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| The ] is a fictional universe built around the futuristic version of the Milky Way for the ] miniatures base games of ''''']'''''. The '']'' (a section of the BL Publishing division of ]<ref name="Black Library">{{cite web | url=http://www.blacklibrary.co.uk/ | title= Black Library | publisher= Games Workshop| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref>) published a series of novels in order to expand on background and storyline for existing aspects of the Imperium and the '''Warhammer 40,000''' <ref name="Black Library Publishing">{{cite web | url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA438655.html | title= BL Publishing Debuts Graphic Novel Line| publisher= Publishers Weekly| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref>. | |||
| The authors of these novels worked to create original storylines and characters that are playable, or are based on playable armies, in the main '''Warhammer 40,000''' game and its many ]. Along with these novels are contributions of stories, plot synopses, and rules in the ] and at the Official Games Workshop website<ref name="Games Workshop">{{cite web | url=http://www.games-workshop| title= Games Workshop| publisher= Games Workshop| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref>. These publications fuse tabletop gaming with science fiction writing, allowing for the reader to experience both novels and gaming in a new way. | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| A series of comics for '''Warhammer 40,000''' were first created for the Games Workshop magazine, '']'' as short background filler. In 1999, the first miniature and game tie in was released as a join project of ''Warhammer Monthly'' and the ''Black Library''. This model was the bounty hunter Kal Jerico of the "Specialist Game" ''']'''. <ref name="Black Library Limited Edition Models">{{cite web | url=http://www.solegends.com/citle/citle2000/blacklibrary/bllekaljerico.htm | title= Stuff of Legends| publisher= Stuff of Legends| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| Including rules and a certificate of authenticity, the ''Black Library'' created many more limited edition miniatures and expanded the small comics into larger collections under their heading of ''Graphic Novels''. These ''Graphic Novels'' are accompanied by cross-promotional articles that connect the characters from the novels to the '''Warhammer 40,000'' miniatures game. | |||
| While ''Warhammer Monthly'' was discontinued in 2004, the ''Black Library'' still continues to produce graphic novels and collections that further the expansion of the tabletop game into the realm of fiction.<ref name="Warhammer Universe in the U.S.">{{cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA370771.html?display=community&industry=Comics&verticalid=792 | title= Warhammer Universe In the U.S. | publisher=Reed Business Information, |accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| ;Gaming | |||
| The works produced by the ''Black Library'' detail the interactions of the '''Warhammer 40,000''' armies: ], ], ], ], ], ]s, ], ], ], ]s, and the ]. They are collaborated efforts between the authors of the '''Warhammer 40,000''' game rules and the writers of the background. | |||
| These works are intended to expand on the storylines, characters, armies, and organizations discussed in the ''Codexes''. Combined with contributions to ] of articles, stories, and rules, and miniature lines produced by both ] and ], these works are an expansion of the original '''Warhammer 40,000''' game and its other companion games. | |||
| The column "Chapter Approved" of ''White Dwarf'' is a forum for collaborations between authors, model makers, and the rulemakers, allowing for the characters to have their own place amongst '''Warhammer 40,000''' battles. | |||
| ;Fiction | |||
| {{main|Timeline of the Warhammer 40,000 universe}} | |||
| Most of stories take place thousands of years after the fall of the ] at the hands of his once loyal servant but turned by ], ]. Many millenium passed since then but the Empire is still at war with the old followers of Horus, along with many new enemies. | |||
| These stories are written in the perspective of humans, primarily those of the ], the mechanics of the ], the female warriors of the ], the holy ], and the super human ]. They span the completely '''Warhammer 40,000''' game with occasional expansions into the spin-off games, like ] or ], or use vehicles and equipment only found in ] or ]. | |||
| ==Bloodquest== | |||
| ] | |||
