Kingstone Comics has published the graphic novel version of the film The Remaining, a supernatural thriller that releases in theaters September 5. The graphic novel released in digital-only format on ComiXology August 13, with a print retail street date of August 22.
Written and adapted by Roland Mann and illustrated by Kyle Hotz (Captain America, The Hood), Kingstone’s The Remaining enters a rising market: combined sales for comics and graphic novels in the U.S. and Canada grew to $870 million at retail in 2013, according to a new study from ICv2 and Comichron. That’s up from combined sales for the two categories of $735 million in 2012 and $690 million in 2011.
The Remaining movie, from AFFIRM Films/Sony Pictures Worldwide, is directed by Casey La Scala (Amityville; A Walk to Remember), written by La Scala and Chris Dowling, and produced by Brad Luff (Urban Legends) and Marc Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal). The production team also includes cinematographer Doug Emmett (Paranormal Activity 4), production designer Brian Stultz (Iron Man 3), and editor Paul Covington (30 Days of Night). The cast includes veterans of movies and TV.
Kingstone publisher Art Ayrs told PW he was approached by the filmmakers. “Sony realized [The Remaining] was a good fit for a graphic novel,” and Kingstone’s use of top illustrators from Marvel and D.C. on previous projects made Sony aware of their work. Since Kingstone distributes comics and graphic novels in 95 countries, the graphic version of The Remaining, as well as the film, will get worldwide attention.
Kingstone’s most ambitious project is the 12-volume graphic Kingstone Bible, which Ayrs said will be the most complete comic adaptation of the Bible ever published. Kingstone has released the first four volumes, with eight more volumes coming over the next ten months.
Ayrs also said they are in talks with Mark Burnett’s company about a graphic novel series tied in to Burnett’s A.D. series, which will air next year on NBC.
