The release of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis in 2024 was nothing short of polarizing. This bold, unique, and to some, bizarre epic became the center of heated discussions right after its debut at the Cannes Film Festival last year. As the year unfolded, the film garnered both fervent praise and sharp criticism. Now, Coppola is set to expand the universe of Megalopolis by releasing it as a graphic novel.
Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the book is scheduled for release in October by Abrams ComicArts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel will be penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, known for his contributions to Newburn and That Texas Blood.
In a statement to the outlet, Coppola expressed his satisfaction with the project: “I was pleased to put the idea of a graphic novel in the competent hands of Chris Ryall with the idea that, although it was inspired by my film Megalopolis, it didn’t necessarily have to be limited by it. I hoped the graphic novel would take its own flight, with its own artists and writer so that it would be a sibling of the film, rather than just an echo.”
He further elaborated on the creative process, stating, “That’s what I feel Chris, Jacob Phillips, and the team at Abrams ComicArts have accomplished. It confirms my feeling that art can never be constrained, but rather always a parallel expression, and part of the bounty we can make available to our patrons, audiences, and readers.”
Megalopolis tells the story of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a utopian city. His ambition pits him against the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. This narrative is framed as a modern Roman fable.
While the film Megalopolis is not yet available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various digital platforms.
