A limited edition of Stephen King‘s celebrated novel IT will soon be released, featuring an introduction by acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and new artwork, providing a fresh take on this classic tale of horror. The new release, overseen by King himself, offers fans a collectible hardcover that highlights the intersection of literary and cinematic talent through the Guillermo del Toro IT introduction.
A New Illustrated Edition of IT Arrives for Horror Fans
The Folio Society has announced a special illustrated edition of IT, strictly limited to just 500 copies. This edition stands out thanks to new visuals by renowned artist Jim Burns and a personal opening segment written by Guillermo del Toro. Early previews of del Toro’s words highlight how deeply the story has inspired creatives in the genre for decades.
IT speaks of the struggle that never ends, the eternal vigil against evil that is, by necessity, cyclical. The many shapes the cosmic dread takes keep changing: sometimes smiling, sometimes frowning at us,” said Guillermo Del Toro in his deeply personal introduction. “IT was a presage of what was to come in adult years — it struck great fear in me — irrational fear and then, slowly, a fragile kind of bravery — the tenuous understanding that when all is said and done, all we have is each other.
—Guillermo del Toro, Director and Author
This exclusive edition reflects Stephen King’s own creative oversight, ensuring a faithful yet visually striking presentation for both long-term readers and new fans. King’s ongoing involvement demonstrates the continuing relevance and allure of his landmark story, which first terrified readers nearly four decades ago.
The Enduring Power of IT in Stephen King’s Legacy
Stephen King, one of the most widely read contemporary writers, saw his 1986 novel IT quickly earn a reputation as one of his signature works. The sinister figure of Pennywise the clown has embedded itself in pop culture, rivaling other horror icons like Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers. Over the years, this chilling character has inspired fear across generations.
Part of IT’s long-term popularity can be credited to its successful adaptations. The 1990 television miniseries starred Tim Curry as Pennywise and introduced many to King’s universe, with its popularity helping bring the author’s stories to new audiences. Decades later, a two-part film adaptation in the 2010s further solidified IT’s place as a modern horror staple, drawing both nostalgia and fresh interest from audiences around the world.
At its heart, IT remains a compelling novel, known for its epic scale and its focus on the depth of its human cast. Its atmosphere of dread maintains its grip on readers, continuing to appeal to successive generations nearly forty years after its initial publication.
Guillermo del Toro’s Vision Joins Stephen King’s World
Guillermo del Toro, a director recognized for his influential and beloved horror films such as Chronos and Pan’s Labyrinth, brings a fresh perspective to this latest edition. Much like King, del Toro examines humanity and fear with insight, winning worldwide acclaim and major industry awards, including an Oscar.
By contributing an introduction to IT, del Toro connects two major voices in the horror genre. His appreciation for King’s work shines through in his own creative projects, and his words add an additional layer for readers revisiting—or discovering—this classic story.
Alongside del Toro’s writing, Jim Burns has provided new illustrations that intensify the impact of the story. Burns, whose artistic career has lasted over fifty years, brings a visual edge that aligns with the haunting tone of King’s work. The Folio Society’s limited edition thereby unites leading talents from both the literary and film worlds in a single, beautifully produced volume.
A Coveted Collector’s Item for Stephen King Fans
Longtime readers of Stephen King—as well as those new to his work—will find the Folio Society edition offers something unique. The collaboration of King, del Toro, and Burns results in a volume that promises to be a standout in any collection. Chilling artwork by Burns and the deeply reflective introduction from del Toro help deepen readers’ engagement with the iconic tale.
This new edition ensures that the story of IT continues to engage, frighten, and inspire conversation among fans from around the globe. With such prominent names attached and a strictly limited print run, demand is expected to be high among both collectors and dedicated followers of horror literature.
The Folio Society edition of IT will be available for purchase beginning July 15, allowing fans one more chance to experience the novel in a newly memorable way. This release, combining creative forces from Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, and Jim Burns, revisits why IT has continued to terrify and captivate readers for generations, ensuring its relevance in the world of horror for years to come.