| ''Bloodquest: Eye of Terror Trilogy'',<ref name="Bloodquest: Eye of Terror Trilogy">{{cite book|title=Bloodquest: Eye of Terror Trilogy|first=Gordon|last=Rennie|coauthors=MacNeil, Colin |year=2005|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-146-3}}</ref> by Gordon Rennie and Colin MacNeil, is a collection of three works titled ''Bloodquest'',<ref name="Bloodquest">{{cite book|title=Bloodquest |first=Gordon|last=Rennie|coauthors=MacNeil, Colin |year=1999|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id= 1-84154-108-7}}</ref> ''Bloodquest: Into the Eye of Terror'',<ref name="Bloodquest: Into the Eye of Terror">{{cite book|title=Bloodquest: Into the Eye of Terror|first=Gordon|last=Rennie|coauthors=MacNeil, Colin |year=2000|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id= 1-84154-125-7}}</ref> and ''Bloodquest: The Daemon's Mark''.<ref name="Bloodquest: The Daemon's Mark">{{cite book|title=Bloodquest: The Daemon's Mark|first=Gordon|last=Rennie|coauthors=MacNeil, Colin |year=2003|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-146-3}}</ref> The trilogy involves the founding ] chapter, the ], as they struggle first against the ] and then against the armies of ]. | |||
| In 2000, Exile Films began production on a CGI movie version of the characters of ''Bloodquest''. By the end of 2001, all production had ceased since the studio disbanded.<ref name="Bloodquest Film">{{cite web | url=http://www.comics2film.com/BloodquestArch.shtml | title= Comics to Film:Bloodquest (Warhammer 40,000)| publisher=Comics to Film| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> The trailer is available online and is all that is left of the original production that is available to the public. <ref name="Bloodquest Film">{{cite web | url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpEY630UaMg&mode=related&search= | title= Bloodquest Trailer | publisher= Exile Films| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| {{main|Leonatos}} | |||
| Captain of the Blood Angels, ], was giving a weapon called "Encarmine," the "Sword of Belarius," as a prize for his prowess as a warrior and for the accomplishments of his men on the battlefield. However, Garshul the Destroyer, an ], manages to capture the weapon, causing Leonatos to be dishonored and then exiled. He wanders with his fellow soldiers as they try to regain their honor by hunting down the sword. | |||
| This takes them to the world of Eidolon, but they crash land on the wrong side. They are forced to battle the forces of Chaos that control the planet. They must battle against the armies of each ] that control a separate continent in their path so they can finally regain their treasured weapon and their honor so they could be welcomed back once again amongst their brethren.<ref name="Bloodquest: Eye of Terror Trilogy">{{cite book|title=Bloodquest: Eye of Terror Trilogy|first=Gordon|last=Rennie|coauthors=MacNeil, Colin |year=2005|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-146-3}}</ref> | |||
| ]<!-- | |||
| FAIR USE of Leonatos.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:Leonatos.jpg for rationale --> | |||
| ;Critical review | |||
| ''Bloodquest'' was winner of the 2004 "]" for Favourite British Comic while running as a strip for ''Warhammer Monthly''<ref name="The Eagle Awards">{{cite web | url=http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/ | title= The Eagle Awards| publisher=Eagle Awards| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref>. | |||
| In 2002, Joe Kushner reviewed ''Bloodquest II: Into the Eye of Terror'', and in part the original ''Bloodquest'', for RPGnet. He says that the "art by Colin MacNeil is top notch but does suffer in some places", "writing by Gordon Rennie is perfect for the serial format", and "My only wish is that the graphic novels added more information."<ref name="Bloodquest II Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_7154.html| title= RPGnet: The Inside Scope| publisher=RPGnet |accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> | |||
| ;''Warhammer 40,000'' gaming | |||
| The GamesDay Golden Daemon Award model of 2001 was a "Captain Leonatos" of ''Bloodquest'', painted by Bobby Wong.<ref name="Captain Leonatos">{{cite web| url=http://ca.games-workshop.com/news/cn/events/GD%5FToronto%5FCoverage/Golden%5FDaemon/ | title= Canadian Announcements | publisher=Games Workshop| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> Previously, Captain Leonatos was produced as a miniature in 1999 as "Blood Angel Captain Leonatos, Commander of the Exile". This was in a limited quantity of only 1,000 models sculpted by Mike McVey. Cloten and Lysander, Captain Leonatos's troops, were also produced the same year and titled "The Exiles." They came together and were produced in a limited quantity of 500 miniatures sculpted by Mark Bedford.<ref name="Black Library Miniatures">{{cite web| url=http://www.solegends.com/citblack/index.htm | title= Stuff of Legends | publisher= Stuff of Legends| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| Captain Leonatos was also accompanied with rules based on the ]/] army list for both the main '''Warhammer 40,000''' game and for the '''Warhammer 40,000 RPG'''. | |||
| ==Daemonifuge== | |||
