Back in 1982, artist Jean-Marc Rochette created the post-apocalyptic world of Le Transperceneige. Known as Snowpiercer in English, the graphic novels explore a world that has entered into another ice-age, with the last of humanity living on a train that circles the globe non-stop. Through this wild idea, Rochette, and his various collaborators, have been able to explore the inequalities of class division.
The graphic novels have spawned multiple adaptations. In 2014 there was the critically-acclaimed Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) directed film. Additionally, TNT has adapted Snowpiercer for television.
If you’re looking to read the Snowpiercer graphic novels, but have no idea where to start, then you’re in luck. This guide will answer all of your questions and help you get started. Read on to discover the recommended reading order and heaps more.
Happy reading!
Where Do I Start Reading Snowpiercer?
In a way, reading Snowpiercer is a bit like watching Star Wars. Both are started as a trilogy and later received a prequel trilogy. As a result, there are two places that you can jump on to read Snowpiercer. You can either start with Snowpiercer: The Escape, which is the original graphic novel, or Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction.
Although, I would lean towards reading Snowpiercer: The Escape first. Not only because it was published first, but also it sets you on the path to a completed trilogy. The prequel trilogy is still being published in English and won’t be completed until mid next year.
Snowpiercer Reading Order/Timeline
Below is a timeline of Snowpiercer, which is made up of the graphic novels, TV series, and the acclaimed film. As you’ll see, it puts everything in chronological order so you can make sense of it all.
A quick note in regards to the dates listed in the above graphic. The dates for the original trilogy graphic novels refer to the new softcover editions. The original trilogy was previously published in nice hardcover editions and can still be found.
Keep on reading to find to find a text version of the graphic novel reading order, which comes with all kinds of additional details.
Prequel Trilogy
Below are the graphic novels that make up the prequel trilogy.
Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction
Written by Matz. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction is set 3 months before the extinction event.
Snowpiercer: The Prequel Part 2: Apocalypse
Written by Matz. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
Snowpiercer: The Prequel Part 2: Apocalypse is set right after the extinction event. An English version will be published on August 25th, 2020 by Titan Comics.
Snowpiercer: The Prequel Part 3: Annihilation
Written by Matz. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
An English version of Snowpiercer: The Prequel Part 3: Annihilation will be published in June 2021 by Titan Comics.
Original Trilogy
Below are the graphic novels that make up the original trilogy.
Snowpiercer: The Escape
Written by Jacques Lob. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
Snowpiercer 2: The Explorers
Written by Benjamin Legrand. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
Snowpiercer 2: The Explorers is set 17 years after Snowpiercer: The Escape and two years after the movie.
Snowpiercer 3: Terminus
Written by Oliver Bocquet. Art by Jean-Marc Rochette.
Snowpiercer 3: Terminus is set not long after Snowpiercer 2: The Explorers.
How Do The TV Show and Movie Fit Into Everything?
Unlike the most adaptations of comics and graphic novels, the Snowpiercer TV series and movie fit neatly into the entire timeline of events. The TNT television series is set between the two trilogies, 7 years after the extinction event. The Bong Joon-Ho film is set 15 years after the extinction event, which places it between the first and second graphic novel of the original trilogy.
As the graphic novels were made before TV series and movie, it’s not necessary to have seen them in order to understand the graphic novels.
Where Can I Find the Snowpiercer Graphic Novels?
The Snowpiercer graphic novels can be found at any good comic book stores, online stores, and eBay.
Have Your Say!
Have you read any of the Snowpiercer graphic novels? Did you find this reading order helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter.
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Was Snowpiercer first published in A Suivre or was that after the graphic novel. It says 1982 was when it was first published and the A Suivre issues containing it came out in 82
Hey Trevor,
Im wondering if there’s a difference between the original English Snowpiercer The Escape and the TV Re Edition?
There should be any difference beyond the cover and maybe some of the trade dress inside.