Coppola's Megalopolis Expands to Graphic Novel: A Unique Sibling, Not Mere Echo

2024's cinematic landscape was significantly marked by the release of Francis Ford Coppola’s *Megalopolis*, a film that sparked intense debate and division from its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. The bold, unique, and, to some, bizarre epic became a focal point of both acclaim and criticism throughout the year. Now, Coppola is set to expand the universe of *Megalopolis* by releasing it as a graphic novel, providing fans and critics alike with a new medium to explore this captivating story.

Titled *Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel*, the book is slated for release in October by Abrams ComicArts, according to *The Hollywood Reporter*. The project will be penned by Chris Ryall, known for his adept adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, acclaimed for his contributions to *Newburn* and *That Texas Blood*.

Coppola expressed his enthusiasm for the graphic novel, stating, “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 emphasized his belief in the unbound nature of art, noting, “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 driven by a destiny to construct a utopian city. His ambitious project pits him against the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis, a narrative steeped in Roman mythology.

While the film itself is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased through various movie platforms.