James Tynion IV & Martin Simmonds Launch
UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula Comic Book Series
Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, fan-focused multiplatform entertainment company, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, has announced UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula, a new four-issue comic book limited series from the best-selling, Eisner Award nominated team of James Tynion IV (W0rldtr33, Something is Killing the Children) and Martin Simmonds (Swan Songs). The first issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
This collaboration between Skybound and Universal is the latest milestone in a near-decade long relationship that encompasses film and video games, and now comic book publishing.
“It’s been an absolute thrill to watch the powerhouse duo behind The Department of Truth breathe new life into this legendary story,” said Alex Antone, Editorial Director at Skybound Entertainment. “Perfect for both new fans and horror afficionados alike – the Universal Monsters are as timeless as ever!”
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.
“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,” said James Tynion IV. “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.”
“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,” said Martin Simmonds. “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.”
In addition to Dracula himself, this series also features some popular characters from the original film, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. Expect fresh twists, chilling encounters, and a dive into the dark corners of these timeless villains’ narratives.
UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula will be followed by more new limited series spotlighting the iconic monsters from some of the top creators in comics.
Each series will feature variant covers from some of the best artists working in comics today—Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.
The full list of covers is below:
- UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula #1 – Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code 0723IM809)
- UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula #1 – Cover B by Joshua Middleton (Lunar Code 0723IM810)
- UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula #1 – Cover C Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code 0723IM811)
UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Dracula #1 will be available
at comic book shops and digital platforms including
Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play
on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT:
Established in 2010, Skybound is a multiplatform content company that works closely with creators and their intellectual properties to create cool stuff and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to fans. Skybound extends their stories across platforms including comics, television, film, video games, tabletop, books, digital content, audio programming, and beyond. The company is home to critically-acclaimed global franchises including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Superfight, and hit new podcast series Impact Winter.
Led by Skybound Entertainment co-founder Robert Kirkman, Skybound Comics is an award-winning imprint of Image Comics and promotes a shared vision to collaborate with top and emerging talent across the comics industry. The Skybound publishing slate includes acclaimed series such as The Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultramega, Stillwater, Fire Power, and Excellence, while also delivering powerful licensed comics, including a partnership with LEGO Books. It is also home to Skybound Comet, a new original graphic novel imprint aimed at Young Adult and Middle Grade audiences, launching in June 2022 with Clementine Book One, by award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden and set in the world of The Walking Dead. Skybound has seen numerous comics series adapted for the screen, including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Outcast, with more projects in development.
For the most up to date information on Skybound, please visit the company on Twitter (@Skybound), YouTube (Skybound), Facebook (@SkyboundEntertainment), Instagram (@skyboundent), Discord (Skybound), Reddit (Skybound), and at www.skybound.com.
Dracula© Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL MONSTERS:
During the golden age of Hollywood, Universal Pictures brought legends of the horror genre to life in its classic monster films. The legacies of Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mummy, Phantom of the Opera, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde endure to this day as the original icons whose stories symbolize the misunderstood, the outsider, and the misfit. This Universal Monsters capsule collection is proud to feature the artwork of renowned creature designer and art director Crash McCreery whose vision creates a contemporary spin on these classic characters.
ABOUT JAMES TYNION IV:
James Tynion IV is an Eisner Award winning, New York Times bestselling writer and publisher of comic books. He is best known for co-creating hit horror comics series like Something is Killing the Children, The Nice House on the Lake, and the Department of Truth. He is also the writer of Young Adult adventure series, like 2022 GLAAD Media Award nominated Wynd, and the 2017 GLAAD Media Award winner The Woods. He spent ten years writing various Batman titles at DC Comics, where he co-created exciting new characters like Punchline and Ghost-Maker. He lives and works in Brooklyn.
ABOUT MARTIN SIMMONDS:
Martin Simmonds is a comic artist, and co-creator of the Eisner nominated The Department of Truth (with James Tynion IV) for Image Comics, Dying is Easy (with Joe Hill) for IDW, Punks Not Dead (with David Barnett) for Black Crown/IDW, and Friendo (with Alex Paknadel) for Vault Comics. He is also one of six contributing artists on Image Comics’ Swan Songs, an anthology series written by W Maxwell Prince. Martin is also a cover artist with his work appearing on titles from Marvel, DC, Image, Boom!, Vault, and IDW.
