Legendary Comics stakes a claim on Bram Stoker’s Dracula

By John Freeman on October 18, 2019

US publisher Legendary Comics has partnered with the Lugosi Estate and Kerry Gammill and announced a new Bram Stoker’s Dracula graphic novel starring the iconic film and stage star, Bela Lugosi. Set for release in late 2020, featuring art by El Garing.

Set in the late 19th century, Dracula, the Transylvanian vampire, moves to England in search of fresh blood, meeting two women, Lucy and Mina, who become his prey – as Professor Van Helsing begins hunting the creature of the night…

Previous adaptations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel include British publisher Classical Comics adaptation by Jason Cobley, featuring art by Staz Johnson, and Mike Mignola‘s version based on Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 film, re-published by IDW last year.

“It is very exciting to work closely with such a talented creative team on this graphic novel that places Bela Lugosi, the most iconic screen Dracula, into a direct adaptation of Bram Stoker’s original novel,” commented Kerry Gammill, who was previously editor-in-chief and art director of Monsterverse Entertainment, which produced the critically acclaimed horror comics like Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave and Flesh and Blood.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Lugosi family for many years and I’ve worked on several projects with them, but this is the ultimate Lugosi project to me.”

“There have been great Dracula graphic novels, but to unite Bram Stoker’s novel in a faithful adaptation with the definitive Dracula in the form of screen icon Bela Lugosi is a dream come true,” commented Robert Napton, Senior Vice President of Legendary Comics. “I am grateful to the Lugosi Estate, artist El Garing, and art director Kerry Gammill for bringing their passion to this project.”

“On behalf of the Lugosi Family, I want to thank Legendary Comics, especially Robert Napton, as well as artists El Garing and Kerry Gammill, for honouring my father with a stunning graphic novel that features Bela Lugosi as Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” Bela G. Lugosi said.

“Bela Lugosi created his unique portrayal of Count Dracula on the Broadway stage and has become a cultural icon for his performance in the 1931 film,” Lynne Lugosi Sparks added. “This graphic novel beautifully answers the question: What would Lugosi’s performance look like in a direct interpretation of Bram Stoker’s novel?

“We believe Legendary Comics has proven what fans already know – Bela Lugosi is Dracula.”

“It is a great honour to handle this epic project and working with Robert Napton and Kerry Gammill has been an amazing experience,” said El Garing. “Bela Lugosi is the best Dracula and bringing him back to the character he defined through the artwork has been a thrill.”

• For more on Bram Stoker’s Dracula, check out the Legendary Comics Facebook page

• Legendary Comics – Titles

• El Garing is online on DeviantArt

• Dracula graphic novels on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.