| ] | |||
| ''Daemonifuge'', originally published in ''Warhammer Monthly'', is a series of Trade Paperbacks about the life of ], a member of the ], and is collected as ''Daemonifuge: Heretic Saint''.<ref name="Daemonifuge: Heretic Saint">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: Heretic Saint|first=Kev|last=Walker|year=2005|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-251-6}}</ref> The two books of the series are ''Daemonifuge'', by Kev Walker and Jim Campbell,<ref name="Daemonifuge">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge|first=Kev|last=Walker|coauthors=Campbell, Jim|year=1999|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-117-6}}</ref> and ''Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation'', by Kev Walker, Gordon Rennie, and Karl Richardson.<ref name="Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation|first=Kev|last=Walker|coauthors=Rennie, Gordon, and Richardson, Karl|year=2003|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-240-7}}</ref> | |||
| In addition to the original series, a smaller series was released called ''Daemonifuge: The Screaming Cage''. This series was produced in three parts, and reproduces the original series with additional pages added/edited into the original plot. | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| Ephrael Stern was a ] ranked ]. Mysteriously, she was the sole survivor out of 12,000 that was sent to the planet Parnis in order to battle a daemonic infestation. Inquisitor Silas Hand originally was sent to identify if she was tainted by Chaos and if that was the reason for her survival. While being locked up and awaiting the Inquisitor's arrival, Stern was attacked by possessed individuals. She removed the demons from the individuals, and these actions combined with Silas Hand's investigation's inability to psychically look through her mind and detect traces of daemonic taint upon her lead to no conclusion. Hand was forced to return with her to the planet Parnis in order to figure out her role in the destruction of her Sisters. | |||
| During the return, their vessel's navigator was possessed by Chaos destroyed their ship the "Hammer of Thor." Escaping, both Hand and Stern were able to land upon the surface, but they were the sole survivors. Shortly after landing upon the planet, they were soon confronted the Daemon Q'tlahsi'issho'akshami. Only Stern managed to live through the battle, and she is now hunted by the ] to be brought in for questioning. Only Stern knows what happened to Silas Hand, what happened to the Daemon, and what the forces of Chaos were doing on the planet<ref name="Daemonifuge: Heretic Saint">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: Heretic Saint|first=Kev|last=Walker|year=2005|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-251-6}}</ref>. | |||
| ]<!-- | |||
| FAIR USE of Ephrael.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:Ephrael.jpg for rationale --> | |||
| ;Critical review | |||
| ''Daemonifuge'' was nominated for the 1999 "]" for Favourite British Comic while running as a strip for ''Warhammer Monthly''.<ref name="The Eagle Awards">{{cite web | url=http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/ | title= The Eagle Awards| publisher=Eagle Awards| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| ''Daemonifuge'' did win the 2003 Graphic Novel of the Year (UK) by Borders. <ref name="Warhammer Universe in the U.S.">{{cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA370771.html?display=community&industry=Comics&verticalid=792 | title= Warhammer Universe In the U.S. | publisher=Reed Business Information, |accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| ''Daemonifuge: The Screaming Cage'' was reviewed by Frank Sronce for RPGnet in 2002. Sronce describes the work as "very nicely illustrated" and "with my very peripheral knowledge of Warhammer 40,000, I had no trouble following the plot."<ref name="Daemonifuge Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_7610.html| title= RPGnet: The Inside Scope| publisher=RPGnet |accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> His follow up review of ''The Lord of Damnation'' for RPGnet claims that "the book ends up being similar to the first, and yet different." Describing why, Sronce claims "art is an almost-but-not-quite-the-same style and while it's obviously continuing the original plotline, the dialogue has a new tone and the pacing is different." The work, according to Sronce is not as good as the first one, has some "cheesy" dialogue, but "overall it's good." <ref name="Daemonifuge II Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/9/9041.phtml| title= RPGnet: The Inside Scope| publisher=RPGnet |accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> | |||
| ;''Warhammer 40,000'' gaming | |||
