SM Entertainment Group, Z2 Comics, and Universal Music Group are excited to announce Limitless, the new graphic novel from K-Pop megastars NCT 127, and the very first officially licensed K-Pop print graphic novel. The comic will introduce a brand new fictional chapter into the lives of all nine members of the global phenomenon.
Presented in the manhwa (South Korean comic) format, Limitless follows NCT 127 in the midst of their world tour as they approach New York City. 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.
“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,” says SM Entertainment.
NCT 127 debuted in 2016 with the mega-hit “Fire Truck” and has since found great success with such massive singles as “Cherry Bomb,” “Kick It,” and “2 Baddies”. They became a triple-million seller in a row as their third full-length album Sticker and fourth full-length album 2 Baddies sold more than 3 million copies. In addition, their last three albums landed in the top five of the Billboard 200. NCT 127 recently completed its second world tour, Neo City: The Link, which drew approximately 700,000 fans throughout 17 major cities.
“I am thrilled to partner with NCT 127, SM Entertainment, and UMG to deliver the first K-Pop-centered graphic novel of its kind,” says Z2 Comics Chief Executive Officer Kevin Meek. “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.”
“It is truly great to see how music and artist IP expand without boundaries,” continues BJ Yang, CEO of Universal Music Group Korea. “From our existing partnership with Z2 Comics, and together with SM Entertainment, Universal Music Group has successfully managed to crossover K-Pop intellectual properties to the graphic novel industry. Together we have created a unique way to enjoy graphic novels, music, and the K-Pop genre all-in-one. We can’t wait to see this project come to life, and land in the hands of music fans all around the world.”
Z2 Comics, SM Entertainment, and Universal Music Group present NCT 127: Limitless in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, set to release in late summer 2023. The graphic novel is co-written by Reiko Scott with art by Kayla Felty and Grace Lee. Kayla Felty and colorist Megan Huang are the cover artists. The standard hardcover will come with nine variant covers, each featuring members of NCT 127. The deluxe hardcover will come with nine art prints illustrated by Kayla Felty and a certificate of authenticity.
