Longtime followers of Lara Croft have noticed a peculiar trend: while the world-renowned archaeologist has been everywhere from mobile screens to a high-octane Netflix adaptation, it has been quite a while since a core video game entry has pushed her primary narrative forward.
Recently, the franchise has prioritized reconciling Lara’s history, attempting to weave the gritty Survivor Trilogy of the 2010s into the legacy of the original ’90s and early 2000s classics. The latest comic expansion, Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts, aims to bridge this gap by reintroducing a legendary relic that is sure to spark nostalgia among veteran fans.
[Editor’s note: This article contains minor plot details for the debut issue of Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts.]
Picking up after the events of 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld, the series—written by Casey Gilly with art by Antonio Di Caprio and Taurin Clarke—finds Lara amidst the literal ruins of Croft Manor. The story explores her dual life as a celebrated socialite and a hardened explorer as she oversees the mansion’s reconstruction while recalling a perilous expedition in Andalusia, Spain.
During this journey, Lara encounters a rival seeking an ancient blade that looks remarkably familiar: the Dagger of Xian. However, the revelation here is that this isn’t the original weapon, but rather its dark twin, known as the Scythian Dagger.
The Dagger of Xian was the centerpiece of 1997’s Tomb Raider II, hunted by Marco Bartoli and the sinister Fiamma Nera cult. Legend held that if a person pierced their own heart with the blade, they would transform into a terrifying dragon. After defeating the cult, Lara secured the artifact in her trophy room. Aside from a few brief references in Underworld and the 2001 Angelina Jolie film, the artifact has largely remained a piece of history—until now.
The arrival of the Scythian Dagger suggests new supernatural stakes. While the Xian blade featured a serpent-themed pommel, this twin weapon is adorned with the head of a wolf. Given the dragon-shifting properties of the original, fans are left wondering if this new artifact grants the power of lycanthropy. While werewolves might seem like a departure, the series has always seen Lara battling deities and mythological beasts. A lupine transformation would fit right into her increasingly supernatural world.
Revisiting such a pivotal relic in Sacred Artifacts serves a greater purpose beyond fan service: it signals a commitment to a unified Tomb Raider timeline. By explicitly linking the events of Tomb Raider II with the modern era, the writers are building a cohesive mythos that respects the past while paving the way for the future. As we wait for more news on Tomb Raider: Catalyst, this comic provides an essential bridge, proving that Lara’s history is more interconnected than ever.
Source: Polygon
