Eisner Award-winning storyteller Ricardo Delgado is expanding the world of his acclaimed illustrated novel DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA with a brand-new project that “draws from his own life and classic horror in equal measure.” Told in Spanish and English, VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE will be “presented in a beautiful hardcover, including over 200 pages crammed with historical maps, Delgado’s beautifully drawn creature designs, and photos of actual locations from the story – past and present.”
We are thrilled to share with Daily Dead readers exclusive details and the cover for the upcoming illustrated novel, which will be heading to Kickstarter early next year.
From the Press Release: VAMPYRE tells an unforgettable story and offers great insight into the work of one of Hollywood’s leading conceptual designers, who has contributed to Apollo 13, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Incredibles, Men in Black, Wall-e, and many other beloved films. Fans can follow the prelaunch page for Clover Press’ Kickstarter campaign to get an email when the project launches in early 2026.
“This is a very personal story for me, and it’s dedicated to my parents,” says Delgado of the one-of-a-kind tale of a small town’s struggle in the face of a series of brutal murders perpetrated by a monstrous creature of the night. Set in the same world as Delgado’s DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA, VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE is a supernatural tale set in 1940’s Costa Rica in the small town Delgado’s parents grew up in.
“Part folktale. Part autobiography. This gruesome novel is a captivating celebration of urban legends, horror stories and the power they hold over us,” Says Clover Press Publisher Hank Kanalz.“Inspired by elements of the classic 1980’s illustrated novella CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF by Stephen King and Berni Wrightson, Bram Stoker’s DRACULA, and Costa Rican folklore, Delgado weaves his family history into an ambitious new multi-media mythology that must be seen and read to be believed.”
VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE features page upon page of original, never-before-seen designs of the terrifying, shapeshifting titular character, and offers an in-depth analysis of Delgado’s process as well as how his childhood influences impact the writing and design of VAMPYRE. The creator also uses his decades of film knowledge to craft additional commentaries on the concept art from a modern Visual Effects perspective in BOTH Spanish and English. This in-depth reading experience even includes a set of maps that explain the real-life locations of the folktale, giving the experience a historical, geographically-based experience.
A multi-talented artist and writer, Ricardo Delgado is one of Hollywood’s most prolific artists. He has contributed character designs and storyboards to countless beloved films including Apollo 13, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Incredibles, Men in Black, and Wall-e. In addition to his film work, Delgado has chronicled the prehistoric world in his Age of Reptiles graphic novels, which earned him the 1997 Eisner Award for Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition.
Here’s what people are saying about VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE
“Lavishly illustrated by Ricardo Delgado, writer and concept artist, VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE is a tour-de-force of horror writing and artistry. Annotated concept art accompanies this macabre historical story of a ferocious Nosferatu that terrifies a small town. Colorful characters provide the backdrop for the unspeakable terror that is woven throughout this creepy tale. Come aboard if you dare.”
— Floyd Norman, Disney Animation Legend
(Sleeping Beauty, Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc)
“VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE is a thrilling journey through the supernatural and the macabre. Opulently written and illustrated by the creator of DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA, and chock full of concept art from Ricardo Delgado, one of Hollywood’s most prominent creature designers. Encrimsoned words and images transport us into unforgettable vampire realm. Delgado’s undead folklore leaves marks deeper than any fangs.”
— Gary Rhodes, Dracula scholar
Author, Tod Browning’s Dracula
Praise for DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA
“Ricardo Delgado does for vampires what he has done for dinosaurs! His elegant and bloody take on Stoker’s classic tale is refreshingly original and scary.”
—John Landis, Director of An American Werewolf in London and Thriller
“Ricardo Delgado’s reimagining of Dracula is strange and bold and brilliantly original. I love it and WOULD be stunned by it if it wasn’t coming from Ricardo. But brilliant is pretty much what I’ve come to expect from him. Still… He may have surpassed his usual brilliance here.”
—Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy
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Visit the Kickstarter Prelaunch Page to get notified when the campaign for VAMPYRE: A COSTA RICAN FOLKTALE goes live in early 2026. For more updates, follow Clover Press on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
