Saturday, September 4, 2010

Urban Archipelago announces release plans for BOGATYRS, the company's debut graphic novel...



Urban Archipelago Films will make its foray into the world of comic book and graphic novel publishing with the mythological fantasy BOGATYRS, scheduled for release Summer 2011.

Set in an ancient and magical world of fantasy the book updates many classic characters and legends from the old bylinas -- traditional Russian epic tales of heroic warriors, strange monsters, and mysterious prophecies. BOGATYRS brings to life some of the most compelling myths ever conceived for a new generation of readers to experience. The Graphic Novel chronicles the adventures of the three greatest heroes featured in the rich mythology of ancient Rus -- Ilya Muromet, Alyosha Popovich, and Dobrynia Nikitich -- as they battle the forces of the Golden Horde and the underworld in an epic journey that will forever change their destinies and those of their people.

The graphic novel is written by Roger Lay, Jr. and Jose A. Rosario Nieves and features art by Crizam (ARTHUR: THE LEGEND CONTINUES). The cover art for the book is by world renowned fantasy artist William Stout (CONAN THE BARBARIAN, JURASSIC PARK). As part of the book's multi platform release composer Brandon Moore (RAY BRADBURY'S CHRYSALIS, THE GENTLEMAN DON LA MANCHA) has been tapped to provide a soundtrack album for the novel comprised of cues inspired by some of the novel's most compelling moments.

The release of the novel will be preceded by a limited edition sketchbook exclusively available online on December 2010. The sketchbook lavishly illustrates the world of BOGATYRS through multiple concept sketches, location designs, and character profiles.

For more details and updates visit the book's official site in the coming months.