Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Announcement

New Universal Monsters: Dracula Series By James Tynion & Martin Simmonds

In partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, Skybound Entertainment has announced a new Universal Monsters: Dracula four-issue mini-series launching on October 25, 2023. The creative team for Universal Monsters: Dracula will be James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds. In addition to Dracula the mini-series will include appearances by R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more.

Universal Monsters: Dracula is the start to a new line of comics featuring Universal Monsters. Skybound is promising additional limited series that will spotlight the iconic monsters.

Speaking on working on Universal Monsters: Dracula, James Tynion had the following to say:

“A few times in my life I’ve had the pleasure of writing about one of the great pop culture icons, but there is something singular about Dracula that made this opportunity too good to pass up…..The challenge in front of Martin and I is to take the bloody heart of the Universal Pictures classic and find a bold new way to bring the character to life. It’s been one of the most exciting creative challenges of my life, and I am phenomenally excited for you to see the horrors we have in store for you.”

Martin Simmonds spoke with similar excitement about working on Universal Monsters: Dracula:

“Dracula has always been a horror favorite of mine, so to get the chance to work on an exciting new interpretation of this character alongside my Department of Truth Co-creator, James Tynion IV, was one I couldn’t pass up….I’m so excited for readers to experience our version of Universal’s classic monster–and I hope you enjoy the direction we take the story.”

Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 will include a main cover by Martin Simmonds, a variant cover by Joshua Middleton and a blank variant cover. You can check out the covers by Simmonds and Middleton below.

Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover A by Martin Simmonds
Martin Simmonds cover for Universal Monsters: Dracula #1. Credit: Skybound Entertainment
• Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover B by Joshua Middleton
Joshua Middleton cover for Universal Monsters: Dracula #1. Credit: Skybound Entertainment

Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 will be available in comic book shops and digital store fronts on October 25, 2023. You can get more information, including addition quotes, on Universal Monsters: Dracula in Skybound Entertainment’s press release below.

LOS ANGELES 07/14/2023 — Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, fan-focused multiplatform entertainment company, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, has announced Universal Monsters: Dracula, a new four-issue comic book limited series from the best-selling, Eisner Award nominated team of James Tynion IV (W0rldtr33, Something is Killing the Children) and Martin Simmonds (Swan Songs). The first issue will be available in comic book shops on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

This collaboration between Skybound and Universal is the latest milestone in a near decade long relationship that encompasses film and video games, and now comic book publishing.

“It’s been an absolute thrill to watch the powerhouse duo behind The Department of Truth breathe new life into this legendary story,” said Alex Antone, Editorial Director at Skybound Entertainment. “Perfect for both new fans and horror afficionados alike – the Universal Monsters are as timeless as ever!”

“It’s been an absolute thrill to watch the powerhouse duo behind The Department of Truth breathe new life into this legendary story,” said Alex Antone, Editorial Director at Skybound Entertainment. “Perfect for both new fans and horror afficionados alike – the Universal Monsters are as timeless as ever!”

“A few times in my life I’ve had the pleasure of writing about one of the great pop culture icons, but there is something singular about Dracula that made this opportunity too good to pass up,” said James Tynion IV. “The challenge in front of Martin and I is to take the bloody heart of the Universal Pictures classic and find a bold new way to bring the character to life. It’s been one of the most exciting creative challenges of my life, and I am phenomenally excited for you to see the horrors we have in store for you.”

“Dracula has always been a horror favorite of mine, so to get the chance to work on an exciting new interpretation of this character alongside my Department of Truth Co-creator, James Tynion IV, was one I couldn’t pass up,” said Martin Simmonds. “I’m so excited for readers to experience our version of Universal’s classic monster–and I hope you enjoy the direction we take the story.”

In addition to Dracula himself, this series also features some popular characters from the original film, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. Expect fresh twists, chilling encounters, and a dive into the dark corners of these timeless villains’ narratives.

Universal Monsters: Dracula will be followed by more new limited series spotlighting the iconic monsters from some of the top creators in comics.

Each series will feature variant covers from some of the best artists working in comics today—Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino-Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.

Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

The full list of covers is below:

  • Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover A by Martin Simmonds (Lunar Code 0723IM809)
  • Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover B by Joshua Middleton (Lunar Code 0723IM810)
  • Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 Cover C Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code 0723IM811)