PARKS AND SAMNEE TAKE CAPOTE TO KANSAS THIS JULY
Oni Press is pleased to announce the July release of CAPOTE IN KANSAS, an original graphic novel by Ande Parks and Chris Samnee. Like Parks’ UNION STATION, this 128-page all-new story focuses on the effect that real life crime has on individuals’ lives.
In 1959, Truman Capote traveled to Holcomb, Kansas to write a book about a pair of killers. The relationship that grew between he and the two men was something he never anticipated, and the result was arguably his most powerful work, IN COLD BLOOD. Heralded as groundbreaking, his “nonfiction novel” got inside the minds of the killers and the sad, disturbing reality of murder. But at what cost did his masterpiece come? In his own fictionalized account, Parks turns his eye to the story behind the story.
Parks explains,” I felt this book offered a really interesting challenge. I needed to tell the story of the creation of a great piece of art without re-telling Capote’s book. Believe me; Truman has already done the Clutter murder case and its aftermath. Rehashing the crime would be a waste of time.
“That’s not to say that CAPOTE IN KANSAS doesn’t touch upon the horror of the crimes, but this is not a crime book. It is a portrait of a great artist creating a great work of art, and a study of the sacrifices he had to make to do so. Truman himself said that he would never have stopped in Kansas if he had known what was in store for him there. IN COLD BLOOD cost him six years, along with, arguably, his artistic soul.”
Oni Editor in Chief James Lucas Jones, commented, “CAPOTE IN KANSAS is a must read for any fan of Truman Capote’s work, but you don’t have to know anything about him to enjoy it. Ande’s packed all the information you need inside these pages; just sit back and let him handle the introductions. “
Parks is joined by artist Chris Samnee. “As with UNION STATION, I was extremely fortunate to hook up with the perfect artist for CAPOTE IN KANSAS,” Parks comments. “Chris is delivering really rich work that completely puts you in the setting without ever seeming stiff or dull. The finished product is something I am really proud of… the whole far exceeds my expectations as I wrote.”
Jones adds, “We couldn’t have found a better artist for this particular story. Chris really captures the atmosphere of these events, as well as the nuances of expression of each character. Combined with Ande’s writing, you feel like you’re right there with Truman as the events unfold.”
Jones concludes, “Ande has yet again done what he does best, turned our view simultaneously to the individual results of crime and the universal themes they represent. Truman Capote would be proud.”
Exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of art and truth, CAPOTE IN KANSAS joins a growing library of OniGNs- original graphic novels with compelling stories and themes by veteran publisher Oni Press.
CAPOTE IN KANSAS is a 128-page trade paperback, featuring black-and-white story and art. It ships to comic book stores on July 7, 2005 and retails for $11.95. The ISBN for the graphic novel is .
