The classic Irish myth of the Hound of Ulster is being adapted and modernized in the new original graphic novel Hound. The story mixes magic, violence, and a heaping dose of comedy and irony - all set on spectacular Irish landscapes drawn by Paul J. Bolger, a film animator and storyboard artist who's worked on everything from Shaun the Sheep and Loving Vincent to the live-action/animation hybrid Cool World.
Hound is drawn and co-written by Bolger, alongside Barry Devlin, who wrote the film A Man of No Importance and the documentary U2: Making of Rattle & Hum. Dee Cunniffe is onboard as the colorist.
Set in 50 BCE, Hound follows Setanta, the young ward of the war goddess Morrigan. Originally pressed into service to stir wars after a long period of peace in Ireland, Setanta at first does that by killing the demon-hound of Cullan, which earns him the name Cú Cullan - the Hound of Cullan. But as he grows older, Cú Cullan realizes the immense power he has (and darkness) and decides to lay it all down to become a farmer. Enflamed by this rebellious act, Morrigan begins a full-on invasion of Ireland which Cú Cullan is the only one able to lead a resistance against.
"Hound is a stunning example of comics storytelling being used to reinvigorate ancient legends for a modern audience," says writer/director Tom Moore in the announcement, who did similarly with his hit film the Secret of the Kells.
Hound goes on sale on March 9, 2022.
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