Fallout: New Vegas Has a Prequel You Never Heard Of, And It Deserves Way More Attention
Fallout: New Vegasis considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time. While fans of the game are familiar with its vast world and iconic characters, few are aware that an intriguing prequel exists that dives deeper into the events leading up to the game. This hidden gem offers backstory that enhances the overall Fallout experience, adding new layers to a narrative so many already love.
Written by Chris Avellone and illustrated by Jean Diaz and Wellington Alves, the Fallout: New Vegas prequel comic, All Roads, was released with the game's collector’s edition in 2010. This prequel comic offers a fascinating look at the world before the player assumes the role of the Courier, giving insight into major characters and events that set the stage for the game. And as Fallout continues expanding its lore on the small screen, parts of this prequel comic could become very relevant to the fandom before long.
This one-shot graphic novel is practically required reading for fans of the game, offering a rich backstory and deeper context for the events that lead up to the Courier’s infamous ‘murder’ Despite its strong storytelling and direct connection to the game, All Roads remains under the radar for many fans, but what makes this comic truly special is its unique perspective on a tale so many fans think they know by heart.
The Story Behind All Roads Is a Must-Read
A Dark and Gritty Tale of Betrayal and Survival
All Roads takes place just a week before the events of Fallout: New Vegas. The story focuses on Benny, the head of the Chairmen of New Vegas in 2281, preparing for his mission to kill the Courier—a mission that ultimately sets the stage for the events players experience in the game. The prequel comic goes on to show the Courier's interactions with the Great Khans, the infamous raider tribe from the Mojave Wasteland.
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Throughout the comic, Benny is depicted as a manipulative, charismatic character, maintaining his sense of control even when dealing with the chaotic and often violent world around him. As he journeys with the Khans, it becomes clear that Benny has his own reasons for wanting the Courier dead, and that his motivations are not entirely self-serving. In typical Fallout fashion, the comic is filled with dark humor, gritty realism, and characters who make morally dubious choices—all of which set the tone for what players will experience in the game itself.
"Benny might appear ruthless, but there’s a method to his madness."
Benny’s interactions with the Khans reveal the complexities of his character. The comic gives players a deeper understanding of his motivations, showing that Benny might appear ruthless, but there’s a method to his madness. This exploration of his character provides crucial context for his actions in Fallout: New Vegas, setting the stage for the player’s own encounter with him, and adding depth to what could otherwise be a one-dimensional villain.
Fallout: New Vegas: All Roads Is Woefully Underrated
A Prequel That Enriches the Fallout Universe
All Roads wasn’t just a fan-service add-on for Fallout: New Vegas—it was designed to flesh out the world before the game even begins. Chris Avellone, who had a major hand in writing the game, wrote the comic to provide more backstory on characters and settings that would be familiar to fans. He wanted to offer a deeper understanding of the motivations of characters like Benny and the Great Khans, adding emotional depth and context to their actions, and Avellone had just the skill set to make this happen. From 2005 to 2007, the Fallout creative worked on a number of Star Wars comics, so Avellone was well-equipped to bring the Courier to the page. With Fallout's award-winning TV series leading into the events of New Vegas, we could even see its story brought to the screen.
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Initially, All Roads was bundled with the Fallout: New Vegas Collector's Edition, making it a rare find for many players. Later on, the cult comic was released digitally by Dark Horse on platforms like iTunes and Dark Horse Digital. Despite the comic’s limited distribution, its deep connection to the Fallout lore and its ability to enrich the main story has made it a valuable read for fans of the series.
Fallout: New Vegas All Roads Presents A Unique Perspective
A Readable RPG Experience
In many RPGs, players follow a predefined protagonist, but Fallout: New Vegas allows players to shape the Courier however they want. The story of All Roads, still centers around the idea that the Courier—YOU—are the ultimate protagonist. This personal connection to the narrative makes the Fallout comic so rewarding. The fact that you’re in control of the Courier’s actions and decisions throughout the game makes the stakes in All Roads even more personal.
All Roads is more than just a prequel comic—it’s a crucial piece of the Fallout: New Vegas experience.
In RPGs like Fallout, the ability to be the hero or anti-hero of your own story is a key aspect of the game. The choices players make matter, and All Roads gives much-wanted context into these choices. In this way, All Roads is more than just a prequel comic—it’s a crucial piece of the Fallout experience. Through its compelling characters and intricate backstory, it adds layers to the game’s narrative and provides fans with context they might otherwise miss. For those who haven’t read it, All Roads is a must-read for any Fallout fan, and a prime example of how rich, interactive storytelling can extend beyond the game itself.
Fallout: New Vegas All Roads is available now.
- Created by
- Tim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky
- First TV Show
- Fallout
- First Episode Air Date
- April 10, 2024
- Cast
- Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Moises Arias, Xelia Mendes-Jones, Walton Goggins
- Where to watch
- Amazon Prime Video
- TV Show(s)
- Fallout
