Planet Comic brings us the latest work by Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero, an adaptation of the novel I Am Legend
In the year In 1954, Richard Matheson published one of the greatest vampire novels of the 20th century, I Legend, a terrifying work about an epidemic that turns infected people into vampires. In this post-apocalyptic world, everyone is either dead or infected, except for one man, Robert Neville.
He is perhaps best known today for his 2007 film adaptation starring Will Smith, which replaced many of the original works that were generally disliked. Although the film successfully conveys one thing, the loneliness of the main character. A sequel to the first film will be in the works.
Matheson’s work is a work of horror, but not like other works like Bram Stroker’s classic vampires. Neville is the last survivor in a hostile world, loneliness always torments him and he has to deal with this terrible loneliness every day, at the same time with the dangers in the world. All this affects the psyche of the character, driving him to madness and despair.
Another very interesting aspect of the novel is Matheson’s use of a scientific basis. Rejecting garlic, crosses, or holy water, attempts are made to give a scientific basis for everything surrounding the vampire myth to the effects of the sun.
Artists Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero (Blackhome, Planeta Manga), are responsible for modernizing this literary classic by adapting Matheson’s work into comic format, which celebrates its 70th anniversary. The comic is published by Planeta Comic.
The world after the pandemic
Robert Neville is the last survivor of the virus outbreak. The most amazing thing about this virus is that it doesn’t kill the infected, instead it turns the carriers into vampires. This has led to the destruction of all civilizations and this man is the last human living in the post-apocalyptic world.
Neville’s life is single, but very dangerous. After surviving all the vampires for one more night, he goes through the house and defenses, burning the corpses in search of supplies and gasoline. All this while protecting himself from dangerous vampires and drowning his sorrows, past pain and loneliness in alcohol. But one day he decides to investigate what this virus is and tries to find a cure, which leads to some surprising discoveries.
Hernandez does a great job of adapting I Am Legend from the novel to the comic format, accurately conveying the key aspects that Matheson wanted to portray. The complete loneliness, knowing that there is no one outside would hurt anyone, plus hearing the screams of those creatures every night, all of this would drive anyone to the brink of insanity or suicide, and Neville was no exception. Hernandez manages to hook you from page one and at no point does the reading become tiresome, it’s just so much fun. Perhaps the biggest problem is that the story feels too rushed at times, which makes sense, since an entire novel should have been condensed.
What is most striking about this work is Caballero’s painting. This adaptation of the novel sought to modernize the work and it is clearly visible. Although it is based on a horror novel, the colors are far from dark and gloomy. We are dealing with a very colorful work that places great emphasis on light and its effects such as shadows.
The modernity of the work is evident in the style of the painting. I wouldn’t dare say that the scene is “amerimanga”, but without a doubt the artistic style of the two had a great influence on Caballero’s work. It’s a pleasure to turn the pages and see a picture that is so well finished and detailed and full of colors.
I’m a legend in Planeta Comic
Planeta brings an excellent comic version of Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero. In addition to printing on good paper, the volume comes with many additional contents such as letters from the authors, character designs, covers and many other contents. Measuring 18.3 x 25.8 cm and containing 168 color pages in hardcover, this comic retails for €22.00.
Great script adaptation by Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero and fantastic drawing by Tony Caballero. The comic adaptation of I Am Legend is a new work that revives the 20th century classic by Richard Matheson. The original novel successfully conveys the feeling of loneliness, while at the same time renovating the scene in a more modern and colorful style. A highly recommended comic for any fan of the original and any fan of The Ninth Art.
I am a legend
Authors: Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero
Publisher: Planeta Comic
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 18.3 x 25.5 cm
Pages: 168 in color
ISBN: 978-84-1161-092-6
Price: 22,00 €
Synopsis: Robert Neville is the only survivor of a merciless virus that has destroyed the planet, turning the rest of humanity into vampires. His existence – depression and twilight – has changed to fight these bloodthirsty creatures, who try hard to hunt him, because for them, he is a real monster.
Typical of the genre, this is a haunting story about loneliness and alienation and reflects on binaries such as normal and abnormal, good and evil, which is a simple harmony derived from fear and confusion in diversity.
Sergio Hernandez and Tony Caballero (Backhome, Planeta Manga), re-imagine Richard Matherson’s horror classic in a pop style with colors and textures.
I Legend is considered the best vampire novel of the 20th century and has inspired three films, the latest starring Will Smith.