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Stephen Crane’s Civil War drama The Red Badge of Courage was an overnight sensation when first published at the end of the 19th century, and became even more acclaimed in the years after its initial 1895 release — and now, Abrams ComicArts and French cartoonist Steve Cuzor are bringing the book to life for a new audience as a graphic novel.

Ahead of its May 13 release, Popverse has an exclusive look at one atmospheric sequence from the book, showcasing Cuzor’s timeless work bringing the classic to comics, and giving new life to Crane’s unforgiving look at the realities of war, as opposed to the adventure literature of the era that tended to glorify such stories. (The book would be reprinted multiple times during the First World War, as the rest of the world sadly caught up to what Crane was trying to do with this release.)

The original book has remained in print continuously since its release; with this edition, Abrams ComicArts publisher Joseph Montagne said in a statement, “Cuzor pulls readers into the midst of the action, making Henry Fleming’s experience feel all the more visceral.” He added, “Literary aficionados and students alike will find another layer of this classic story to appreciate in this new adaptation of Crane’s magnum opus.”

Take a look at the preview below to get a taste for yourself:

"In this sequence, Henry doesn't have much to do physically, other than run around in circles in the forest and be angry with himself,” Cuzor told Popverse about the preview. “I thought it would be interesting to play with the lighting and sets. Like Henry, who has his share of light and shadow, the two main sets are very contrasting: on the one hand, a battlefield crushed by light and suffocating with dust and heat, and on the other, dark undergrowth, teeming with life and disquieting. The contrasts create an atmosphere that weigh so heavily on the character that you end up reading his soul in the scenery."

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, adapted by Steve Cuzor, will be available in bookstores on Tuesday, May 13, and in comic shops a day later.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.