The Spider King: Viking vs. Aliens Graphic Novel by Josh Vann and Simone D'Armini
The Spider King, a graphic novel by Australian writer Josh Vann and Italian artist Simone D'Armini, blends Norse saga realism with sci-fi horror. The story follows Hrolf Hallvardson, an inadequate Viking king, and Sigrid Kjartandottir, a rebellious Lombard princess, as they lead a ragtag group against a cosmic parasite that enslaves minds. The artwork, described as neo-cubist and neo-futurist with a grotesque geometric style, recalls Mike Mignola's Hellboy. Originally funded via crowdfunding in 2014, it won a Ledger Award in 2016 and was republished in 2018 by IDW Publishing of San Diego, achieving international success. A sequel is anticipated.
Key facts
- The Spider King is a graphic novel by Josh Vann and Simone D'Armini.
- The story is set in early medieval Northern Europe and combines Norse sagas with alien invasion.
- Main characters include Hrolf Hallvardson and Sigrid Kjartandottir.
- The artwork is described as neo-cubist, neo-futurist, and reminiscent of Mike Mignola.
- The book was initially funded through a crowdfunding campaign in 2014.
- It won a Ledger Award in 2016.
- IDW Publishing of San Diego republished it in 2018 as four comic books.
- A sequel is planned.
Entities
Artists
- Josh Vann
- Simone D'Armini
- Mike Mignola
- Ferruccio Giromini
Institutions
- SaldaPress
- IDW Publishing
- Scuola Romana dei Fumetti
- Artribune
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Edimburgo
- San Diego
- Reggio Emilia