Get the Full Story Behind the Marvel’s Avengers Game in Two Upcoming Tie-In Books

There’s more to the Avengers’ story than just the game.

In case you needed even more Avengers content, before Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers hits game systems this May, Titan Books will release a prequel that focuses on the events leading up to the game.

IGN provided first details on this book, titled Marvel’s Avengers: The Extinction Key. It focuses on an ancient organization called the Zodiac as they attempt to find a key that could wipe out mankind. Of course, Marvel’s heroes aren’t about to let that happen.

Along with the game’s cast of characters (Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hulk), The Extinction Key will feature additional Marvel characters like Doctor Strange, Doctor Voodoo, and yet-to-be-named members of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization. The book features the writing talents of New York Times best-selling author Greg Keyes, and arrives on Mar. 31, 2020, about six weeks before the game’s release for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC on May 15, 2020.

On top of that, another book will release later in the year. Titled Marvel’s Avengers: The Art of the Game, it will take a closer look at the game’s creation, and the assets involved.

Titan Books explains that it will contain “intimate studies of the Avengers, their designs, outfits, gear, and abilities, plus a detailed look at the different environments and missions in the game.” Look for exclusive concept sketches, storyboards, and fully-rendered scenes when the tome releases Sep. 1 of next year.

This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two companies, according to Titan. Titan and Square Enix plan to “publish a range of official fiction and nonfiction titles for Marvel’s Avengers,” per the report. Considering the game will see support with new heroes and stories for years to come—the co-op game will reportedly have many games-as-a-service elements—this could be quite beneficial.