Del Rey to publish Smythe's popular webcomic series Lore Olympus

Del Rey UK has acquired three volumes of Lore Olympus, a graphic novel series by writer and artist Rachel Smythe.

The series which "gives the much beloved Greek myth of Hades and Persephone a unique modern twist in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel", was originally published on the webcomic platform Webtoon in 2017 where it currently has over five million subscribers. It is also in development with the Jim Henson Company for an animated show. 

Volume One will include episodes one to 25 of the original webcomic, and will also feature full colour illustrations and an exclusive new short story. It will be published in partnership with Del Rey US on 5th October 2021, with a co-ordinated global English-language publication. Volume Two will follow in February 2022, and Volume Three in June 2022. 

Sam Bradbury, senior editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Kind at Del Rey US. Bradbury commented: "I am absolutely ecstatic to be publishing Lore Olympus in the UK. This Hades and Persephone retelling is witty, charming and addictive, but it also addresses the problematic aspects of the original legends head on in a really meaningful way. The graphic novel market is really an area of growth right now, and it’s easy to see why when we have stories like these coming through. Lore Olympus is told as much as much through its stunning artwork as its words, and together they create something exponentially more powerful than either could do alone."