Hampa Studio’s Ambitious Adaptation of Solo
Spanish animation studio Hampa Studio is making waves with its latest project: a feature adaptation of Solo, the cult comic created by Oscar Martín. Recently, Cartoon Brew gained exclusive access to a striking proof-of-concept trailer that showcases the studio’s unique vision for this beloved property.
A Growing Reputation for Distinctive Work
Hampa Studio, based in Madrid, has been carving out a niche in the animation landscape with its creator-driven projects. The studio has previously collaborated with notable figures such as filmmaker Jorge R. Gutiérrez on La Vengaza Rodriguez and comic artist Roc Espinet on Girl and Wolf. These partnerships have allowed Hampa to blend bold visual experimentation with strong authorial voices, setting the stage for their ambitious adaptation of Solo.
Staying True to the Source Material
Producer Álvaro García emphasizes the importance of respecting the original comic while crafting a feature-length narrative. “Having such a well-known IP from the comic world, we want to be as faithful as possible to the original work, especially when the project already has such a strong fan base,” he explains. Adapting a comic into a film presents unique challenges, as elements that work on paper may not translate seamlessly into a traditional 90-minute format.
To navigate these challenges, Hampa is collaborating closely with Oscar Martín himself. García notes, “We are working hand in hand with Oscar to ensure that the adaptations remain true to the ‘soul’ of Solo.” This partnership is crucial for maintaining the essence of the comic while adapting it for a new medium.
Focusing on a Single Volume
While the Solo universe encompasses multiple books, the film will initially concentrate on a single volume. García acknowledges the franchise’s potential but stresses a measured approach: “The IP undoubtedly has the potential to become a saga, but for now, we are going to focus on one of the books.” This strategy allows the team to hone in on a compelling narrative without overwhelming audiences with too much content at once.
A Unique Visual Approach
Visually, the project is already well advanced, thanks to director Toni Mortero’s innovative vision. Mortero has led the development of a stylized approach that aims to preserve Martín’s graphic identity while utilizing 3D tools. “It was the main objective,” Mortero states. “As an NPR animation exercise, it wasn’t just about simulating a 2D medium with 3D tools, but about translating Oscar Martín’s aesthetic to the screen as faithfully as possible.”
Achieving this look has proven to be both technically and creatively demanding. Mortero dedicated nearly three years to developing the trailer, often working in his spare time. The process was marked by experimentation and uncertainty, as he sought to make 3D animation appear 2D. “One of the biggest challenges was making 3D animation look 2D,” he admits. “That required a lot of testing and research.”
The Emotional Weight of Adaptation
Beyond the technical hurdles, Mortero faced the emotional weight of adapting a beloved property. He was acutely aware of the expectations surrounding Solo and chose to delay showing his work to Martín until late in the process. “I showed it to Oscar during a comic signing near my home,” he recalls. The positive reaction from both Martín and fans was a significant moment for Mortero, solidifying Martín’s role as a key supporter in the project’s final stages.
Collaboration with the Original Creator
Martín’s involvement has been instrumental in grounding the trailer in the original comic’s sensibility. He has contributed background artwork and connected the team with sound designer David Flores, further enriching the adaptation. This collaboration ensures that the film remains true to the spirit of the comic while exploring new storytelling avenues.
Next Steps for Hampa Studio
As Hampa Studio moves forward, the focus will shift to transforming this proof of concept into a full production. “The project already has its visual development completed thanks to Toni, who really carried it forward and created an impressive style,” García notes. The team plans to work on the final script while continuing to seek financing and partners to close the budget.
If successful, Solo could mark a significant milestone for Spanish animation, demonstrating how a deeply local comic property can be reimagined with global ambitions while staying rooted in its original voice.
