I’ve been a fan of the Metal Gear Saga ever since I first played and finished Metal Gear Solid 1 back in the late 90's. It wasn’t even my video game console when I finished it — I gave that game to my neighbor as a Christmas present. I can’t recall my decision on why I chose that game to give it to him. But looking back and remembering the excitement that it gave us as we finished it during the Christmas holiday, Hideo Kojima’s magnum opus left a mark in me by becoming one of the many fans of the series.
A few years later, when I decided to start collecting comic books, I learned that there will be a comic book adaptation of Metal Gear Solid 1. Without hesitation, I picked up the first issue.
And that’s where I first saw the artworks of Ashley Wood.
It was perfect for the comic book adaptation. His gritty, messy, yet organized art style fits well to the tone and theme of the story. I think it fits perfectly that Hideo and Kojima Productions got Ash to create the cutscenes for Metal Gear Portable Ops and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (with Yoji Shinkawa).
As I completed the 12 issues for MGS1, it was automatic that I continue on with MGS2. And as MGS2 ended, I was so sure at that time that MGS3 will get the comic book treatment. So I waited.
And waited.
It’s now 2014. And still the Metal Gear Solid comics is still stuck at MGS2. I mean, the saga doesn’t end at MGS2. There’s MGS3. And 4. And Peace Walker. And now there’s Ground Zeroes, and The Phantom Pain is just around the corner.
So I reach out to IDW. If you guys get to see this message in whatever means — From a fan, I’m still waiting for the comic book adaptation to pick up and continue. I know Ashley Wood is a very busy guy these days. But if you manage to get another artist that somehow is pretty close to his art style and continue where he left off, I think it would be alright. But I don’t think no one is worthy to continue on Ash’s work on the comic.
And to Ashley Wood. You’re one of my inspirations on my endeavors in making art. I know you are pretty busy these days. But if you could just squeeze in just enough time to continue the comic book adaptation of Metal Gear Solid, that would be awesome. For me, you’re the perfect visual artist for it. It wouldn’t be the same if it’s not you. It feels like it’s kinda selfish, but I think I speak in behalf of all the fans of your works and of the video game.
Patiently, I wait. It may or may not happen. But still, I’ll wait.
