Ablaze has announced the upcoming release of a stunning comic adaptation of the epic The Kalevala, which inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings. It’s the foundational epic of the fantasy genre. The story and art is by Sami Makkonen.

Kalevala tells of the adventures and fates of wizard Väinämöinen, warrior Lemminkäinen, blacksmith Ilmarinen and other larger-than- life characters seeking love, riches, and magic in the faraway lands of the ancient North.

This is a bold approach to The Kalevala by an established talent — visually powerful and accessible.

Sami Makkonen is internationally renowned and is a recipient of the Sarjas Award for Best Fantasy Fiction. He also has been nominated for the Ghastly Awards for his horror work among numerous other awards.

Kalevala: The Graphic Novel is set for release September 24, 2024 and will retail for $29.99.