Renfield
...a tale of madness.
In this haunting and sophisticated series, Renfield tells a tale of madness as it delves into the story of the bug-eating prophet of Bram Stoker's Dracula. In the original novel, Renfield was the insane inmate who foretold the coming of the evil vampire and served somewhat as a disciple of Dracula. This story explores not only the relationship of Dracula and Renfield but the torment that Renfield felt as a man possessed by almost demonic forces. Impassioned with the zeal of a religious fanatic, Renfield struggles to grasp the overwhelming need to serve the darkness against his humanity. Staying true to the original story in chronological order and events, the comic story line focuses primarily prior to Dracula's actual arrival in England.
As Renfield is slowly being consumed by the madness because of the visions and voices that intrude upon his dreams and nightmares, he must try to understand the mysterious message that his "master" or "messiah" (Dracula) is asking of him. Upon discovering that Dracula is offering him eternal life in exchange for servitude, Renfield comes to grasp that in order for a being like Dracula to live, others must die. This includes Mina Harker who Renfield reveres and this conflict throws Renfield into an internal struggle of the darkness of immortality against his own humanity.
Brief description: Renfield is the saga of a man driven insane by the need to serve his Messiah who is actually Dracula. Based on the classic novel, the story of Renfield is the story that writer Bram Stoker left out of his novel.NOTE: FILM SCRIPT COMPLETED
Key Elements: A psychological horror story that explores a man who is going crazy for the love of his god (Dracula) yet it is love for humanity that will redeem him.
Association: Renfield will appeal to all fans of the Dracula mythos which has one of the largest followings of any genre. While (naturally) touching on vampirism, Renfield avoids the pitfalls of the blood lust that is too common seen. Would appeal greatly to women such as Interview With a Vampire did because it shows the human side of the torment and how love will rescue a soul.
Format: Like the Dracula novel, Renfield has a definite beginning, middle, and end. Initially released as individual issues, the Renfield storyline was compiled into graphic novel format and finished. It was Caliber’s second best selling graphic novel to date and is a frequent mention on relists and critical hits.
Additional: Renfield is a story that will instantly be familiar to most viewers yet the mysterious aspects will be allowed to unfold in a natural progression. The use of the horrific scenes involving Dracula can vary the level of graphic horror that may be conveyed.
Critical Mass
A gothic jewel..."
Comics Buyers' Guide"Most intelligent graphic novel I've ever read."
Combo Magazine"One of the best..."
Tomorrow's News"Spotlight of the Month"
Advance Comics"...puts a new twist to the Dracula mythos..."
Comics/Animation Newswire"Recommended Reading"
Comics Scoreboard"...fascinating...."
David Peattie, freelance reviewer"Highly Recommended"
Comics America
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Plot Outline
