Horror Classic ‘London After Midnight’ Resurrected With Graphic Novel Adaptation
by Brendan M. Allen
One of the most sought-after lost films of all time is now returning to life with an official graphic novel adaptation. Produced by Chaney Entertainment and comic publisher Source Point Press, London After Midnight is live now on Kickstarter with a limited edition leatherbound hardcover graphic novel.
Originally released in 1927, the last known copy of the murder mystery/horror film by Tod Browning starring Lon Chaney as the vampiric “Man in the Beaver Hat” was lost to the ages in the MGM vault fire of 1965. It has since become a legendary “Holy Grail” of horror and film enthusiasts across the world for decades.
“As a lifelong horror fan, to say that getting to work with Chaney Entertainment to bring this story back to life is a dream come true doesn’t even begin to do this experience justice,” says writer Dirk Manning, who was charged with adapting the screenplay provided by Lon Chaney’s great grandson Ron Chaney. “Like most horror fans, I’ve waited for most of my life for a copy of this film to somehow resurface… but given that this is most likely never going to happen, I’m excited we’re able to bring the story to life in graphic novel format.”
Joining Manning in bringing the film back to life as a graphic novel are illustrator Joshua Ross, colorist Colin Johnson, letterer/book designer Dave Lentz, and editor Drena Jo. The adaptation has been overseen and approved at every step by Ron Chaney.
“Most everything I do entertainment-wise is inspired by my grandfather’s work in film,” said Chaney. “By creating and facilitating new productions such as this one, I fulfill the mission statement of Chaney Entertainment, which is to preserve and perpetuate my family’s legacy and heritage.”
“This is a truly iconic property that deserves a prestige release, which is why we’re offering a Kickstarter Exclusive Leatherbound Hardcover Edition of London After Midnight: The Official Graphic Novel Adaptation to fans who reserve a copy of it on Kickstarter,” Manning explains. “We’ll then offer a standard trade paperback edition to comic shops and other bookstore outlets later, but by first offering the book on Kickstarter we can offer not only this deluxe edition of the book, but also T-shirts, commemorative coins, and more Kickstarter Exclusive add-ons and Stretch Goal upgrades that will be of high interest and high value to collectors and uber-fans alike.”
Having already smashed its funding goal, the campaign is now focused on offering backers a variety of Kickstarter Exclusive upgrades, starting with a bookplate triple-autographed by Manning, Ross, and Chaney.
London After Midnight: The Official Graphic Novel Adaptation will be available for preorder via Kickstarter at this link until Monday, December 2nd, at which time orders for the Kickstarter Exclusive Leatherbound Hardcover Edition and all other Kickstarter Exclusive Add-Ons will be locked and made print-to-order.
