Comics
‘Monarch: The Lost Adventures’ Graphic Novel Anthology Will Expand the Monsterverse This Summer
Dive deeper into the mysterious world of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” with Monarch: The Lost Adventures, a graphic novel anthology that expands the mythology of the Monsterverse.
Due out on July 14 via Legendary Comics, it features five new stories based on the Apple TV+ series and cover art by Cat Staggs.
In “The USS Lawton and the Ion Dragon,” before becoming a Monarch operative, Billy Randa faces a harrowing test of endurance against a formidable creature in this gripping tale of resilience.
It’s written by Paul Cornell with art by Drew Zucker and colors by Brad Simpson.
In “Kentaro, Hiroshi, and Kong,” Kentaro, Hiroshi, and Kong embark on a journey that leads to the creation of the Apex base on Skull Island, setting the stage for what’s to come.
It’s written by Marguerite Bennett with art by Alberto Sapien and colors by Eren Angiolini.
In “Lee Shaw,” during Monarch’s lockdown, Lee Shaw reflects on a defining moment from his past in this character-driven story exploring the choices that shaped him.
It’s written by Tony Lee with art and colors by Tony Shasteen.
In “Keiko and the Brambleboar,” stranded in the treacherous realm of Axis Mundi, Keiko must fight to survive in a world teeming with danger and mystery.
It’s written by James F. Wright with art and colors by Amanda Perez Puentes.
In “Cate and May,” interludes set before Season 1 offer insight into Cate and May’s lives before crossing paths with Monarch — and each other.
It’s written by Stephanie Williams with art by Roberta Ingranata and colors by Piky Hamilton.
Created by showrunner Chris Black and Matt Fraction, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” returns for its second season Apple TV+ February 27.
The supernatural world of Korean folk horror movie Exhuma grows larger with the arrival of prequel spinoff webtoon Maengjong this weekend, Variety reports today.
Naver Webtoon debuts Maengjong on May 30.
The series hails from Haemuri (Olgami) and will trace the high school origins of how shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil, played by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the 2024 film, came together to face occultish threats.
The story is set to begin when “Hwarim, who has been concealing her identity following a childhood encounter with a snake spirit called Jin, crosses paths with Bonggil at their school.”
Variety notes that Exhuma director Jang Jae-hyun participated in the project’s early concept stage.
“We are presenting ‘Maengjong,’ a new series capturing the appeal of the horror-occult genre, ahead of the full summer season,” said Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon’s Korea webtoon content leader. “With the high school story of Hwarim and Bonggil, who left a strong impression in the film ‘Exhuma,’ enhanced by Haemuri’s characteristic tense direction, we expect it will be a welcome work for genre fans.”
“It is meaningful that the spin-off story of ‘Exhuma,’ loved by many audiences, expands by meeting the new grammar of webtoon,” said Lee Hyeon-jeong, managing director of the film business division at Showbox, which distributed the film. “We hope it will be a fresh experience for both film fans and webtoon readers.”
Exhuma was a breakout hit in 2024, becoming the first Korean occult film to surpass 10 million ticket buyers and the country’s highest-grossing film of the year. I wrote in my review that “the intricately woven Exhuma delivers one of the year’s biggest surprises in horror so far.”
The bond between Hwarim and Bonggil was one of the film’s highlights, making this prequel webtoon a must for fans.
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