Nothing is beyond the limit for K-Pop band NCT 127 as they travel across reality to embark on a surreal dreamscape in their first-ever graphic novel.
As revealed by Z2 Comics, SM Entertainment Group and Universal Music Group, NCT 127, the nine-member K-Pop boy band hailing from SM Entertainment, will release their first graphic novel, NCT 127: Limitless, referencing their second extended play (EP) from 2017. The graphic novel will feature a standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, with the former having nine variant covers to highlight each member of NCT 127. The standard hardcover will also be hand-signed with nine art prints, illustrated by Kayla Felty, a custom trading card featuring the group and a certificate of authenticity.
NCT 127 Must Overcome Their Fears in Limitless
While many other K-Pop groups have had webcomic collaborations, NCT's graphic novel Limitless stands out as breaking ground and making history as the first officially licensed K-Pop print graphic novel ever. Co-written by Reiko Scot, featuring interior art by Kayla Felty and Grace Lee and cover art by Kayla Felty and Megan Huang, and presented in manhwa (South Korean comic) format, Limitless follows the band as they rehearse for their sold-out stadium show in New York City as part of their world tour. Per the description, "The members soon experience a world of shared and enigmatic dreams. By solving these subconscious mysteries that seem to be intersecting with reality, they overcome their inner fears."
Z2 Comics CEO Kevin Meek expressed his excitement at being able to give NCTzens, NCT 127 fans, a graphic novel about the group. "We're beyond excited to bring NCTzens and K-Pop fans around the globe a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of art that will be core to the NCT universe." BJ Yang, CEO of Universal Music Group Korea, echoed similar sentiments. "Together we have created a unique way to enjoy graphic novels, music, and the K-Pop genre all-in-one," Yang said. "We can't wait to see this project come to life, and land in the hands of music fans all around the world."
NCT 127's Record-Breaking History
NCT 127, first formed in July 2016, is part of a bigger unit called NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology. As a whole, NCT consists of 23 members, breaking into four sub-units, NCT U, NCT Dream, NCT 127 and WayV, with specific music concepts for each. The number in NCT 127's name represents Seoul's longitude coordinate, and the group first debuted with their single "Fire Truck." Since then, the group has seen enormous success, starting with "Cherry Bomb," which became their breakthrough hit. The group went on their first world tour in 2019, called "Neo City -- The Origin," and finished their second world tour, "Neo City: The Link," which drew approximately 700,000 NCTzens from 17 major cities. Their second Korean album, "Neo Zone," debuted at number five on Billboard 200. Their most recent album, "2 Baddies," became their agency's highest-selling album with 1.5 million copies sold in the first week and debuted at number three on Billboard 200.
The group's agency, SM Entertainment, addressed how this graphic novel aligns with the group's vision and concept as a whole. "NCT was designed as a project of unlimited potential, unrestrained by geography and formal boundaries. We're overjoyed to unite with Z2 Comics to witness NCT 127 expand beyond the boundaries of music into graphic novels."
NCT 127: Limitless will release in late summer 2023 and is available for pre-order through Z2 Comics.
Source: Z2 Comics