Metal Gear Solid 4 has finally hit here in the states. The MGS series never really caused hordes of frenzied people to overrun the store snatching copies of the game way back in the day, unlike some other titles. I don’t think the series lends itself to well at all to the average hardcore gamer. Be it the confusing story, complex controls, or stealth gameplay, something about MGS never made it into a mass market/appeal title. I don’t think MGS4 is going to change that. It will still sell well, but it will probably be more of a counter against Ninja Gaiden 2. I could be wrong, but everything I’ve read indicates that the game is completely geared towards fans of the series.

In other news, next weekend we will be appearing at HeroesCon in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our booth will be number 734, located near the art stages in the back of the convention center. Stop by to chat or pick up our first ever original print comic that we will have for sale at our booth. It’s a great short story written by our very own owl, Irving, and will only cost two bucks. What have you got to lose?

See you in Charlotte!

- Dover

I should probably start by stating that I think Dover is grossly underestimating the appeal of the Metal Gear series. Millions sold across every continent seems to resemble market appeal to me. That said, I would have a difficult time recommending the games to Call of Duty vets or Battlefield jocks. From the typically insane stories to the over-the-top bosses, a realistic portrayal war this ain’t. Of course, neither is sitting on the couch under the air conditioning vent while your onscreen soldier respawns, but ahem. Moving on.

My typical enjoyment of Metal Gear Solid games follows an arc:

• Boot game
• Sneak around first three or four areas, entertaining self by laughing at wildly vascillating dumb/smart guard behavior
• Die a lot, usually still laughing at creative ways of Snake’s demise
• Realize that completion requires another fifteen hours of playtime
• Hope that I’m still enjoying game by the time it is finished

Here is the time that you would benefit to know that this methodology is pretty standard for how I play anything. Most people whom I would normally consider friends have discovered great irritation suffering through an Irving playthrough of their favorite title. Any game that offers extensive creative options, either through a traditional editor or by interactions with in-game personalities becomes a treasure thing of mine. I also enjoy brutal challenges and long walks on the beach, but we’ll save that for another day.

So. Metal Gear Solid 4. It is tops on my list when I return from HeroesCon next weekend. And with that not-remotely-subtle segue, I profess that I am very excited about attending this event in the former British colony of North Carolina. Dover correctly noted that the Monday Night Crew will offer a printed work for sale in exchange for two green value rectangles. I wrote it, and am of the opinion that it is far less bad than other comparable two-dollar purchases you could make. In all seriousness, this was a fantastic foray into print comics for us, and it will not be our last. I am in no way exaggerating when I write that this project taught us a great deal. Also, even though they all are given proper credit in the book, I would like to thank Dexter, Dover, and the Minister of Art and Design (MAD) for all of their hard work putting this thing together.

- Irving