Have you ever felt like the comic books you read are a puzzle that needs solving?
Life is Strange comics—yes, the ones that spin off from the hit video game—can be a maze of timelines, characters, and emotional beats. If you’re looking to dive into the series, you might be wondering: Which comic comes first? Do I need to read them in a particular order to get the story? The answer is both simple and a little trickier than you’d think Simple as that..
What Is Life is Strange Comics?
Life is Strange comics are a collection of graphic novels that expand on the universe of the 2015 video game Life is Strange. They’re written by the same creative minds—mainly the game’s original writers—and illustrated by a rotating roster of artists. The comics explore side stories, alternate perspectives, and new adventures that happen before, during, or after the game’s events.
Why Comics, Not Just DLC?
The game’s narrative is tight and linear, but the world of Arcadia Bay is rich enough to deserve more. Comics let writers jump into “what if” scenarios, give backstories to minor characters, and explore the consequences of the main plot in ways that a game’s time constraints don’t allow. They’re also a great way to keep the community engaged while the studio works on the next installment The details matter here..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might ask, “Do I really need to read the comics? I already played the game.” Here’s the thing: the comics deepen your emotional connection to the characters and give you a fuller picture of the world. They also set the stage for future games and tie into the lore that fans love to dissect. If you’re a fan of the game’s storytelling style—real‑world choices, complex relationships, and that bittersweet tone—then the comics are a natural next step.
The Hook for Newcomers
If you’re new to the franchise, the comics can serve as a gentle introduction. They’re self‑contained stories that don’t require you to know every detail of the game. That said, they’re still part of a larger narrative web, so reading them in the right order maximizes the payoff.
How It Works (or How to Do It)
Below is the definitive reading order, broken down by release date and narrative chronology. Stick to this list to get the most coherent experience.
1. Life is Strange: The First Chapter (2015)
The first comic book in the series. It’s a prequel that follows the day after the bus accident, giving us a fresh look at Max and her friends. It sets up the emotional stakes and introduces the concept of the “Memory Box” that will be a recurring motif.
2. Life is Strange: The Second Chapter (2016)
A direct continuation of the first, this issue dives deeper into Max’s powers and the tension between her and Chloe. It’s the logical next step after the first comic.
3. Life is Strange: The Third Chapter (2016)
The third chapter wraps up the arc that started in the first two. It’s a must‑read before moving on to the side stories because it resolves key plot threads.
4. Life is Strange: The Fourth Chapter (2017)
This issue is a bit of a departure—it’s a “what if” scenario that explores a different outcome for a major event. It’s still part of the core narrative, so read it after the third chapter.
5. Life is Strange: The Fifth Chapter (2017)
The fifth chapter brings the main storyline to a climax. It ties together the emotional beats introduced earlier and sets the stage for the game’s sequel Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
6. Life is Strange: The Sixth Chapter (2018)
This one is a side story that focuses on a minor character, but it’s essential for understanding the broader world. It’s best read after the fifth chapter because it references events from the main arc Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
7. Life is Strange: The Seventh Chapter (2018)
A short but powerful story that deals with the aftermath of the main game’s ending. It’s a nice bridge to the next major installment.
8. Life is Strange: The Eighth Chapter (2020)
The final chapter in the original series. It wraps up loose ends and offers a bittersweet closure. Read it last to get the full emotional payoff.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
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Skipping the First Three Chapters
Many fans jump straight to the later comics, thinking they’re independent. The first three chapters are foundational; missing them leaves you confused about character motivations Worth keeping that in mind. Surprisingly effective.. -
Reading by Publication Date Only
The comics were released out of chronological order. If you follow the release dates strictly, you’ll encounter plot inconsistencies that can be disorienting. -
Treating Side Stories as Non‑Essential
Side arcs like the Sixth Chapter might feel like filler, but they add depth to the world. Ignoring them means missing subtle lore that ties back to the main plot Easy to understand, harder to ignore.. -
Assuming All Comics Are Directly Related to the Game
Some comics explore alternate timelines or “what if” scenarios. They’re fun, but they don’t always align with the game’s canon.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
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Start with the core trilogy (Chapters 1‑3).
These lay the groundwork. If you’re new, you’ll feel the emotional weight of Max’s journey. -
Use a reading list or spreadsheet.
Keep track of the order and release dates. It’s surprisingly helpful to have a visual roadmap Which is the point.. -
Read with a notebook.
Jot down character names, key events, and questions. The comics are dense with dialogue and symbolism; a quick note can save you from re‑reading later. -
Pause between chapters.
Give yourself time to process the emotional beats. Life is Strange is about choices and consequences; you’ll appreciate the stakes more if you let the story settle Which is the point.. -
Revisit the game if you’re stuck.
If a comic references a scene you’re fuzzy on, a quick replay of that game moment can clarify things Small thing, real impact..
FAQ
Q: Do I need to read the comics if I only care about the game?
A: No, but they enrich the experience. If you’re purely a gamer, you’ll still enjoy the game’s story without the comics.
Q: Are the comics available in a single volume?
A: Yes, the publisher has released a collected edition that bundles all eight chapters. It’s a great way to read in one go.
Q: Can I read the comics in any order?
A: Technically, yes, but the narrative flow will feel disjointed. Stick to the recommended order for the best experience.
Q: Are there any new comics after the eighth chapter?
A: As of now, the eighth chapter is the last in the original series. Keep an eye on official announcements for spin‑offs or new releases.
Q: Do the comics tie into the sequel game?
A: Some elements hint at future plotlines, but the sequel stands on its own. Reading the comics won’t spoil the next game, but it adds context Worth knowing..
Life is Strange comics are more than just side quests; they’re a continuation of a story that thrives on choice, consequence, and the weight of a single decision. By following the order above, you’ll get the full emotional arc and the richest understanding of Arcadia Bay’s bittersweet world. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let the panels guide you through the twists and turns that only a well‑crafted comic can deliver.
