Sylvain Runberg
IP CREATOR & WRITER
Sylvain Runberg is a distinguished multi-platform writer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the international 360° IP boutique, Dark Riviera, based in Stockholm. Since launching his career in 2004, Sylvain has authored 140 graphic novels, now translated into 26 languages and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His notable works include titles such as "Orbital," "Warship Jolly Roger," "Millennium," "Wonder Woman," "On Mars," "Conan," "Zaroff," "Under York," "Konungar," and "Captain Future” Besides graphic novels, Sylvain has ventured into the television industry, creating and co-creating 5 TV series, and has significantly contributed to the narrative design of several video games as narrative director and designer.
Born in 1971 and raised in Provence, he now splits his time between France and Sweden. Sylvain's early experiences in different European countries and his master's degree in Political History have profoundly influenced his international perspective and diverse storytelling approach.
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His career began in the publishing industry, leading to his first book release in 2004 and establishing relationships with leading european publishers like Dupuis, Dargaud, Le Lombard, and several others, including DC comics, IDW and Image in USA or FT Culture in China. His works have achieved global recognition, making him one of the most acclaimed graphic novel writers of his generation.
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Runberg's storytelling spans a wide array of genres, reflecting his eclectic and international tastes. His narratives, known for their character-driven focus and a touch of realism, range from science fiction and autobiographical chronicles to political thrillers, drama, psychological crime stories, fantasy, supernatural tales, survival narratives, urban thrillers, post apocalyptic visions, and Westerns. Noteworthy among these are “Nephilims”, “Zaroff”, “Warship Jolly Roger”, "Dominants," "Orbital”, “On Mars”, and "Hidden Faces," which won the 2010 International Manga Tokyo award, and many more. His versatility extends to adaptations and original sequels of world-renowned IPs, including Stieg Larsson's "Millennium: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and its sequel, “Wonder Woman” for DC, Robert E. Howard's "Conan the Cimmerian," Liu Cixin's works, and Ubisoft's "Watchdogs: Legion." Moreover, Sylvain collaborates with prominent French authors like Franck Thilliez and adapts novels like Mats Stranberg's "Blood Cruise" as well as the Toei’s animation cult classic Japanese Anime “Captain Future” into graphic novel.
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In the television realm, Sylvain developed the horror/thriller series "Cryptid," released on Viaplay, and is involved with multiple French and Swedish production companies on various TV series projects. As a narrative director/designer since 2021, he contributes to the video game industry, notably working as native director on "Warship Jolly Roger," adapted into a adventure first player AA game by Proxima Studio.
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Sylvain's commitment to narrative arts continues to evolve with his involvement in Dark Riviera, pushing the boundaries of storytelling across TV, graphic novels, and video games. His professional journey reflects a dedication to creating immersive, diverse, and engaging stories that resonate on a global scale.
