Man, Darksiders has quietly become one of the more surprising gaming hits in recent memory — and I’m glad, because it really is a fine game. Vigil Games’ God-of-War-meets-Legend-of-Zelda action-adventure epic for PS3 and Xbox 360 (and PC soon too) sold something like a million-plus copies within its first month on the market, already has a sequel in the works for an estimated 2012 release, is being adapted into a feature film, and is now expanding into the merchandising arena. I’d say that’s pretty damn successful for a brand new IP!
Thus far, THQ’s Licensing and Merchandising division has shacked up with two companies to produce Darksiders collectibles. This fall, Udon Entertainment will be publishing The Art of Darksiders, a 288-page art book filled with Joe Madureira’s incredible artwork. The book will make its debut appearance at San Diego Comic-Con this summer, where it will be available in a limited hardcover edition. Then the standard paperback edition will beginning shipping in October. You can pre-order from Amazon.com this very moment for only $27.
THQ has also tasked SOTA Toys with the creation of a new line of limited edition premium statues inspired by the game. A 14″ statue of the game’s main character, WAR, riding his fiery steed, Ruin, will kick the series off in style when it too premieres at Comic-Con. Pre-orders will begin on July 22nd, with the statues to begin shipping later in the year. Don’t expect them to be cheap, though. Browsing through SOTA’s current statue catalog, the prices range from $90 to $250. Better start saving up your pennies!