Oni Press and Magnetic Press Launch A Scoundrel in the New World Kickstarter From Blacksad Artist Juanjo Guarnido and Alain Ayroles

Oni Press and Magnetic Press have launched a Kickstarter campaign for A Scoundrel in the New World, a historical adventure graphic novel by artist Juanjo Guarnido, best known for Blacksad, and writer Alain Ayroles. The Kickstarter campaign is now live.

The story follows Don Pablos of Segovia, a conman and unreliable narrator who leaves Spain in search of fortune in the Americas during the 17th century. After eventually landing in prison, Pablos recounts his adventures to inquisitors eager to learn what he knows about the legendary treasure of El Dorado. Anime Corner has the exclusive opportunity to share a preview of the novel:

The graphic novel is inspired by Francisco de Quevedo’s 1626 satirical novel Historia de la vida del Buscón, llamado don Pablos, also known in English as The Life of the Swindler Named Don Pablos. The new work is continuing that literary tradition while expanding Pablos’ story into the Spanish colonies.

Magnetic Press Director of Publishing Mike Kennedy commented:

“A Scoundrel in the New World may be Juanjo Guarnido’s most ambitious work to date, even compared to his work as the co-creator and artist of the world-famous Blacksad series. Every panel is a painting, filled with immaculate historical detail, expressive characters, and cinematic lighting that really brings the period to life with vibrant intensity. Alain Ayroles’ script is a brilliant homage to the Golden Age of Spanish literature, a witty and somewhat cynical tale employing a shifting ‘Rashomon-style’ perspective that keeps the reader questioning the protagonist’s credibility until the final page. This book combines the cynical historical wit of Blackadder with the sprawling adventure of El Dorado.”

Ayroles and Guarnido also shared the following statement:

“A Scoundrel in the New World is the result of a decade of thinking, cogitation and rumination around an extremely compelling storyline. It is deeply important to us since it is a tribute and a sequel to one of the most important pieces of the golden century of Spanish literature, as well as the unarguable summit of the picaresque genre: Quevedo’s El Buscón. After a decade concluded by three and a half years of storyboarding, adjusting, drawing, adjusting again, watercoloring, adjusting more (oh yes, after watercoloring!) and fine-tuning, this intricate production which is likely, even if we both cherish our other and dear professional achievements, our finest work.”

The Kickstarter campaign includes a deluxe hardcover edition as well as a limited collector’s slipcase edition featuring a textured spine, Smyth-sewn binding, satin ribbon bookmark, gold foil gilded page edges and a numbered bookplate.

Guarnido previously worked as an animator at Walt Disney Studios on films including Tarzan and Hercules before becoming internationally known for his work on Blacksad. Ayroles is known for works including Garulfo and for historical stories built around layered narration and unreliable perspectives.

Source: Press Release