the details as they come.

-C.T.