Dark humor, fearless and sharp, pushes into a new chapter with Scary Things 2, Fran Ferriz’s second comic that continues the saga of Hugo and his imagined entourage, morphing it into a vivid nightmare. Ferriz, a designer and writer from Villena, threads letters and drawings into a single, unsettling narrative as he has done before, blending prose with illustration to shape a distinctly personal story.
“The story could have ended there, but I left open the possibility for a second chapter in the final chapter,” Ferriz explains. “At that time I already intended to write it, especially after realizing there was a lot more to tell beyond the first episode. I even imagine a third installment, a true trilogy.”
The new installment, Scary Things 2, is slated to appear at the end of the month or at the start of October. Responding to the reception of his first book, Ferriz notes that self-publishing contributed to early challenges but also to a surprising amount of attention. He recalls reading an article noting that many titles released in Spain fail to sell more than fifty copies, a statistic Ferriz says does not apply to his work, pointing out that his sales have surpassed five hundred copies. He expresses genuine happiness with the reception so far and credits the positive feedback to readers who have embraced the work.
The designer, known for his work with the Famosa toy brand and a legacy of imaginative projects like mutant Busters figures, reflects on the heightened responsibility that comes with delivering a second installment. “In the absence of strong reader opinions, Amazon reviews helped improve the first part; there are over a hundred reviews that are mostly five-star, and I want readers to meet their expectations,” he remarks. He concedes feeling some pressure from fans now that the sequel is on the horizon.
Ferriz Brings Fantasy to a Graphic Novel
In the new arc, Hugo, now separated from his former publishing house, confronts the return of a childhood imaginary friend, who drags him into a crime he did not commit. The story pivots as Hugo takes on a new job and leads a comparatively quiet life until a familiar villain resurfaces, reigniting the adventure. New characters, both real and imagined, intensify the action and add fresh dimensions to the journey.
Scary Things 2 remains a self-published project, chosen for the freedom it grants. Ferriz frames it as a darkly humorous thriller with a strong sense of fear, a blend he believes resonates with readers who crave a bold, unapologetic voice. The work emphasizes a certain candidness and playfulness that keeps the tone invigorating and unpredictable.
Ferriz emphasizes his intent to reach new audiences through word of mouth and his highly active social media presence. He notes that living solely on writing in Spain is unlikely, yet the venture has surpassed expectations and provided more than he initially anticipated.
New Episode of Alex Colt
Beyond this graphic novel, Ferriz returns to illustrating a new chapter in author Juan Gómez-Jurado’s Alex Colt saga. The sixth volume, titled Alex Colt, big dice, is a Planeta-published project set to release on September 21. Ferriz describes the collaboration as a long, enjoyable process shared with Gómez-Jurado, with more installments anticipated in the future.
Alex Colt. big dice is the sixth installment in the saga published by Planeta, scheduled for September 21. The collaboration with Gómez-Jurado has been a labor of love, and the pair anticipate one more future installment in the series.
Ferriz also contributed illustrations to a campaign co-produced with Planeta and Bristol Myers Squibb focused on childhood melanoma awareness. He added five or six visuals to a novel intended for adult readers, further demonstrating his versatility. In discussing the project, he revealed that the process was intense but rewarding, and he proudly notes the broad reach of his work, with thousands of copies sold and the potential to connect with many more readers.
In a candid moment, Ferriz joked about balancing a demanding schedule with opportunities, remarking that an invitation to be part of Ridley Scott’s next film would have required an extraordinary commitment of time and travel. He quips that he could credibly claim on his resume that he once declined an appearance in a Ridley Scott project due to the conflict between work and life commitments, underscoring his focus on his own creative priorities.
Ferriz continues to pursue new stories and collaborations, driven by a desire to entertain and challenge readers with his signature blend of humor and darker themes. The ongoing trajectory of his work signals a continued expansion of his graphic storytelling, inviting audiences to explore the unexpected twists that define his evolving universe.
Phrases like, it’s that fearless humor that keeps his work fresh, echo in conversations with fans and critics alike. The creative path Ferriz follows blends playful imagination with unsettling ideas, yielding a distinctive voice in contemporary graphic novels and illustrated literature. Readers looking for bold, unfiltered storytelling will likely find in Ferriz’s projects a refreshing departure from the conventional and a compelling invitation to revisit childhood fears reimagined through adult eyes.
[Source attribution: Ferriz interview and press materials]