After adapting fan-favorite Black Mirror episodes USS Callister and San Junipero for the comics medium, Twisted Comics’ Neil Gibson would “love” to tell original Black Mirror stories, with Charlie Brooker’s input.
From Creepshow, to The Twilight Zone, to Assorted Crisis Events, comic book anthology series are undergoing a bit of a resurgence nowadays. Of course, Neil Gibson of Twisted Comics has been creating top tier anthology comics for many years at this point, notably through his acclaimed Twisted Dark series. Outside of that, Twisted Comics has also got an ongoing collaboration with Banijay Rights to bring Charlie Brooker’s beloved Black Mirror to the comics medium.
The Black Mirror collaboration has already been a massive success, not least thanks to the initial launch, which came in an adaptation of fan-favorite episode USS Callister. The adaptation reworks the story in a way only the comics medium can offer. It utilised two different artistic styles to represent the altering settings. “Comics can also overlay competing thoughts at the same time, or show subconscious imagery,” Twisted Comics’ Neil Gibson said, per What’s On Netflix. “You can show the past and present at the same time and really play with the medium. For example in an upcoming Back Mirror story, when things get intense the panel itself fractures – symbolising her mind.”
Up next for the Black Mirror comics is an adaptation of Emmy-winning story San Junipero. The project has been a massive success on Kickstarter, exceeding all expectations, breaking £60,000 from its £15,000 target after over 950 backers.
San Junipero follows Yorkie and Kelly, whose lives are changed when they visit San Junipero, a fun-loving beach town full of surf, sun and sex. The story is right up there with the most beloved queer sci-fi romances ever created, exploring themes of digital immortality and true love. “San Junipero is one of the most loved Black Mirror episodes and translating it into a graphic novel was something we approached with real care,” said Gibson said in a statement. “Our goal was to honour the tone and emotion of the original story while presenting it in a format that both fans and comic readers can experience in a new way.”
As for what lies in the future of the collaboration between Twisted Comics and Banijay Rights, Neil Gibson would love to tell original stories made for the comics medium — especially if Charlie Brooker is involved. “Frankly, I’d love to tell new Black Mirror stories, ideally with Charlie’s input, but that is out of my hands and for the powers that be to decide,” he said.
Such a project is certainly aspirational, but for now, Gibson is happy to continue adapting fan-favorite stories. “We have plans for more Black Mirror stories, but I can’t say which ones just yet,” he added.
You can check out the San Junipero Kickstarter page here.
Pick up your copy of 'Black Mirror - USS Callister' here
Which Black Mirror episodes would you love to see adapted into comics? Tell us in the comments down below!
