The Universal Monsters helped shape cinematic horror as we know it, with classics such as The Invisible Man and Creature From the Black Lagoon released from the '30s through the '50s. Now, several of those iconic monsters are returning in comic book form thanks to a partnership between Universal and Skybound.
Announced by the companies in a press release, the Eisner Award-nominated team of James Tynion IV (Something Is Killing the Children) and Martin Simmonds (Swan Songs) will write a new miniseries hitting comic store shelves this fall titled Universal Monsters: Dracula. The four-issue series will be the first of several based on the studio's beloved creatures, though it is fitting that Dracula is the first out of the gate since he led the way in 1931's Dracula, the movie that started it all. A synopsis for the miniseries reads as follows:
“The comic book miniseries will unfold over four suspenseful issues, with the first installment plunging readers into the eerie world of Dr. John Seward after he admits a seemingly delusional new patient to his asylum. Recounting chilling tales of a demonic entity residing next door, the skeptical doctor attempts to rationalize the unexplainable, but his adopted daughter Lucy mysteriously succumbs to the malevolent influence of the enigmatic Count Dracula.”
One of the beauties of comic books is that it is not a medium that is beholden to the availability of actors or other real-world factors. A combination of artwork and the written world can allow us to revisit these very specific versions of these beloved characters. We've got two different covers for the first issue, which hits shelves in October, for you to check out below. James Tynion IV had this to say about it:
“A few times in my life I've had the pleasure of writing about one of the great pop culture icons, but there is something singular about Dracula that made this opportunity too good to pass up. The challenge in front of Martin and I is to take the bloody heart of the Universal Pictures classic and find a bold new way to bring the character to life. It's been one of the most exciting creative challenges of my life, and I am phenomenally excited for you to see the horrors we have in store for you."
Simmonds had this to add.
“Dracula has always been a horror favorite of mine, so to get the chance to work on an exciting new interpretation of this character alongside my Department of Truth Co-creator, James Tynion IV, was one I couldn’t pass up. I’m so excited for readers to experience our version of Universal’s classic monster--and I hope you enjoy the direction we take the story.”
Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 is set to hit shelves on October 25.
