Inside ‘Nevermore’ : Webtoons’ Gothic Romance Phenomenon
A webcomic series, Nevermore, created by Kit Trace and Kate Flynn, has achieved remarkable success on the digital platform Webtoons, garnering seventy million views. This Gothic romance stands out as one of the platform’s most popular Western comics, a notable achievement given the dominance of manhwa and manga on the Korea-based site.
A Supernatural Academy
Nevermore centers around a group of characters who are all deceased, hailing from various eras of the 19th and 20th centuries. These individuals – including a Southern belle, a housemaid, a French magician, a flapper, and a cardsharp – find themselves at Nevermore Academy, competing in dangerous games for the chance at rebirth.
Inspired by Poe
The series features characters like Lenore, a tomboyish aristocrat, and Annabel Lee, a calculating woman, whose dynamic drives much of the narrative. The creators draw heavily from the works of Edgar Poe, with nearly every character referencing his stories and poems. Kit Trace described Poe as “Father Goth,” noting his influence extends beyond horror to detective and adventure novels like Sherlock and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
From Online Hobby to Webtoons Success
Trace and Flynn began collaborating after a long-standing online friendship, eventually turning a shared dream into a reality. They had been publishing comics online for eight years before being approached by a Webtoons editor who had been a fan of their earlier work. The creators acknowledge the platform’s strengths, including its accessibility and the “eternal scroll” format, which they find ideal for storyboarding.
Challenges and the Future of Webcomics
Despite its success, the duo expressed some concerns about recent changes at Webtoons, hoping the platform will refocus on supporting creators and readers. They also noted the challenges of maintaining a weekly production schedule and the demands of social media engagement. Kit Trace stated that nothing created by artificial intelligence could replace art made by real humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kit Trace and Kate Flynn begin their collaboration?
Kit Trace and Kate Flynn had been friends since high school, playing games online. After attending different colleges – Kate went to art school and Kit studied English – they reconnected and decided to pursue making comics together after Kit had a dream about it.
What inspires the character design in Nevermore?
The character design process begins with a narrative concept, followed by inspiration sheets and rough sketches. Kate Flynn then creates ten to fifteen concepts, which are refined through multiple iterations.
How do the creators feel about the attention their comic receives?
While grateful for the positive support, Kit Trace admits they aren’t accustomed to the level of attention and expectation that comes with a dedicated fandom. They still maintain a relatively low-key lifestyle.
Given the creators’ excitement about the future of Nevermore, what kind of storylines or character developments do you anticipate seeing unfold?