The “USS Callister” episode ofBlack Mirroris being adapted into comic book form. “USS Callister” serves as the premiere episode of Season 4, starring Jesse Plemons and Cristin Milioti as virtual reality programmer Robert Daly and the assistant inhisStar Trek-esque VR game. The episode was acclaimed with four Emmy wins anda Season 7 sequel episode, “Into Infinity.“Its popularity has justified an adaptation within another medium.
Bleeding Coolconfirms thatUSS Callister, written by Neil Gibson and illustrated by Silvano Beltramo, will serve asBlack Mirror’sfirst ever official graphic novel. The story of the original episode will be adapted from Twisted Comics, who have aKickstartercampaign to bring the project to life. Previously, Neil Gibson’s Twisted Comics released aBlack Mirrorcomic for Free Comic Book Day previewing their adaptation of “San Junipero.” Images from that andUSS Callistercan be found below:
The news comes with this official press release:
We’re also having fun playing with the show-within-a-show, Space Fleet. Expect to spot all sorts of clever nods throughout the comic, like this fake cover of the 1960s Space Fleet comic issue one. We imagine it framed in Robert Daly’s office as a little extra detail for fans who love that stuff (we know you’re out there).
The Kickstarter campaign offers behind-the-scenes previews like this, as well as special perks for backers. The graphic novel is expected to be released in full color.
Black Mirror Will Adapt USS Callister as Their First Official Comic
USS Callister by writer Neil Gibson and artist Silvano Beltramo
USS Callisterofficially marks the first step inBlack Mirror’smost beloved episodes becoming adapted into comic book form. Considering the previews for “San Juniperio’s” adaptation, one has to assume that multiple episodes are expected to be adapted into graphic novels in the future afterUSS Callister’srelease, especially ifUSS Callisterproves to be a smashing success. When these adaptations hit the market depends entirely on when Twisted Comics' Kickstarter page achieves its goals. The sooner that fans want to see these episodes adapted, the sooner they need to contribute to the Kickstarter.
What’s also interesting is that Neil Gibson and co. promise to also"play"with the idea of the show-within-a-show,Space Fleet, potentially adding a new layer to the episode that the television series could not expand upon within its medium. It’s clear that Gibson and his creative team are taking full opportunity and advantage of the new medium they are presenting the episode in, offering a new style and atmosphere that just was not possible in the original series.
Black Mirror Transcends Into a New Medium
USS Callister Can Be Delved Into in a New Way
Some readers may wonder why they should invest in a copy ofUSS CallisterwhentheBlack Mirrorepisodealready exists as part of the Netflix subscription. It’s becauseadapting a show to a comic offers an opportunity to tell the story again in a refreshing way. A TV show can be limited, visually, by its budget, but the only limitation in comics is imagination. As long as this official Black Mirror graphic novel presents something new and fresh to audiences, USS Callister could feel like reading a whole new storyline.
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Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.
