Magnetic Press has landed another fantastic series. The upstart publisher has announced that it’s in the final stages of production on a hardcover graphic novel adaptation of the best-selling novel series Daomu, written by Chinese author Xu “Kennedy” Lei. The adaptation, produced and designed by James Zhang’s Concept Art House, was overseen by Kennedy Xu himself, and introduces his popular world of international tomb robbing to the western audience for the first time.

The original novel on which the graphic novel is based, Dao Mu Bi Ji, sold over 3 million copies as of 2010, with an estimated 20 million copies in circulation on the black market. Its massive popularity has spawned numerous volumes in the series, defining an entire sub-genre of imitators, and making Xu one of the most in-demand novelists in China, where he is considered “China’s Stephen King.” Several film and television projects are currently in development.

The book tells the story of a young Chinese American, Sean Wu, who is called back to China when his estranged father reappears, only to be murdered in front of him. He is quickly pulled into a web of mystery and intrigue stretching back many generations, introducing him to the legacy of the Daomu, a group of international tomb robbers who race through a globe-spanning labyrinth of ancient catacombs in seek of ageless artifacts that could either save or destroy humanity.

Illustrated in lush, cinematic, painted panels by Ken Chou and his team of artists at Concept Art House, the graphic novel adaptation brings Kennedy Xu’s epic universe to gritty, tactile life. With a background in cinematic production design for film and video games, the graphic novel’s presentation eschews traditional “comic book” art in favor of richly defined painted detail.

Partially published by Image Comics in 2011, this new edition will offer the complete story along with bonus artwork and production design. Daomu will represent the first book published under the Evertold Inc banner, a label designed by James Zhang to bring exciting adventures to visually breathtaking life.

The 244-page, 8.5” x 11”, hardcover edition will feature a soft-touch cover laminate with intricate glossed filigree and a ribbon book mark and will be released in December.

I remember when the series launched, and praised it back then, and can’t wait until I’m able to read the complete story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about DAOMU, please visit www.magnetic-press.com.