New Graphic Biography Depicts Troubled Italian Artist

This weekend on Sunday March 15, Award-winning graphic novelist, filmmaker, and animator Ken Mora is debuting his newest graphic novel Caravaggio: Scuro, Vol. II, the concluding chapter of his two-part graphic biography about the volatile but brilliant Italian artist known as much for his dramatic art as for his troubled personal life. Set to launch amidst a cultural event at the historic Palazzo Venezia in Naples Italy, the event is already sparking larger conversations around a high-octane movie deal.

The first installment of the series, Caravaggio: A Light Before the Darkness, was an award-winning novel, earning honors including the Independent Press Award, the Screencraft Cinematic Book Award, and recognition from the New Media Film Festival.

As the epic literary journey continues, the project is gaining attention not just as a graphic novel but as a cinematic story waiting to happen. Caravaggio’s life, which was filled with artistic genius, street fights, scandal, exile, and mystery, reads much like a Hollywood screenplay, and Mora’s visually driven storytelling format has already prompted conversations about how the dramatic biography could translate to film.

"I am so grateful for the excitement already surrounding this book. When art so closely mirrors life, I think there’s a powerful message about the brilliance and mental struggle of someone so talented, but so troubled. This could strike at the core of audiences as a full-feature film."

With Hollywood constantly searching for visually rich historical epics, this graphic retelling of one of art history’s most notorious figures could be the next story to make the leap from page to screen.

Those interested in learning more about Ken Mora, or to obtain a copy of the Caravaggio book, please go to: kenmora.com