'Haunting Adeline' graphic novels announced as H D Carlton expands dark romance universe

H D Carlton is expanding the world of her bestselling dark romance novel Haunting Adeline with a new series of adult graphic novels, even as the upcoming film adaptation continues to generate heated debate online.

The author has partnered with Deviant Ink Publishing to adapt Haunting Adeline and its sequel, Hunting Adeline, into illustrated graphic novels. The first volume is expected to be released in late 2026, with artwork by illustrator J B Roe.

Carlton said the new format will give readers another way to experience the story while remaining faithful to the original novels.

"I've always wanted to see these characters brought to life visually," Carlton said, adding that she had been closely involved in the creative process to ensure the graphic novels matched her vision.

The announcement comes just days after Carlton publicly defended the forthcoming Haunting Adeline film adaptation following widespread backlash over the novel's dark themes. In an Instagram video, she argued that fiction should not be censored and confirmed that the movie "is still happening."

Published in 2021, Haunting Adeline became a viral BookTok phenomenon despite, and, in some cases, because of, its controversial subject matter. The novel follows author Adeline Reilly and her obsessive relationship with vigilante stalker Zade Meadows, featuring themes that have sparked ongoing debate among readers and critics.

According to Variety, the graphic novels are intended for adult audiences and will retain the mature content that made the original books both commercially successful and highly divisive. Carlton and Deviant Ink said they are not toning down the source material, instead aiming to deliver a faithful adaptation for existing fans.

The expansion into graphic novels marks the latest step in the growing Haunting Adeline franchise, which now includes the bestselling novels, an upcoming feature film and, soon, an illustrated adaptation. Despite the controversy surrounding the series, Carlton has continued to defend readers' right to engage with fictional stories that explore difficult or disturbing themes, insisting that creative works should not be judged solely by their subject matter.