How do you breathe new life into one of literature’s most enduring tales of vengeance?
The Curse of Monte Cristo answers that question with breathtaking audacity and style. This is not merely an adaptation but a hugely respected reinterpretation, transplanting Alexandre Dumas’s classic into the crucible of the Haitian Revolution and infusing it with a dark, supernatural horror that feels both shocking and utterly fitting.
It helps, of course, that this graphic novel reviewer had not read the original before reading this ‘remake’. I apologise. I’ve caught up now and can confirm that The Count of Monte Cristo has zero demons. However, the original hints at supernatural and otherworldly intervention. Ergo, this is graphic novel is an interesting deviation…
Writers David Dabel and E.N. Holder, with Dabel inspired by his and Dumas’s shared Haitian heritage, make a pivotal change: their Edmond Dantès is a Haitian man of African descent. Framed and condemned to the hellish Château d’If, his burning desire for revenge summons a demonic entity, Faria, who offers him the power to escape and destroy his enemies. This reframing gives the narrative a profound new weight and urgency. The quest for vengeance is no longer just personal; it is a righteous and deeply cathartic struggle against the racist, white colonial powers that enslaved him.
My favourite line?
Where in the hell is Monte Cristo?
The artwork
Visually, the graphic novel is a triumph. The artwork by David Lentz and Rodrigo Catraca is harsh and visceral, full of sharp edges and angles that keep the reader on edge. Their dramatic use of shadow and glowing colour creates a gothic atmosphere that is both brilliant and deeply unsettling, perfectly capturing the story’s blend of historical grit and demonic magic.
The story
Whilst the pace is a whirlwind, it successfully sweeps the reader along through a torrent of blood, rebellion, and retribution. Having now read the original, I can confirm that The Curse cleverly maintains the essential elements of the original plot, making it a satisfying read for long-time fans of The Count of Monte Cristo, yet it stands powerfully on its own for newcomers. The supernatural pact at its heart adds a compelling layer of dark fantasy, blurring the line between righteous fury and demonic influence as Edmond must grapple with his own inner demons as much as his external foes.
There are no jump scares or gore splashes here. Not really. This is a horror story of a more refined nature.
Overall
Bold, thematically rich, and visually stunning, The Curse of Monte Cristo is a highly recommended triumph. It is a must-read for lovers of graphic novels, horror, and classic literature, proving that some stories are not just timeless, but can be reborn to speak powerfully to our own era.
However, while I loved The Curse, I can’t compare it to The Count. I’ve not got skin in the game. I bet there will be people appalled by the remake. Me? Hell no.
Disclaimer: My copy of The Curse of Monte Cristo was provided free to review. The graphic novel is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster.
Quick Links
- The Curse of Monte Cristo: Amazon | Anyone but Amazon.
