Elden Ring Manga Preorders - Volume 2 Releases In February

Two years after launch, From Software's Elden Ring is still considered to be the best-in-class when it comes to epic fantasy action in an open-world setting. While we're still waiting patiently for its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, at least we can pass the time with some reading material set in the world of Elden Ring. And, surprisingly, have a good laugh as well! Preorders for the second and third volumes in the Elden Ring manga series are live now.

• Elden Ring: The Road To Erdtree Volume 1 (available now) -- $9.80 ($13)
• Elden Ring: The Road To Erdtree Volume 2 (February 27) -- $13
• Elden Ring: The Road To Erdtree Volume 3 (May 21) -- $13

Compared to the game, the official Elden Ring manga is lighthearted and full of absurd humor. The first volume of the series, which is available now, introduces the protagonist Aseo, a would-be hero looking to be the next Elden Lord. Only problem? Aseo is kind of lacking in the strength, speed, intelligence, charisma, skill, experience, intuition, and common sense departments, so you could say that he's at a slight disadvantage in the Lands between. We don't quite fancy his chances when he faces off against Godrick the Grafted, even if they are competing against each other in a sculpting competition.

While the stories in these volumes are fairly silly, the elegant artwork definitely isn't! Illustrated by Nikiichi Tobita, the manga's gorgeous art and the artwork is reminiscent of another heavyweight in the manga fantasy genre, Berserk.

Volume 2 of The Road to the Erdtree releases later this month on February 27, while Volume 3 arrives on May 21. So you still have a few weeks to catch up on Volume 1 before diving into the sequel.

The new Elden Ring manga volumes aren't the only upcoming books in the From Software universe either.

If you'd prefer something more serious--but set in the Dark Souls universe--you can also preorder Dark Souls: The Willow King, which releases on August 6. Drawn by horror artist Maan House and written by Star Wars scribe George Mann, this graphic novel follows the unkindled Herad on his quest to confront king Ustrad of Uthrel. While you wait for Willow King, you can check out Dark Souls: The Complete Collection, which compiles five previous comic arcs in the Dark Souls universe. You should also check out the Bloodborne graphic novel collection, which features three gorgeous graphic novels in a slipcase.

• Dark Souls: The Willow King (August 6) -- $18
• Dark Souls: The Complete Collection (available now) -- $22.49 ($35)
• Bloodborne: Volume 1-3 Collection (available now) -- $30 ($50)

For fans interested in learning more about the in-game universes in From Software's games, the Dark Souls Trilogy Compendium 25th Anniversary edition is available to preorder at a discount at Amazon. You can also save big on the official Elden Ring art books.

• Elden Ring: Official Art Book Volume 1 -- $43.80 ($60)
• Elden Ring: Official Art Book Volume 2 -- $41.80 ($60)
• Dark Souls Compendium -- $49 ($60)