Path of Exile issue 1 has been released.

Update: Grinding Gear Games has revealed the expansion that the comic shows the backstory of. This expansion is titled Forsaken Masters, and more information can be found here.

Yesterday Grinding Gear Games and Dynamite Entertainment were thrilled to announce that the first issue in the upcoming Path of Exile comic book series, titled The Karui Way, has been released for purchase.

This issue reveals the backstory from an upcoming and unannounced expansion to the game, weaving in elements from the existing in-game narrative with a new and gripping conflict. The book is available as a digital download on the Path of Exile website and can be picked up next week on Dynamite’s online storefront, Amazon, and Dark Horse Digital.

In addition to the standard comic, a special bundle is currently on sale. This includes the first issue as well as two exclusive helmet effects; The Lioneye Helmet Effect and the Kaom Helmet Effect. For those unaware these effects are cosmetic in-game items and are unavailable anywhere else.

The next three issues in the series are scheduled to release monthly, with the entire series being compiled into a full-color, printed graphic novel that will be available in early 2015. For those wondering if the first issue will be the only one including exclusive in-game bonuses the answer is no. Every issue will have the option of purchasing such a bundle.

The standard issues will be priced at $4.00 USD, with the bundles being priced at $20.00 USD.