Dark Horse Comics to Publish Dracula Book 1: The Impaler
Dark Horse Comics has announced the upcoming publication of Dracula Book 1: The Impaler, the first installment of a new collaboration between writer Matt Wagner, artist Kelley Jones, colorist José Villarrubia, and letterer Rob Steen. The project, which began as a crowdfunding sensation on Kickstarter, will be available in comic shops and bookstores just in time for Halloween this year.


Matt Wagner, the storied creator of Grendel, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating:
“The overwhelming success of our campaign only solidified the need for that option, with both retailers and readers alike begging us for a mass-market edition in addition to the exclusive, hardcover Kickstarter versions.”
Wagner also discussed the decision to partner with Dark Horse Comics, emphasizing their established reputation for quality material and support of creators’ rights.
Meanwhile, Kelley Jones, known for his work on Batman and Dracula: Red Rain and Sandman: Season of Mists, reflected on his positive experiences with Dark Horse Comics, stating:
“I’ve had an even better experience buying comics from Dark Horse like Grendel and Hellboy and so many others. So I’m extremely happy that Dark Horse will publish the trade edition of Dracula Book 1: The Impaler. It just seems right!”


Dracula Book 1: The Impaler is the first of four planned volumes, aiming to shed light on the origins of the legendary Count Vlad Dracula—before his debut in Bram Stoker‘s iconic novel.
According to colorist José Villarrubia, the graphic novel presents the vampire in a fresh yet deeply rooted way that harkens back to the blood-soaked origins of Dracula.
Wagner also adds that this project is not merely another retelling of Stoker’s classic, but rather a haunting and new interpretation that delves into the dark and enigmatic aspects of Dracula.
Dracula Book 1: The Impaler will arrive at your favorite local comic shops this October.
Thomas Sauceda
A variety geek who enjoys geeking out with friends over video games, comics, or movies/TV shows. An avid wrestling fan since the days of the Attitude Era and N64’s No Mercy, he now spends much of his time reading and collecting comics. All of my puns are intended.
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