| A limited produced of only 1,000 miniatures was released for ''Daemonifuge''. These miniatures were sculpted by Juan Diaz, Mark Harrison & Alex Hedstrom in 2004 and are no longer in production. Portraying Ephrael Stern and Silas Hand on a diorama base and entering into combat against the Daemons of Chaos.<ref name="Black Library Miniatures">{{cite web| url=http://www.solegends.com/citblack/index.htm | title= Stuff of Legends | publisher= Stuff of Legends| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| They were also accompanied with rules based on the ] army list for both the main '''Warhammer 40,000''' game and for the '''Warhammer 40,000 RPG'''. Ephrael Stern and Silas Hand are also used as part of an introductory article explaining the background of the ] army list, called "Villainy & Infamy." The article is "report" produced by an "unknown" source which describes the history of Silas Hand's investigation from an in-universe perspective.<ref name="Witch Hunters Army Page">{{cite web| url=http://uk.games-workshop.com/witchhunters/ | title= Witch Hunters | publisher= Games Workshop| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| ==Deathwatch== | |||
| ''Deathwatch'', by Jim Alexander, tells the story of the ] military division, ], and their battle against an alien infestation.<ref name="Deathwatch">{{cite book|title=Deathwatch |first=Jim|last=Alexander |year=2004|edition=1st Edition| publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|1-84416-100-5}}</ref> | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| A group of Deathwatch, commanded by ] Jerron, is sent to battle against the alien enemies of the ] on the planet of Pavia. Unlike other invasions by aliens, this invasion had the ability to appear as humans and infiltrate the Pavian society. | |||
| ==Inquisitor Ascendant== | |||
| ''Inquisitor Ascendant'', by ], about the ] struggle against the fources of ] was produced in two parts. His first collaboration was with Simon Coleby, and his second was with Jim Brady<ref name="Inquisitor Ascendant">{{cite book|title=Inquisitor Ascendant |first=Dan|last=Abnett|year=2001|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|1-84154-143-5}}</ref>. | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| ''Inquisitor Ascendant'' follows the story ] and his apprentice, Gravier on the planet of Nicodemus. They are sent to battle ] infestations and are aided by an ] cardinal named Sarthos. Their investigation and cleansing of the Chaos infestation leads them through many battles and even close experience of the taint first hand. The second part follows a future Gravier, now an ], and his experience with his previous mentor. | |||
| ;Critical review | |||
| In 2002, Joe Kushner reviewed 'Inquisitor Ascendent''. Reviewing primarily the second part, he says "One of the great things about the Warhammer 40K universe is that it can be grim and evil without going all politically correct on you at the last second." The format lets "the action comes fast and furious with characterization reinforced through action rather than long dialog" and "The art in the book is solid and the writing has more to build up the character of Gravier." Over all, the work "is a well illustrated hunt and destroy story with some twists and turns along the way to keep it interesting enough to see the reunion of teacher and student on a world poised on the brink of destruction."<ref name="Inquisitor Ascendant">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_7692.html| title= RPGnet: The Inside Scope| publisher=RPGnet |accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> | |||
| ==Lone Wolves== | |||
| ] | |||
| ''Lone Wolves'' is a graphic novel by Dan Abnett and Karl Richardson<ref name="Lone Wolves">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation|first=Dan|last=Abnett|coauthors=Richardson, Karl|year=2003|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-056-4}}</ref> which describes the interactions of ] variant and the ]' chapter, the ], when fighting the ]. The story is broken into seven parts, "The Miracle," "Eaters of the Slain" Part 1 and 2, "Payback" Part 1 and 2, and "Bloodgeld" Part 1 and 2. Prefaced to the story are short essays produced by editor, Christian Dunn, about the nature of heroes and following the story is the ending original created by Dan Abnett.<ref name="Lone Wolves">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation|first=Dan|last=Abnett|coauthors=Richardson, Karl|year=2003|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-056-4}}</ref> | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| The ] division titled the "10th Slavok Regiment" are abandoned on the ice-planet Shadrac, which is currently controlled by a ] invasion. Sergeant Poul Marlin narrates the travels of the remaining squads of soldiers as they struggle against hunger, the elements, and the aliens who want to devour them. Joined by the ] lead by Skold Greypelt, the Slavok 10th are able to stand against constant attacks and perform deeds of heroism.<ref name="Lone Wolves">{{cite book|title=Daemonifuge: The Lord of Damnation|first=Dan|last=Abnett|coauthors=Richardson, Karl|year=2003|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-056-4}}</ref> | |||
