So, while researching for my "Expanded Universe" blog about the SD Perry Novels, I found out about a rare novel, never released in America, and only available by pre-ordering the first RE in Japan. This makes it incredibly rare, because only a limited amount were made, and most are now lost. It was titled "The True Story Behind Biohazard". "The story serves as a prelude to the events of the original Resident Evil, in which Chris Redfield investigates the disappearance of a missing friend." I believe that this book is still 100% canon, even with all the revisions of the series since its release, though I could be mistaken.

Now that Id heard of such a thing existing, I HAD to look for it. Of course, it being a Japanese book over a decade old, I doubted Id get an English Copy through any means. The first thing I found was a copy on Ebay, but it was in Japanese, so that was a no go. I had almost given up hope when I found a website with an English Translation of it.

The translation is presented as Jpeg images, where the Japanese text has been edited over with English text.

The quality is pretty good, but its still unfinished. I question if it will ever finish, because it seems to have been started years ago. But either way, finished or not, its better then nothing.

I only read the first chapter so far. Supposedly, the novel consist of 7 chapters. The website has translated 3 as of now (check out the website, link at bottom of blog). From what Ive heard, the story begins the night before they set off to the Mansion, and ends when the helicopter sets down in the woods. The entire thing is narrated by Chris Redfield.

In the story, he receives a phone call from his old (and dead) friend Billy. After Billy convinces Chris that he is alive, they decide to meet. Chris, breaking every traffic law he can, speeds to the agreed upon place but is interrupted by, you guessed it, zombie dogs and such. Its a translation, and its a fairly good one, but something feels a little off when I read it. I guess you could chalk that up to the age of the book though.

Every once and awhile there are some illustrations

I know they aren't the most artistic things ever drawn, but they aren't too bad.

All in all you should check this out if your a fan of the series. Its free, its canon, and you could hold it over your friends head that you know more then them. Definitely worth a looksee for any Resident Evil fan.


-Spike401k

The Horror Is Alive: The True Story Behind Biohazard Translation Project