Comics
44FLOOD and IDW Explore Vampirism In ‘Libretto’
44FLOOD and IDW Publishing’s first joint venture will be “Libretto: Volume 1: Vampirism”. As with the first edition of their “TOME” anthology series, the book will feature a wide variety of artists, each exploring the theme of vampirism as they see fit.
Official Press Release:
San Diego, CA (January 10, 2013) – 44FLOOD’s first project developed with IDW Publishing is LIBRETTO, a 9×12” anthology presenting emerging and world-class artists as they explore a single theme using diverse mediums such as comics, oil painting, photography, sculpting and more.
The libretto refers to the part of an opera or a musical that is the words or lyrics, and is distinct from the music. 44FLOOD’s LIBRETTO will be the “text” to the “music” that is a central theme, starting with LIBRETTO Volume 1: Vampirism coming this April.
LIBRETTO Volume 1 is curated/edited by Kasra Ghanbari and has the theme vampirism, being the misuse of power, as well as the objectification and exploitation of others. Featured contributors give their unique perspectives on this theme, with many sections including an interview of the contributor conducted by another artist.
“We’re excited to have LIBRETTO launch our partnership with IDW,” said Kasra Ghanbari, CEO of 44FLOOD. “LIBRETTO has both narrative and symbolic works, comic book panels and gallery paintings, alchemical approaches and comedy. It celebrates the ability of art to affect the way we consider and see the world.”
This 200-page softcover will feature contributors that include Ben Templesmith, David Stoupakis, Riley Rossmo, Christopher Mitten, George Pratt, menton3, and many, many more. Several of the artists also give a rare look at the techniques and processes they used to create pieces for the book. This is your rare opportunity to explore the dark world of vampirism as seen in an artist’s mind.
44FLOOD is an artist collective and publisher formed by Kasra Ghanbari, Ben Templesmith, and menton3. More information may be found at http://www.44FLOOD.com.
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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