Filmmaker Carlton Hickman Creates 'Empyreal' a Graphic Novel Inspired by Chinese Martial Arts Films

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Filmmaker, Carlton Hickman has created a graphic novel that is compelling, innovative and graphically intriguing.  "Empyreal - The Legend of Jin Hu" was inspired by contemporary and some of the classic Chinese martial arts films that he intensively watched growing up.

"This book goes beyond any single culture or belief system, with the nucleus of the story focusing on the strong ambitions of the main character, Jin Hu.  He is conflicted, but that doesn't get in the way of his mission of revenge, as the realizations of his true destiny unfolds, " says Hickman.  The story is unpredictable in the sense, it's changing the rules for what is commonly accepted, among true fans of the graphic novels genre.  Basing this story in Chinese mythology is unusual for a book of its kind, and that allows readers to embrace the unfamiliar and pushing the boundaries of graphic novel storytelling.  

"Empyreal" has been four years in the making.  The fact that Chinese entertainment has been widely appreciated by American audiences, only heightened the energy and cemented the belief in Hickman's journey on this project. " With the success of movies like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Kiss of the Dragon", introducing "Empyreal" is worth the wait, " says Hickman. While developing the book, I was told time and time again that a story based in a foreign country would not resonate with readers.  I decided to challenge that stigma.  Besides, great visuals are critical to what is embraced, and that has been proven with foreign films and foreign language films in America, " adds Hickman.

This book is proving that with a compelling storyline and amazing graphics, anything is possible.  Filmmaker, Carlton Hickman created a graphic novel that was inspired by a Chinese culture that will be embraced by nations.


About Carlton Hickman

As a programmer, writer, graphic designer and filmmaker, Carlton Hickman has leveraged his innovative spirit to create outstanding works of art and find new ways to approach making movies.  He received his B.A. in Computer Science from Hofstra University and started an Internet advertising company called CPX Interactive.  CPX Interactive would grow to receive multiple mentions on INC 500's fastest growing company list.  Believing in the essence of his work as a filmmaker, Carlton helped finance two feature-length movies.  His first was Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet, which was purchased by Grindstone Entertainment and released by Lion's Gate.  He fully funded his second feature, Kill Katie Malone, which was purchased by Showtime network and in weekly rotation for the first quarter of 2012.

Carlton Hickman is currently looking for immediate publishing, distribution and licensing deals.  To view a sample of "Empyreal:  Volume I," please visit:
bit.ly/lwSyUK