PRESS RELEASE
Abrams ComicArts is thrilled to announce the debut graphic novel from legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, hitting shelves this fall. This stunning 160-page graphic novel offers readers an immersive new version of Coppola’s iconic cinematic story, adapted by writer Chris Ryall and Eisner-winning artist Jacob Phillips.
Set in the futuristic city of New Rome, Megalopolis originally captivated audiences with its masterful filmmaking, becoming one of Francis Ford Coppola’s most widely discussed films. Now, in graphic novel form, it explores the gripping narrative of idealism versus corruption. Architect and dreamer Cesar Catilina seeks a utopian future, while Mayor Franklyn Cicero fights to preserve the status quo—rife with greed and political warfare. Caught between these powerful forces is Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose romance with Cesar tests her loyalty and compels her to redefine her beliefs about what humanity truly deserves. The film, which features an all-star cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Aubrey Plaza, made its world premiere last year to a 10-minute standing ovation at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and was released theatrically and in IMAX globally on September 27, 2024.
“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,” said Francis Ford Coppola. “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. 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.”
Chris Ryall, known for adapting groundbreaking graphic novels from legends such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Harlan Ellison, brings expert craftsmanship to this ambitious project. Jacob Phillips, acclaimed artist behind hits like That Texas Blood and Newburn, infuses the story with visually stunning illustrations that heighten the novel’s emotional and cinematic intensity.
“Adapting Francis Ford Coppola’s visionary Megalopolis has been an incredible creative thrill,” says writer Chris Ryall. “Coppola’s storytelling challenged and inspired me at every turn, and collaborating with Jacob Phillips brought new depth to the narrative. With Abrams ComicArts, we’ve created something that both honors and expands the world of the original film.”
“Megalopolis is a giant, awe-inspiring tale which insisted I pushed my artwork to new levels to meet the challenge,” explains artist Jacob Phillips. “A Roman epic in modern day America.”
Joseph Montagne, Publisher of Abrams ComicArts, expressed his excitement: “Bringing Francis Ford Coppola’s extraordinary vision to the graphic novel format is an immense honor for Abrams ComicArts. Coppola’s storytelling genius, paired with Ryall’s writing and Phillips’ dynamic artistry, makes Megalopolis a true landmark in the graphic novel literary canon.”
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel promises readers a thrilling journey, proving once again that Coppola remains one of the most innovative storytellers of our time.
Available October 2025 from Abrams ComicArts.