| ;''Warhammer 40,000'' gaming | |||
| Sergeant Poul Marlin, Skold Greypelt, an unidentified ] and a wounded Slavok soldier were produced as a miniature in 2003 as "Lone Wolves." This was in a limited quantity of only 500 models sculpted by Martin Footitt and Adam Clarke.<ref name="Black Library Miniatures">{{cite web| url=http://www.solegends.com/citblack/index.htm | title= Stuff of Legends | publisher= Stuff of Legends| accessdate=2007-05-25}}</ref> | |||
| ==Titan== | |||
| ] | |||
| ''Titan'' is a series of works by Dan Abnett that details the history of a ] and its crew. ''Titan: God-Machine''<ref name="Titan: God-Machine">{{cite book|title=Titan: God-Machine|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=2004|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-123-4}}</ref> collects and continues the original three works, ''Titan'' I,<ref name="Titan I">{{cite book|title=Titan I|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=1999|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-109-5}}</ref> II,<ref name="Titan II">{{cite book|title=Titan II|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=2001|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-144-3}}</ref> and III.<ref name="Titan III">{{cite book|title=Titan II|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=1999|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84154-242-3}}</ref> The work describes the actions of the ] and their ]. | |||
| ;Plot synopsis | |||
| The "Imperius Dictatio", a ], is a massive warmachine used by the forces of the ] and its ] to battle aliens, heretics, and anyone who stands in the way of conquest. The commander of the Titan dies during a training mission, and before a new commander could be implaced, the nearby planet Vivaprius comes under attack. Cadet Princeps Ervin Hekate is forced to take command and joins the ] defenders against invading aliens, the ]. As they arrive, they discover that the Imperial Guard have been destroyed by the invaders. After battling against this menance, the crew of the "Imperius Dictatio" are sent to the planet Artemis to battle the forces of ], where they must protect the planet against this menace.<ref name="Titan: God-Machine">{{cite book|title=Titan: God-Machine|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=2004|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-123-4}}</ref> | |||
| ;Critical review | |||
| In 2005, Nathan Brazil, of the ] website reviewed the ''Titan: God-Machine'' series. While praising Dan Abnett as being "one of the better writers of action oriented SF," he claims that the Titan series "allows him so little room for development that he struggles to inject anything that might be described as a more than one dimensional", emphasizing the use of gore and violence in ''Titan'', claiming "just as this sequence is showing promise, it is abruptly cut short with another example of uber violence".<ref name="SF Site Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.sfsite.com/05a/ti199.htm | title=The SF Site Feature Review: Titan: God-Machine| publisher=SF Site| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> | |||
| ==Other collections== | |||
| ===Flames of Damnation=== | |||
| Published in 2005 and written by primarily Andy Jones and Marc Gascoigne, ''Flames of Damnation'' is a collection of smaller works that revolve around the actions of the ] and the ] against the forces of ], ], ], and many other aliens that seek to battle the ].<ref name="Flames of Damnation">{{cite book|title=Flames of Damnation|first=Andy |last=Jones|coauthors=Richardson, Gascoigne | year=2005|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-253-2}}</ref> | |||
| ;Critical review | |||
| According to Black Library, ''Comics International'' reviewed the book and stated: "Gritty sci-fi… with lashings of action and a bit of something for everybody".<ref name="BLP Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.blacklibrary.co.uk/product.asp?prod=60100181010&type=Book | title=Flames and Damnation| publisher=Eagle Awards| accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> | |||
| ===Imperial Gothic=== | |||
| Published in 2006 and writen primarily by Dan Abnett, ''Imperial Gothic'' is a collection of ''Lone Wolf'', ''Inquisitor Ascendent'', and other, smaller works.<ref name="Imperial Gothic">{{cite book|title=Imperial Gothic|first=Dan|last=Abnett| year=2006|edition=1st Edition|publisher=Black Library|location=Nottingham|id=1-84416-330-X}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| {{Warhammer 40,000}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
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