'Darkstalkers' to return in comic series

Capcom's Darkstalkers is to return in comic format, courtesy of manga publisher UDON.

Based on the video game studio's line of 2D fighting games, the three-issue miniseries is written by Ken Siu-Chong and drawn by Joe Vriens and Eric Vedder. Cover illustrations will be provided by Alvin Lee and Emily Warren.

The series - titled The Night Warriors - was announced following the success of the Darkstalkers Tribute art book, which features illustrations from fans, as well as high-profile manga artists such as Yasuhiro Nightow.

Picking up where the comic left off in November 2008, the new story arc will follow succubus Morrigan, demon hunter Donovan, vampire lord Demitri and the evil Pyron as they battle it out for control of the Earth and beyond. A host of new characters will also be introduced, including robotic harbinger of doom Huitzil and the insect queen Q-Bee.

Darkstalkers - better known as Vampire Hunter in Europe - made its debut on the arcade in the 1990s, before being ported to various home platforms. Its cast of characters have also made cameo appearances in other Capcom titles, including Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo.

Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors is released in January 2010.