'Haunting Adeline' Graphic Novel Adaptation Announced Amid Film Adaptation Backlash

H.D. Carlton's bestselling dark romance novel "Haunting Adeline" is heading to the illustrated format, with an adult graphic novel adaptation slated to begin rolling out next year. The project, developed and published by Deviant Ink Publishing and distributed by Blackstone Publishing, was announced during San Diego Comic-Con.

From Page to Panel: Release Strategy and Timeline

The adaptation will unfold in two phases. A comic book series is scheduled to launch in early 2027 at comic book stores nationwide, with collected graphic novel editions to follow for the broader bookstore market. Blackstone Publishing, currently in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con amid the announcement, will handle distribution of both the serialized comics and the collected editions.

Deviant Ink Publishing, a publisher specializing in romance and dark romance illustrated formats, describes the project as the first official sequential-art adaptation of the "Haunting Adeline" universe. The company states that the comics are being developed specifically for adult readers, collectors, and longtime fans of the series.

Additional details, including creative team announcements, cover reveals, retailer information, and preorder specifics, are expected to be released in the coming months. The deal was arranged by Kimberly Whalen of The Whalen Agency on behalf of Carlton, Deviant Ink, and Blackstone.

A Divisive Story Reaching New Audiences

"Haunting Adeline," originally self-published by Carlton, follows Adeline Reilly, an author who moves back to Seattle seeking a fresh start after inheriting her late grandmother's gothic mansion, Parson's Manor. The story centers on Adeline's discovery that she is being stalked — an ordeal that mirrors the experiences documented in her great-grandmother's haunting journals, which chronicle a similar pursuit that ended in brutal murder. The narrative intertwines gothic suspense with a controversial stalker-romance storyline.

Carlton expressed enthusiasm about the adaptation's debut at San Diego Comic-Con, stating that seeing "Haunting Adeline" at the event feels right, as though the characters Zade and Addie are entering another home. The author said she is excited for readers to immerse themselves in the story through a new medium and anticipates an enthusiastic reception from the fanbase at Comic-Con.

Film Adaptation Sparks Heated BookTok Debate

The graphic novel announcement arrives during a period of intense discussion within the BookTok community. On July 14, Carlton revealed that a film adaptation of "Haunting Adeline" is currently in development, triggering a polarized response from readers. The controversy centers on whether the book's stalker-romance narrative and sexual abuse plot points should be adapted for the screen.

Carlton addressed the situation in an Instagram video posted Friday, offering an apology to supporters who believe in the project's right to exist as a book or film and who have experienced backlash for backing the adaptation. The author confirmed that the film remains on track, though no further details about the production have been disclosed at this time.

Publishers Point to Fan Passion

Eduardo Alpuente, publisher at Deviant Ink Publishing, emphasized the dedication of dark romance readers, calling them some of the most passionate fans in publishing and noting that "Haunting Adeline" demonstrated just how powerful that audience has become. Alpuente said the adaptation offers the chance to honor the atmosphere, danger, and emotional intensity of Carlton's novel while creating a visually striking new experience for fans.

Josh Stanton, CEO of Blackstone Publishing, highlighted that fans had already been creating art, sharing edits, building mood boards, and collecting merchandise related to the book well before the industry took notice. Stanton pointed to the intensity of reader engagement rather than sheer audience size as the driving factor behind the decision to pursue comics and graphic novels, calling the format a smart next step and praising Deviant Ink as a creative partner built for atmosphere, character, and obsession.

As "Haunting Adeline" expands across multiple media, the franchise continues to demonstrate the growing cultural footprint of dark romance in publishing and entertainment. Whether through illustrated panels or a potential screen adaptation, Carlton's work is clearly resonating with a readership that engages with remarkable intensity. If you found this article informative, share it with fellow readers and join the conversation about the expanding reach of dark romance in popular culture.

Source: Variety