Millennial gothic. On Runberg, Homs and Carot’s graphic novel adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy

Abstract

ABSTRACTA modern classic and a true cross-media phenomenon, Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy (2005-2007) has been filmed both in Sweden and in the U.S. and adapted into two graphic novel narratives . This article investigates the adaptation process from novel to graphic novel with reference to the second, Franco-Belgian, transposition in six volumes, scripted by Sylvain Runberg and drawn by José Homs and Manolo Carot (2013–2015). Special attention is given to the conceptual device of the ‘icon’ in adaptation studies, while the exploration of the gothic presence in the adaptation takes two directions. First, it seeks to discuss the graphic novel creators’ choice of magnifying Salander’s goth persona and the visual glossary at work in the representation of the girl with the gothic attire. Second, it draws attention to the ways in which the adaptation relies on the specificities of the comics format in visualising what has been identified as 'the gothic core' of Larsson's trilogy.