Joël Dos Reis Viegas, known for his work on Batman: Arkham Origins and Black Dynamite, is expanding his 2015 short film Urbance into a manga-style cyberpunk graphic novel series, set to captivate readers in 2026. This new project, a collaboration between Oni Press and Magnetic Press, promises a stylistic deep dive into the futuristic, neon-drenched city of Neopolis, where a mysterious virus has made physical desire between the sexes instantly lethal since birth.
This bleak setting is where society enforces absolute abstinence and segregation, with boys and girls raised apart, conditioned to fear or even hate each other. A colossal wall physically divides the city, fostering tribal identities, coded fashion trends, and violent street-clan rivalries. However, the emergence of N-Dorphin, an underground drug rumored to bypass the virus's effects, threatens the fragile balance, igniting turf wars and paranoia. At the heart of this turmoil are Kenzell and Lesya, two teens from opposite sides of the divide, who risk everything to be together and unwittingly uncover a conspiracy that could explode the city.
Unpacking the World of Urbance
Urbance welcomes readers to Neopolis, a futuristic neon‑drenched city where physical desire has become deadly. A mysterious virus has infected every human at birth, making intimate contact between the sexes instantly fatal. To survive, society enforces absolute abstinence and segregation: boys and girls are raised apart, conditioned to fear, even hate, one another. A colossal wall cuts the city in two, and entire youth cultures have evolved in isolation, fueled by tribal identity, coded fashion, and explosive street‑clan rivalries. But a new underground drug, N‑Dorphin, which is rumored to bypass the virus’s lethal effects, begins circulating through the streets and destabilizes the fragile balance of power in Neopolis, igniting turf wars and paranoia as factions scramble for control. Kenzell and Lesya, two teens from opposite sides who defy the rules and risk everything to cross the divide, are caught in the crossfire. Together, they uncover a conspiracy far bigger than any clan feud, and their forbidden alliance becomes a spark in a city ready to explode.
This core concept, while introduced in the animated pilot, is deeply explored in the graphic novel, delving into the darker aspects of Neopolis' society and the inherent human tensions within.
Viegas' vision for Urbance is not just an expansion but a reimagining, retaining key elements like the virus, N-Dorphin, the protagonists, and the overarching narrative of forced unity against adversity. Notably, Viegas opted for a more aggressive and dark visual approach to align with the story's mature tone, reflecting his passions, art style, and fears. This aesthetic choice promises to make Urbance one of the most visually striking comics of 2026.
Crowdfunding and What to Expect
The Kickstarter campaign for Urbance is now live, offering fans an early opportunity to support and preview the first volume of the series. With its unique blend of cyberpunk aesthetics, a gripping narrative of forbidden love and survival, and the depth of its world-building, Urbance is poised to attract both fans of Viegas' previous work and newcomers drawn to its stylish, high-stakes storytelling.
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Why You Should Care About Urbance
Urbance isn’t just another cyberpunk series; it’s a thoughtful exploration of segregation, fear, and the human desire for connection in the face of overwhelming adversity. With its richly detailed world and the moral complexities of its characters, Urbance has the potential to resonate deeply with readers looking for more than just stylish visuals in their graphic novels. As the crowdfunding campaign unfolds, supporting Urbance means being part of bringing a truly unique and impactful story to life.
