'Parasite' Is Being Adapted Into A Graphic Novel In A Very Interesting Way

Bong Joon-Ho set out to break down the “one-inch barrier” of subtitles with “Parasite,” meaning he wanted American audiences to open up to reading them. Now, fans of the Best Picture Oscar winner will get to read the movie in a more in-depth and hands-on sort of way, as a graphic novel adaptation is currently in the works.

Unlike most movie-to-graphic novel adaptations, this project’s already got a head start in a way, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A company known as Grand Central Publishing will be utilizing the film’s storyboard assets as its own work of literature, functioning as a comic book of sorts.

Storyboards and shot lists happen quite early on in the pre-production process and are rarely used outside the clutches of a film director and cinematographer. In the case of “Parasite,” the storyboards were penned by Joon-Ho himself. That’s 304 pages that will include dialogue and camera directions but will read exactly like a graphic novel.

The idea has already been used by David Kuhn and Nate Muscato of Aevitas Creative Management and a “Parasite” graphic novel is already available in South Korea.

Wes Miller of Grand Central Publishing expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating: “Director Bong’s illustrations share the illuminating power of his writing and directing, making the Parasite graphic novel a gorgeous, riveting read and fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of one of the best films of the year.”

Joon-Ho broke records with “Parasite,” namely creating the first non-English speaking film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. MSN reports that “Parasite” broke box-office records just shortly after the Oscars, showing the biggest post-Oscars revenue jump out of any award-winning film.

The “Parasite” graphic novel is expected to hit American shelves as soon as May 19.