The Horror: Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness Gets the Graphic Novel Treatment in Upcoming Prequel

The Horror: Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness Gets the Graphic Novel Treatment in Upcoming Prequel

Dark Horse Comics has announced a new graphic novel titled The Horror. The upcoming graphic novel will serve as a prequel to the classic from Joseph Conrad‘s library ‘Heart of Darkness.’ The upcoming prequel will follow Kurtz and his family as they enter the ‘heart of darkness’ while on a humanitarian mission. What should have been an adventure for good has put Kurtz and his family on the doorstep of an ancient evil. The Horror is written by Lars Jacobson who makes his comics debut alongside artist Eduardo Francisco.

Dark Horse‘s description of The Horror reads:

“Travel with Kurtz and his family as they enter the “heart of darkness” on a humanitarian mission for Belgian King Leopold’s Congo Free State, tasked with opening a trading post in the uncharted interior of the Congo to promote free markets and end slavery. However, deep in the jungle, they encounter a primordial evil, the origins of which date back to the womb of civilization, perverting minds and corrupting souls while preying on the worst instincts of mankind. The locals speak of this insidious evil in fearful whispers, calling it, “The Horror.”

Conrad’s Heart of Darkness followed Marlow who is on his way to the Congo and as he travels up the Congo realizes and sees firsthand the horrifying conditions the natives have been subjected to and are also forced into the company’s service. As Marlow’s ship hits trouble, the time spent at Central Station awaiting repairs awakens an interest in Kurtz. Throughout the story we see Marlow and Kurtz cross paths with Kurtz being very ill.

It all concludes with Kurtz’s death and his last words “The horror! The horror!” The story is praised for its difficulty reading as Conrad’s plan was for the reader to struggle reading the story much as Marlow struggled through the jungle in search of Kurtz. The novel is also credited to be the inspiration for the film Apocalypse Now which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola as an adaptation of Heart of Darkness although in a different setting.

The Horror will arrive everywhere books are sold on October 24, 2023, and at your favorite local comic shop on October 25, 2023.

Check out the cover reveal below:

Source: Dark Horse