The graphic novel Rebel, an adaptation of the finale of Marie Lu's Legend series, arrives in bookstores to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the author's debut. Published by Roaring Brook Press, the work features an adaptation by Kyla Vanderklugt and illustrations by Kaari. The story follows Day and June, who reunite to rescue Day's younger brother, Eden, from the dark influences of Ross City. Lu describes the adaptation as a dream come true, seeing her scenes come to life.
The technical process of adapting a dystopia into a comic 🎨
Kyla Vanderklugt faced the challenge of condensing a 350-page novel into a visual format of 240 pages. The decision was to prioritize narrative rhythm over text quantity, eliminating secondary subplots and using tight framing to convey tension. Kaari opted for a palette of blues and oranges to differentiate Ross City's districts and controlled zones. Additionally, borderless panels were used in action scenes to speed up reading, while flashbacks appear with a sepia filter.
How not to go crazy drawing Day and June again 😅
Kaari had to draw Day with messy hair in 47 different panels and June with her serious expression in another 63. The artist confessed that her left wrist asked for a vacation after chapter three. For her part, Vanderklugt admitted that cutting June's internal monologues was like telling a friend to stop talking about their ex: necessary but painful. In the end, the comic turns out well, but purists are already preparing their lists of what's missing.