Self-Storage to Be Featured in Zombie-Themed Graphic Novel

Digital media company 451 Media Group will release issue one of a six-part graphic novel titled “Self Storage” on Oct. 28. The series, written by Clay McLeod Chapman and illustrated by Matt Timson, is a zombie-themed tale chronicling the events that unfold after main character Chris Smith purchases the contents of auctioned storage unit 83 and discovers a zombie named Jessica inside.

Issue two is set for release on Nov. 25 and issue three on Dec. 23. By the third installment, “Chris must decide what to do regarding the mounting evidence that he cannot contain the bounty he blindly purchased. The content of the unit, a zombie girl of unknown origin named Jessica, has made it quite clear how much she enjoys the taste of human flesh,” according to a synopsis on Chapman’s website. Summaries for the remaining parts of the novel are not yet available.

Based in Los Angeles, 451 Media was co-founded by filmmaker Michael Bay, best known for directing the “Transformers” movies. In August, the company announced the launch of an interactive publishing division to offer content from printed graphic novels with digital video, according to “Variety.”

451 Media will use Touchcode technology from T+ink, a company specializing in “printed electronics,” that enables digital interaction with the ink used in the printing process of the novels. Essentially, the ink will allow readers to access exclusive content by using touchscreen-enabled mobile devices, the source reported.

“We discover great stories by way of our team of top-notch writers, screenwriters and authors and then work with our technology partners to turn those stories into truly immersive entertainment experiences,” Doug Nunes, CEO of 451 Media, told the source.

Chapman has authored several works including a collection of short stories titled "Rest Area" and the novel “Miss Corpus,” which was recognized as part of the "Reading Glasses" series by “The New Yorker.” He recently completed an adventure trilogy of stories called “The Tribe” for Disney, according to his website. Chapman’s story "Late Bloomer" was adapted to film by director Craig Macneill and was an official selection at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

Bay co-founded 451 Media with Nunes and John and Anthony Gentile, who created popular kids’ brands including Micronauts, Power Glove, Sky Dancers and Visionaries, according to Variety.