XIII

XIII is the Roman numeral for the number 13. In addition to its numeric use, XIII appears as a title or identifier in various media and cultural contexts.

In literature and comics, XIII refers to the Belgian graphic novel series XIII, created by writer Jean Van Hamme and artist William Vance. The series began in 1984 and is published by Dupuis. It centers on an amnesiac man branded with the tattoo XIII who must uncover his identity while navigating government conspiracies and personal enemies. The comics are known for their espionage themes, intricate plots, and distinctive artwork.

In video games, XIII is a first-person shooter released in 2003 by Ubisoft, based on the comic book series. The game is notable for its cel-shaded graphics and cinematic presentation, portraying the protagonist’s pursuit of truth amid political intrigue and assassination plots. A remake of the game was released in 2020, updating graphics and controls while preserving the core narrative and atmosphere of the original.

In other media, the XIII property has inspired film and television adaptations and related media tied to the comics and game. The XIII franchise has had various translations and formats beyond the original graphic novels, contributing to its status as a recognizable cultural reference to the number 13.