I had an epiphany recently…

Is it just me, or are many of the video games these days based on a Tomb Raider formula?  Most action games are divided by levels, are they not?  And most of these levels get harder as the story progresses. Usually, each level starts off easy and also gets more challenging along the way, like a tomb.  But games like Uncharted, The Last of Us, Battlefront II, Shadows of Mordor—some of video games’ “best of”—they all seem to follow a formula I first remember playing in the very first Tomb Raider on Playstation.  

And now, we have Dark Horse Comics’ Tomb Raider: Survivor’s Crusade to follow a similar schematic.  Last month’s issue started off with a slow reveal of Trinity’s plans: a search for the Cross of Stars carved by the actual Saint Christopher. Many believe this cross reveals the exact location of God, but Lara has other plans, as she’s determined to discover the name of the man who killed her father.  

Best friend (and lover?) Jonah makes an appearance this month. Tomb Raider: Survivor’s Crusade #2 offers us a look back on their trip to Thailand with a somewhat successful discovery of the Temple of the Buddha Receiving.  But when Lara also discovers the name of the man who killed her father, she may just have to choose between revenge and friendship.  And there’s nothing like a good betrayal to keep a good story going…

Script writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly deliver another fast-paced and action-packed issue, all while also delivering a story about a friendship we’ve all had to choose between.  Even artwork by Ashley A. Woods brings a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere to this month’s issue, perhaps even more so reminding us about those past relationships we’ve had—and lost.  

We’ve all read revenge stories before, but as the leader of the video game pack, I just hope our favorite heroine doesn’t fall down the same dark path as everyone else.

Until next month,
#LaraCroftIsMyHero