The Strain (franchise)

For other uses, see The Strain (disambiguation).

The Strain
Created by
Original workThe Strain (2009)
Print publications
Comics
  • The Strain (2011–2015)
  • Mister Quinlan – Vampire Hunter (2016–2017)
Films and television
Television seriesThe Strain (2014–2017)

The Strain is an American vampire horror media franchise created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

Del Toro first envisioned the story line as a television series, but was unable to find a broadcaster who was interested. A friend then suggested turning the story into a series of books with writer Chuck Hogan.[1]

A television adaptation premiered on FX in 2014, concluding in 2017 after 46 episodes.

Novels

Co-written by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Published by William Morrow and Company.

No. Title Date ISBN
1 The Strain June 2, 2009 978-0-06-155823-8
2 The Fall September 21, 2010 978-0-06-155822-1
3 The Night Eternal October 25, 2011 978-0-06-155826-9

Comic books

Published by Dark Horse Comics.

The Strain (2011–2013)

The Strain is a limited comic book series written by David Lapham, with artist Mike Huddleston. It was adapted from the novel of the same name.[2] The first issue received positive reviews.[3][4]

Issue Issue Date Collection Date ISBN
1 December 14, 2011 The Strain, Vol 1 October 15, 2012 978-1-61655-032-5
2 January 11, 2012
3 February 8, 2012
4 March 14, 2012
5 June 13, 2012
6 July 11, 2012
7 August 8, 2012 The Strain, Vol. 2 June 5, 2013 978-1-61655-156-8
8 September 12, 2012
9 December 12, 2012
10 January 9, 2013
11 February 13, 2013

The Fall (2013–14)

The Strain: The Fall was written by David Lapham, with artist Mike Huddleston. It was adapted from the novel of the same name.[2]

Issue Issue Date Collection Date ISBN
1 July 17, 2013 The Strain, Vol. 3 February 5, 2014 978-1-61655-333-3
2 August 21, 2013
3 September 18, 2013
4 October 16, 2013
5 November 20, 2013 The Strain, Vol. 4 July 2, 2014 978-1-61655-449-1
6 December 18, 2013
7 January 15, 2014
8 February 19, 2014
9 March 19, 2014

The Night Eternal (2014–15)

The Strain: The Night Eternal was written by David Lapham, with artist Mike Huddleston.[2] It was adapted from a novel of the same name.

Issue Issue Date Collection Date ISBN
1 August 20, 2014 The Strain, Vol. 5 May 6, 2015 978-1-61655-638-9
2 September 17, 2014
3 October 15, 2014
4 November 19, 2014
5 January 21, 2015
6 February 18, 2015
7 March 18, 2015 The Strain, Vol. 6 December 2, 2015 978-1-61655-787-4
8 April 15, 2015
9 May 20, 2015
10 June 17, 2015
11 July 15, 2015
12 August 19, 2015

Hardcover collections (2014–16)

Collections of each series in a hardcover format.

No. Title Date ISBN
1 The Strain July 9, 2014 978-1-61655-548-1
2 The Fall April 22, 2015 978-1-61655-836-9
3 The Night Eternal May 25, 2016 978-1-61655-977-9

Mister Quinlan (2016–17)

The Strain: Mister Quinlan – Vampire Hunter is a limited series that explores the origins of the vampire Quintus Sertorius, later known as Quinlan. Written by David Lapham, with artist Edgar Salazar.

Issue Release Date Collection Date ISBN
1 September 14, 2016 Mister Quinlan – Vampire Hunter, Vol. 1 May 3, 2017 978-1-5067-0160-8
2 October 12, 2016
3 November 9, 2016
4 December 14, 2016
5 January 11, 2017

Television series

Main article: The Strain (TV series)

In 2012 it was announced that FX had ordered a pilot episode of The Strain with the intention of creating a limited television series based on the books.[1] Before writing the book trilogy, del Toro had initially planned the books as a television series and stated that if picked up, the series would span three to five seasons.[1][5] He also commented that he and Hogan would co-write the script for the pilot episode and that as of November 2012 he had already begun casting.[6] Del Toro further commented that he planned to also direct the pilot episode, with a full season airing in 2014 if the show was picked up.[6]

It was later announced that a second full season was ordered by FX to air in 2015. Following the fourth episode of season 2, FX renewed the series for a third season, after which the creators announced they hope it will last for a total of 5 seasons. A fourth and final season was announced by FX on September 27, 2016, and it set for a Summer 2017 date.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c Andreeva, Nellie; Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 20, 2012). "'The Strain' Drama From Guillermo Del Toro And Carlton Cuse Gets Pilot Order At FX". Deadline. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Kit, Borys (July 21, 2011). "Comic-Con 2011: Guillermo del Toro, Tom Morello, P.C. Cast Doing Dark Horse Comics This Fall". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  3. ^ Nadler, Lonnie (June 6, 2012). "Review: 'The Strain' #1 - 4". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  4. ^ Robinson, Iann (December 8, 2011). "Review: The Strain #1". Crave Online. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  5. ^ Ditzian, Ian (June 8, 2009). "'Hobbit' Director Guillermo Del Toro Talks Vampire Novel 'The Strain'". MTV. Archived from the original on December 4, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  6. ^ a b Chitwood, Adam (November 13, 2012). "Guillermo del Toro Talks FX Series THE STRAIN". Collider. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
  7. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (September 27, 2016). "'The Strain' Renewed for Fourth and Final Season at FX". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 4, 2016.