Dark Horse Adapting STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW for Graphic Novel Release Dark Horse Books has announced the release of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, an 80-page graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning play of the same name. The project, which marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between theatre and television, will be available for preorder starting immediately and will hit shelves on January 19, 2027, priced at $19.99. The graphic novel brings the stage production to the page, offering fans a new way to experience the story. The play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, premiered in 2023 at London’s Phoenix Theatre and New York’s Marquis Theatre. Set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the story follows Henry Creel, a teenage boy seeking a fresh start after a troubled past. Initially, Henry finds solace in friendship and school life, but a wave of violent crimes in the town forces him to confront a terrifying possibility: his own connection to the horrors unfolding around him. As the mystery deepens, Henry must navigate the shadows of his past while uniting the town to face an unspeakable darkness. The stage production received widespread critical acclaim, earning five-star reviews and multiple awards. It took home the Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. The play also became the most Tony Award-winning play of 2025, securing four awards, including Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play, and a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects. Netflix’s involvement in the project marked its first foray into theatre, drawing attention from both theatre and television audiences.#stranger_things #dark_horse_books #phoenix_theatre #marquis_theatre #olivier_awards
Stranger Things: The First Shadow Graphic Novel Adaptation Announced The stage prequel to the Netflix series Stranger Things, currently playing on Broadway and London’s West End, is set to receive an 80-page graphic novel adaptation from Dark Horse Books. The graphic novel, titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow, will be released on January 19, 2027, and will be available wherever comic books are sold. The adaptation is based on Kate Trefry’s play, which itself was developed from a concept by Trefry, the Duffer Brothers, and Jack Thorne. The play, which serves as a prequel to the Netflix series, delves into the backstory of the show’s primary antagonist, Vecna. The stage production, which has been running for over three years, will conclude its London run at the Phoenix Theatre on December 27, 2026, and its Broadway run at the Marriott Marquis Theatre on January 3, 2027. The production has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design, as well as four Tony Awards. These include Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play, and a Special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects. The Broadway production was filmed live on stage with its original cast, featuring Tony nominee Louis McCartney as Henry Creel and Gabrielle Nevaeh as Patty Newby. The live filming, which took place earlier this year, will be streamed on Netflix at a later date. The play is directed by Stephen Daldry, with co-direction by Justin Martin. The graphic novel adaptation will be created by a team of writers and artists, including Rachel Pinnelas, Jake Bartok, Michael Atiyeh, and Tyler Smith.#stranger_things #jack_thorne #duffer_brothers #dark_horse_books #kate_trefry
