Haunting Adeline adult graphic novels set for 2027 release
A graphic novel adaptation of H.D. Carlton's bestselling dark romance Haunting Adeline is set for release next year, Variety reports. Deviant Ink Publishing will launch the project as an adult graphic comic series in early 2027, with Blackstone Publishing distributing, amid ongoing BookTok backlash over a planned film adaptation.
Key Takeaways
- Deviant Ink will publish Haunting Adeline first as comics in early 2027, then as collected graphic novels.
- Blackstone Publishing will distribute both formats to comic shops and the broader bookstore market.
- The announcement lands amid BookTok backlash over adapting the book's stalker-romance plot for film.
- Carlton apologized to fans facing criticism for supporting the movie, saying it remains on track.
- Creative-team, cover, retailer, and preorder details are expected in the coming months.
What is happening with the Haunting Adeline graphic novels?
According to Variety, the project is developed and published by Deviant Ink Publishing, a romance and dark romance-focused illustrated formats publisher. The comic book series is scheduled to launch in early 2027 in comic book stores nationwide, followed by collected graphic novel editions aimed at bookstores.
Blackstone Publishing, in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con amid the announcement, will distribute the comics and collected editions. Deviant Ink and Blackstone say the formats will bring Zade and Addie's world to life for the first time in an official sequential-art format, built for adult readers, collectors, and longtime fans of the series.
Carlton's self-published bestseller follows Adeline Reilly as she returns to Seattle and her late grandmother's gothic mansion, only to face a stalker whose pursuit echoes a grim family history recorded in her great-grandmother's journals.
Why does the film adaptation backlash matter?
News of the graphic novels arrives during intense BookTok debate after Carlton's July 14 announcement that a film adaptation of Haunting Adeline is in the works. At the center of the controversy is whether the book's divisive stalker-romance storyline and sexual abuse plot points should reach the screen.
Carlton posted an Instagram video Friday to apologize to those who believe in the story's right to exist as a book or a movie and who have faced backlash for supporting the film. She said the adaptation is still on track. Variety confirmed no further film details are available at this time.
Who is behind the adult graphic novel deal?
The graphic novel deal among Carlton, Deviant Ink, and Blackstone was arranged by Kimberly Whalen of The Whalen Agency. Deviant Ink publisher Eduardo Alpuente said dark romance readers are among publishing's most passionate fans, and Haunting Adeline proved how powerful that audience has become.
Alpuente added that the adaptation aims to honor the novel's atmosphere, danger, and emotional intensity while offering a visually striking new experience. Blackstone CEO Josh Stanton said fans were already making art, sharing edits, building mood boards, and collecting merch—turning the story into a visual world—so comics and graphic novels are a smart next step.
Carlton told Variety she never conceived of Haunting Adeline coming to San Diego Comic-Con, yet it feels right, like Zade and Addie entering another home. She said she is thrilled for readers to immerse themselves in the world in a whole new way. For more entertainment coverage, browse our Streaming & TV Alerts hub. Additional creative announcements and preorder details will follow in the coming months.