The launch of Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory this weekend will no doubt get people thinking about the franchise’s incredibly convoluted lore again, and how hard it can be to keep track of across three main entries and several spinoff titles, a problem that persists with Melody of Memory. Luckily, a new book is coming next year that, if not clear up Kingdom Hearts’ confusing plot-threads, will at least make them more accessible than before.
For years, Square Enix’s Ultimania series of reference books have offered more in-depth looks at the series than the typical strategy guide or “art of” book. The only problem is that these have been exclusive to Japan, leaving English speakers to rely on unofficial translations to learn the juicy secrets of Kingdom Hearts. That will soon change, though, as Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will release Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: The Story Before Kingdom Hearts 3, the first Ultimania to receive an official English translation.
According to Dark Horse, the 256-page hardcover tome will provide fans with an all-in-one “grand overview” stuffed with extensive character profiles, detailed story arc summaries, and more, along with a substantial amount of concept art and storyboards. Like the name suggests, this will cover the entirety of the franchise’s story leading up to the events of Kingdom Hearts 3, summarizing everything from the original game to the ongoing mobile title Kingdom Hearts Union Cross.
The Ultimania is slated to come out on June 15, 2021, priced at $44.99, and is currently available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a local comic shop. That’s quite a ways off from now, but the wait will be worth it for fans eager to get their fill of lore while they wait to see what Kingdom Hearts 4 will add to the story.
Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: The Story Before Kingdom Hearts 3 will be released on June 15, 2021.
Source: Dark Horse Comics