Earlier this year hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas teamed up with Marvel to create a unique comic which aimed to combine hip-hop culture, mythology and science fiction for a story released as Masters of the Sun: The Zombie Chronicles. Now the band are working with Oculus to bring the comic into virtual reality (VR) for the Samsung Gear VR.
The Masters of the Sun graphic novel takes place in Los Angeles, which is a city under siege; simultaneously attacked by alien invaders while some of the violent and undesirable elements of society are being transformed into zombies as the result of an alien curse. The main character of Zulu-X works with his crew, trying to unravel the complex ancient mysteries, including a shadowy ancient order, using his wits and street smarts to try and save the embattled city.
The story was written by Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, and features artwork by Benjamin Jackendoff and Danion Scott. Of the comic, Marvel Axel Alonso told Billboard: “Few artists have done more to embed hip-hop in popular culture than will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas. So we are thrilled to present this deeply personal story that speaks directly to hip-hop aficionados, comic book fans and the intersection of those communities.”
The VR interpretation will blend themes taken from diverse areas such as Egyptology, gang culture and social commentary and will feature a vocal cast including well known names from the music world such as Queen Latifah, Jamie Foxx, Rakim and Ice T.
Will.i.am had this to say on the Master of the Sun comic: “The Black Eyed Peas and I have begun a new journey. We’ve been working on this original story for years and partnering with Marvel to bring this book to life is more than a dream come true.”
An exact release date has yet to be confirmed, but the Masters of the Sun VR comic is expected to come to Samsung Gear VR sometime in 2018. No price point has yet been set.
A video trailer is available to view below.
VRFocus will continue to bring you news on upcoming VR releases.
via Mint VR