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Bibliography
(Selection, sorted by publishers)
Dupuis publishing
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9 volumes (illustration : Serge Pellé) science fiction/space opera (ongoing since 2006)
LES COLOCATAIRES
3 volumes (illustration : Christopher) drama/humour/contemporary (2006-2008)
4 volumes (illustration : Boris Talijancic) historical fantasy (2007-2009)
JACK
Full story (illustration : Thibaud de Rochebrune) historical adventure (2011)
Full story (illustration de Peter Bergting) crime/thriller (2012)
6 volumes (illustration : José Homs & Man, adapted from Stieg Larsson’s novels) thriller (2013-2017)
3 volumes (illustration : Belen Ortega, inspired by Stieg Larsson’s novels) political thriller (2016-2018)
1 volume (illustration: Eric Chabbert) science fiction/space opera (ongoing since 2022)
Dargaud publishing
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2 volumes (with Luc Brunschwing / Illustration : Benn) historical fantasy (2006-2007)
4 volumes (illustration : Miki Montllo) science Fiction (2014-2018)
2 volumes (illustration : Johan Urgel, adapted from Karin Alvtegen’s novel) thriller (2015-2016)
Full story (illustration : Philippe Berthet) crime (2017)
Le Lombard publishing
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3 volumes (illustration : Eduardo Ocana) historical fantasy thriller (2010-2012)
4 volumes (illustration : François Miville-Deschênes) historical fantasy (2011-2016)
2 volumes (illustration : Louis) anticipation (2015-2016)
2 volumes (illustration : O.G. Boiscommun) anticipation (2016-2017)
2 volumes (illustration : Matéo Guerrero) fantasy (2019-2020)
1 volume (illustration : François Miville-Deschênes, inspired by Connell Richard’s novel) thriller/survival (since 2019 ongoing)
Glénat publishing
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3 volumes (illustration : Marcial Toledano) science fiction (2020-2021)
3 volumes (illustration : Juzhen) fantasy (2011-2013)
2 volumes (illustration : Xu Zhifeng) historical fantasy (2014-2017)
4 volumes (illustration : Jean-Charles Poupard) crime fantasy (since 2016 ongoing)
Full story (illustration : Chee Yang Ong)horror fantasy (2016)
Full story (illustration : Victor Santos) urban drama (2017)
3 volumes (illustration : Mirka Andolfo) fantasy/young Adult (2019-2020)
CONAN LE CIMMÉRIEN (Le peuple Du Cercle Noir)
Récitfull story (illustration : Jaekwang Park) fantasy (2019)
full story (illustration : Damour) historical biography (2019)
2 volumes (illustration : Gabriel Germain, adapted from Ubisoft videogame) anticipation (2020-2021)
Futuropolis publishing
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3 volumes (illustration : Phicil) contemporary drama (2006-2010)
2 volumes (illustration : OIivier Martin) psychological thriller /manga (2010-2011)
Soleil publishing
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ASTRID
Full story (illustration :Karim Friha) humour/kids (2004)
Full story (collective) science fiction (2006)
KOOKABURRA UNIVERSE, LE SOURIRE DE MYRA
Full story (illustration : Eduardo Ocana) science fiction (2007)
Full story (illustration : Thibaud de Rochebrune) fantasy (2009)
Quadrants publishing
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2 volumes (with Sylvain Ricard/illustration : Marco Bianchini) historical adventure (2013-2015)
2 volumes (with Olivier Truc/illustration : Olivier Thomas ) political crime (2015-2016)
Delcourt publishing
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full story (illustration : Tirso Cons) thriller/survival (2016)
FT Culture publishing
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(illustration : Miki Montllo, adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel) science fiction (2021)
L’ÈRE DES ANGES
(illustration : Ma Yii, adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel) anticipation (2022)
LES MIGRANTS TEMPORELS
(illustration : Serge Pellé, adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel) science fiction (2022)
Phileas publishing
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Full story (illustration : Luc Brahy, adapted from Franck Thilliez’s novel) crime hriller (2020)
Full story (illustration : Luc Brahy, adapted from Franck Thilliez’snovel) crime thriller (2021)
Full story (withMarc Levy/illustration : Espè) crime (2021)
Full story (illustration : Luc Brahy, adapted from Franck Thilliez’s novel) crime thriller (2022)
1 volume (with Olivier Truc & Gael Branchereau/illustration : Damour) anticipation (2022)
Daniel Maghen publishing
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3 volumes (illustration : Grun) scienceFiction (2017-2021)
Caurette publishing
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1 volume (with Anna Saveg/illustration : Belen Ortega) anticipation (2022)
Rue de Sèvres publishing
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3 volumes (illustration : Stéphane Bervas) anticipation (2019-2022)
Grand Angle publishing
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Full story (illustration : Olivier Martin) drama (2014)
Robinson/Hachette publishing
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2 volumes (illustration : Johan Urgel) war story/drama (2017-2018)
2 volumes (with Olivier Truc/illustration : Nicolas Otero) political crime (2019-2020)
