CROWN: A Graphic Novel by Mark Whelan

It is time...

A quarter of a century ago I envisioned a high school play brimful of sweeping grandeur and lavish production. That primitive little spark of imagination--that unfortunately (fortunately?) never saw the light of day--has since escalated into a gargantuan pillar of fiery passion and love.

CROWN is the story of the humble King Sebastian and his secret relationship with the quietly brilliant Court Jester Samuel. Ailing from an unknown sickness, Sebastian discretely plans his twilight hours as surrounding kingdoms plot and scheme, including his estranged brother and rival Krochlan. As the armies assemble and fates are decided, there are troubles at home within Sebastian's castle walls as well.

CROWN is a multi-faceted character study set in a fictitious medieval realm, deceptively simple and intimately epic, it is a haunting and powerful work full of surprise and wonder.

I was inspired by the big, booming Hollywood epics of the time. BRAVEHEART, PRINCESS MONONOKE, and TITANIC definitely left an immeasurable influence on the type of epic drama I had hoped to create. CROWN has evolved and matured a great deal the past twenty-five years, but the spectacle, splendor, and focus has remained intact. I always intended CROWN to be my foot in the door.