Frequent collaborators Steve Niles and Damien Worm made their Zoop debut today with their new graphic novel, the gothic ghost story Heartbreak Manor. To celebrate the launch, The Beat can reveal an exclusive sneak peek at the book, which is edited and lettered by Monica Richards.
Heartbreak Manor, which also has an original soundtrack by Richards and darkwave artist Anthony Roumanis, follows a young orphan whose time in her rich, adoptive parents’ mansion may be running out. Here’s the synopsis:
Sally Madison’s wealthy new parents appear eager to provide her with everything she could ever desire, when she first moves in. Sally’s grateful for being rescued from the orphanage, but she’s having a hard time being able to trust her adoptive family. It doesn’t help that her new home is a mysterious mansion, full of secrets and rooms that are strictly off limits. As she tries to navigate the peculiar place and her new life, Sally takes it upon herself to find out why so many doors are locked and why her new parents disappear at night… And as Christmas approaches, she realizes she must uncover the deadly secret of Heartbreak Manor before it’s too late.
Check out interior and cover art from Heartbreak Manor below.
“I began writing Heartbreak Manor a few years ago and my first thought was Damien for the art,” said Niles. “The story’s set in New York, 1912. It’s a time when the old and new worlds began to collide, and I wanted to go back in time, reduce the technology and make an old-fashioned ghost story. I’m working with Zoop as they’re a great alternative for comic creators to help raise money and crowdfund new books. We want to have fans who truly want a beautiful, hardcover artbook get involved and help us bring Heartbreak Manor to life.”
“Working with Steve is always a joy, because his scripts get straight to the point on every page and panel, and then he gives you total freedom to bring them to life in your own way,” said Worm. “I’ve always loved the aesthetic of the early 1900s. I genuinely believe that, thanks to its atmosphere, artistic style, and stunning interior and exterior architecture, it’s one of the best periods for creating a horror story. For me, it will always have a certain magical stuff that the modern era simply doesn’t.
“That’s why I think Heartbreak Manor is my personal homage to everything I’ve always loved about the previous century—gothic ghost novels, a disturbing yet beautiful and captivating atmosphere,” Worm continued. “It will capture the complete look and feel of a period mansion, where ghosts are woven into the decor like another element of the setting.”
In addition to a hardcover edition of the Heartbreak Manor, backers on Zoop can also grab a copy of the soundtrack; exclusive prints by Worm; remarques by the artist; signed books; and even a chance to be drawn into the book itself.
“I’m really thrilled to compose a soundtrack for Heartbreak Manor,” said Richards, who also edited and lettered the comic. “Much of my music is known as cinematic, so my fans know this is right in my wheelhouse. I work with darkwave artist Anthony Roumanis often. He has an Otherworldly flair that will really add beauty and depth to the ghostly world of Heartbreak Manor.”
Heartbreak Manor is now live on Zoop.
