'The Count of Monte Cristo' Gets a Sci-Fi Adaptation in Ibrahim Moustafa’s 'Count'

Humanoids, the Los Angeles-based publisher of some of the world’s most iconic and groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy graphic novels, will publish Eisner-nominated writer/artist Ibrahim Moustafa’s graphic novel COUNT, a bold, science-fiction adaptation of the classic story The Count of Monte Cristo, on March 16, 2021. The book is being published as part of a three-book deal between Moustafa and Humanoids.

COUNT follows the adventures of one Redxan Samud. Framed for treason and wrongfully imprisoned at the hands of a jealous and corrupt magistrate, Samud escapes his breathtaking hover-prison with only one thing on his mind: revenge. Samud sets out to dismantle the lives of those who have wronged him, disguised as a Man of Status with a newfound fortune at his disposal and his Automaton Retainer Unit (Aru) by his side. But as collateral damage accumulates, Samud is caught between using his new fortune for the good of the people or pursuing the revenge he so desperately desires.

"Humanoids has always been at the forefront of publishing beautifully produced, imaginative graphic novels," said Ibrahim Moustafa. "I'm incredibly honored to have COUNT added to that pantheon and grateful for a long-term commitment to publish more of the kinds of stories I'd like to tell." 

COUNT features colors by Brad Simpson (Crone, Stray Dogs), letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (PanelxPanel, Undone by Blood), and was edited by Rob Levin.

Ahead of publication, the book is receiving widespread accolades:

“The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most iconic and most adapted novels ever published. But it's safe to say you've never seen a version of that story like the one in Count. This upcoming graphic novel from writer/artist Ibraim Moustafa (James Bond: Origin) retains the basic elements of a wrongfully imprisoned man embarking on a quest for vengeance, but transforms it into a futuristic science fiction epic.”—IGN

“Come for the sweeping, beautifully-drawn tale of vengeance and rebellion, stay for the really cool robot.”—Jody Houser (writer, Star Wars, Doctor Who)

“Ibrahim Moustafa is doing what many comic creators can only dream of. Writing, drawing, and creating a personal vision that no one can duplicate. In COUNT he pulls a real Edmond Dantés, disappearing for a while, only to emerge as a master of the craft.”—Nick Dragotta (storyteller, East of West)

“An inspiring mix of swashbuckling action and technopunk ideas, this fantasy-etched retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo will entertain young readers endlessly... and delight the rest of us yearning for a good ol’ fashioned sci-romp.”—Eric Wallace (Executive Producer & writer of TV’s The Flash, Teen Wolf, and Eureka)

“Ibrahim Moustafa's COUNT is an absolutely stunning OGN, establishing him as a high-caliber writer/artist well worthy of Humanoids' rich pedigree. I cannot wait to see where he goes from here.”—Joseph Keatinge (writer, Ringside, Shutter)

“COUNT makes it extremely clear that Moustafa is one of the brightest talents in comics today.”—Nick Barber (artist, Ringside, Sony Animation)

“COUNT is an impressive book, instantly immersive with great design and sharp storytelling. Ibrahim brings a special life to this story with skilled gestures and fantastic expressions, a combination that is not seen often enough in comics. COUNT is Ibrahim’s best work to date, and that’s saying something as a longtime fan.”—Justin Greenwood (artist, Stumptown, The Fuse)

“Even when people are quietly talking, there’s a breathless quality to COUNT that pulls you along the whole way through and never runs out of steam. From bloodied fists to impossible swords, Moustafa pulls from countless genres and ideas and somehow frankensteins them all together into a swashbuckling adventure that evokes the best of what made you love comics in the first place.”—Christopher Sebela (writer, Crowded, High Crimes).

Courtesy of Humanoids