The Curse of Monte Cristo

“This reimagined version of a classic is such a clever and entertaining mash-up of genres that I suspect Dabel and Holder are from an alternate universe where Alexandre Dumas wrote it this way. Kudos as well to the letterist and illustrator, Lentz and Catraca, who were obviously inspired.” (Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author)

David Dabel’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and cultural heritage. Born in the vibrant city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, David’s early years were steeped in the rich tapestry of his Haitian roots. Immigrating to the United States at a young age, David brought with him a deep appreciation for his heritage and a bilingual fluency in French Creole and English.

From an early age, David found himself drawn to the spine-tingling tales of the horror genre, with R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series serving as a gateway to his fascination. However, it was the timeless classic The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas that truly captured David’s heart. Little did he know at the time that this beloved story would become a guiding light in his own creative journey. As David delved deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, he discovered a profound connection to its author, Alexandre Dumas, who shared Haitian heritage. This revelation sparked a transformative realization for David, igniting his passion for reimagining narratives through the lens of his own cultural identity.

Inspired by the determination of his Haitian ancestors, who fought bravely for freedom and independence, David embarked on a personal odyssey of storytelling. Channeling the spirit of Edmond Dantes, David began to craft his own narrative, weaving elements of Haitian history, culture, and folklore into the fabric of his imagination. Today, David Dabel stands as a visionary storyteller, blending his love for literature with a profound reverence for his Haitian heritage. Through his creative endeavors, he strives to honor the legacy of those who came before him while paving a path of inspiration and empowerment for future generations.

Carlton Holder grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania as a literature major before moving to Los Angeles, where he worked as a Hollywood stuntman for ten years before transitioning to writing screenplays for independent films. He is currently developing film and print projects through his new media entertainment company, Exile Circus.