Key Facts
- ✓ Conceptual designer Ricardo Delgado has launched a Kickstarter campaign for his new illustrated novel, Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale.
- ✓ The 200-page book is a follow-up to his 2021 work, Dracula of Transylvania, and is set in the same world during the 1940s.
- ✓ The novel blends historical maps, Delgado's illustrations, and photos of real-world locations in a mix of English and Spanish.
- ✓ Inspired by classic horror works and Costa Rican folklore, the project weaves Delgado's family history into a new multi-media mythology.
- ✓ The book is published by Clover Press and is described as a 'gruesome novel' that is part folktale and part autobiography.
A New Chapter in Horror
Conceptual designer and comic book creator Ricardo Delgado is revisiting the terrifying world he first explored in 2021. His latest project, Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale, serves as a follow-up to his acclaimed book, Dracula of Transylvania, which re-imagined Bram Stoker's iconic villain as a complete horror.
This new illustrated novel blends historical fact with chilling fiction, transporting the vampire mythos from the castles of Transylvania to the vibrant landscapes of 1940s Costa Rica. The project is currently seeking support through a live crowdfunding campaign, offering fans a chance to own a piece of this ambitious new mythology.
The Story and Its Roots
Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale is a 200-page illustrated novel that continues the narrative established in Delgado's previous work. The story is set in the same universe as Dracula of Transylvania, but shifts the action to Central America in the 1940s. This new setting allows Delgado to explore a different cultural context for the vampire legend.
The book is published in a mix of English and Spanish, reflecting its unique setting and themes. It features a rich tapestry of visual elements, including:
- Historical maps that ground the story in a real-world context
- Delgado's signature illustrations, which bring the horror to life
- Photographs of actual locations in Costa Rica
This multi-media approach creates an immersive experience, blurring the lines between a traditional novel and an art book.
"“Part folktale. Part autobiography. This gruesome novel is a captivating celebration of urban legends, horror stories and the power they hold over us.”"
— Hank Kanalz, Publisher at Clover Press
A Fusion of Inspirations
The creative vision for Vampyre draws from a diverse range of sources. According to Hank Kanalz, Publisher at Clover Press, the novel is a "captivating celebration of urban legends, horror stories and the power they hold over us."
“Part folktale. Part autobiography. This gruesome novel is a captivating celebration of urban legends, horror stories and the power they hold over us.”
Delgado's work is explicitly inspired by several classic horror touchstones. The visual storytelling echoes the style of the 1980's illustrated novella Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King and Berni Wrightson. The narrative itself is deeply influenced by the foundational text of vampire literature, Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Most uniquely, the novel incorporates elements of Costa Rican folklore, weaving Delgado's own family history into the fabric of the story. This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the horror narrative.
Bringing the Folklore to Life
The production of Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale represents a significant creative undertaking. The book is not merely a story but an ambitious multi-media mythology that combines text, illustration, and photography. This format allows readers to experience the narrative through multiple sensory channels.
The project is being published by Clover Press, a publisher known for supporting unique and high-quality illustrated works. The decision to use a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter demonstrates a direct-to-community approach, allowing fans and collectors to be part of the book's creation from the very beginning.
The blend of personal autobiography with established horror tropes creates a unique narrative voice. By rooting a classic monster in a specific family history and cultural setting, Delgado offers a fresh perspective on a timeless legend.
How to Experience the Tale
For those interested in this unique horror experience, the Kickstarter campaign for Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale is currently live. The campaign provides an opportunity to secure a copy of the illustrated novel and support its publication.
The project represents a significant moment for fans of illustrated horror and graphic novels. It showcases how contemporary creators are reimagining classic literary figures through modern lenses and diverse cultural perspectives.
By merging historical research, personal narrative, and classic horror aesthetics, Delgado's work promises to be a noteworthy addition to the genre. The book is positioned as a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of vampire lore and illustrated storytelling.
Looking Ahead
Vampyre: A Costa Rican Folktale stands as a testament to the enduring power of the vampire myth. By transposing the legend to a new time and place, Ricardo Delgado explores how horror stories evolve and adapt across cultures.
The project's success will likely influence how classic literary monsters are reinterpreted in the future, encouraging creators to look beyond traditional European settings. As the Kickstarter campaign progresses, the book is poised to become a significant entry in the world of illustrated horror fiction.
