Get an Exclusive First Look at Juanjo Guarnido’s El Dorado Graphic Novel, A Scoundrel in the New World

When Juanjo Guarnido—the acclaimed artist behind the celebrated Blacksad series—announces a new project, the comics world pays attention. On this occasion, that announcement arrives as “A Scoundrel in the New World,” a satirical adventure graphic novel that reimagines the legendary legend of El Dorado through Guarnido’s unmistakable visual lens. With the Kickstarter campaign now live and IGN debuting an exclusive preview today, readers get their first chance to step into a sprawling tale steeped in historical detail, shifting perspectives, and wry cynicism.

The project represents one of Guarnido’s most ambitious undertakings yet, marking another departure from the noir-infused 1940s Paris that made Blacksad a worldwide phenomenon. Instead, it plunges into the Age of Exploration and its endless pursuit of gold, delivering what publishers describe as both a visual feast and a cleverly constructed narrative puzzle.

A Painting on Every Panel

The most striking feature of “A Scoundrel in the New World” is Guarnido’s rendering technique. Each page arrives rendered with the care of a fine-art painting, layering meticulous historical detail against cinematic lighting to evoke the era’s vibrant intensity. This approach builds directly on the reputation Guarnido cultivated over years of work on Blacksad, where every frame was treated as a composition worthy of close inspection.

“A Scoundrel in the New World may be Juanjo Guarnido’s most ambitious work to date, even compared to his work as the co-creator and artist of the world-famous Blacksad series.”

Mike Kennedy, Director of Publishing, Magnetic Press

The publisher’s enthusiasm extends beyond artwork. According to Mike Kennedy, Director of Publishing at Magnetic Press, the finished book marries “the cynical historical wit of Blackadder with the sprawling adventure of El Dorado.” That pairing sets expectations for a work that is as intellectually sharp as it is visually sumptuous.

A Rashomon-Style Tale

Beyond its imagery, the graphic novel distinguishes itself through structure. Alain Ayroles’ script reportedly employs a shifting “Rashomon-style” perspective, reframing events from multiple angles and keeping readers uncertain about the protagonist’s reliability until the final page. Kennedy frames this as a deliberate homage to the Golden Age of Spanish literature, suggesting a narrative that rewards careful attention rather than passive reading.

The combination of Guarnido’s painterly art with Ayroles’ layered writing positions “A Scoundrel in the New World” as a collaboration between two established talents. Guarnido brings decades of experience crafting atmospheric, character-driven imagery, while Ayroles—best known for co-creating the animated series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir—brings a flair for witty dialogue and intricate plotting.

The Kickstarter Campaign

The Kickstarter campaign for A Scoundrel in the New World is now live, offering supporters an opportunity to back the project before its full release. The crowdfunding route aligns with Guarnido’s history of pursuing independent creative control, allowing him to realize a personal vision without compromising his artistic standards.

IGN has made available an exclusive preview gallery showcasing early pages from the book, giving prospective backers and longtime fans alike a tangible sense of how Guarnido translates El Dorado onto the page. The slideshow reveals the depth of texture and expression that Kennedy praised in the publisher’s statement.

Looking Ahead

As the Kickstarter campaign gains momentum, attention now turns to whether the project will surpass its funding goals—a common benchmark for high-profile comics crowdfunding efforts. Backers can expect updates as development progresses toward a full publication date, which Magnetic Press has not yet confirmed.

For those wishing to follow coverage of the project’s progress, Jesse Schedeen, an IGN staff writer who first reported on the preview, shares updates via BlueSky. Whether “A Scoundrel in the New World” becomes Guarnido’s next landmark remains to be seen, but its exclusive debut has already confirmed that his name alone is enough to generate anticipation across the comics community.