Hampa Studio Unveils Exclusive First Look at Solo Feature Film Adaptation Based on Oscar Martín’s Cult Comic Series

Hampa Studio, the Madrid-based animation powerhouse, has officially entered the next phase of its ambitious production slate with the release of an exclusive proof-of-concept trailer for its upcoming feature film, Solo. Based on the widely acclaimed Spanish comic series created by Oscar Martín, the project represents a significant milestone for the studio as it seeks to translate a gritty, post-apocalyptic cult classic into a high-end cinematic experience. The adaptation aims to bridge the gap between traditional 2D comic aesthetics and modern 3D animation technology, utilizing non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) to preserve the visceral energy of the source material.

The project is spearheaded by director Toni Mortero and producer Álvaro García, both of whom have emphasized a commitment to narrative and visual fidelity. As the Spanish animation industry continues to gain international traction following the success of features like Robot Dreams and Klaus, Solo stands as a testament to the country’s growing capability in producing creator-driven, adult-leaning content. The newly released footage offers a glimpse into a world defined by survival, anthropomorphic struggle, and a stark, "cannibal world" philosophy that has defined Martín’s work for over two decades.

The Origins and Legacy of Solo: Mundo Canibal

To understand the weight of this adaptation, one must look at the history of the source material. Oscar Martín, a veteran of the animation and comic industries known for his work on Tom and Jerry for Warner Bros. and various Disney properties, launched Solo in the late 1990s. The series, often subtitled Mundo Canibal (Cannibal World), quickly distinguished itself from contemporary Spanish comics through its brutal honesty and philosophical depth.

Set in a desolate future where biological warfare and environmental collapse have decimated humanity, the story follows Solo, a nomadic rat warrior navigating a wasteland populated by mutated, anthropomorphic animals. Unlike many stories featuring animal protagonists, Solo is far from a children’s tale; it is a violent, existential exploration of predator-prey dynamics and the cost of maintaining one’s humanity—or animality—in a world without resources. The comic has seen immense success across Europe, particularly in France and Spain, and has been translated for the American market by Statix Press (Titan Comics).

For Hampa Studio, the decision to adapt Solo was driven by the IP’s pre-existing global fanbase and its unique visual identity. The studio has a history of collaborating with visionary artists, including Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life) on La Venganza Rodriguez and Roc Espinet on the upcoming Girl and Wolf. By taking on Solo, Hampa is positioning itself as a primary guardian of Spanish graphic novel heritage in the digital age.

A Three-Year Labor of Technical Innovation

The journey to the current proof-of-concept trailer was neither short nor simple. Director Toni Mortero dedicated nearly three years to developing the visual style of the film, often working independently to solve the technical riddles inherent in the project. The primary challenge lay in the "2D illusion"—the process of making 3D models and environments appear as though they were hand-drawn by Martín himself.

Mortero’s approach involved extensive research into NPR techniques. While 3D animation typically prioritizes depth, volume, and realistic lighting, the Solo adaptation required a "flatter," more graphic look that maintained the artist’s signature line work and textured backgrounds. "It wasn’t just about simulating a 2D medium with 3D tools," Mortero stated, "but about translating Oscar Martín’s aesthetic to the screen as faithfully as possible."

The technical timeline of the project highlights the "leap of faith" required in modern animation development:

• Phase 1 (2021-2022): Initial R&D into cell-shading and line-rendering engines. Mortero experimented with frame rates and line weights to prevent the "uncanny valley" effect often found in low-budget 3D-to-2D conversions.
• Phase 2 (2023): Integration of Martín’s actual background artwork into the 3D pipeline. This ensured that the environments remained grounded in the comic’s original atmosphere.
• Phase 3 (2024-2025): Refinement of character movement. The team focused on ensuring that the weight and impact of the combat—a staple of the comic—felt visceral rather than floaty.
• Phase 4 (Early 2026): Finalizing the soundscape with David Flores and securing the endorsement of the original creator.

Strategic Adaptation and Narrative Scope

While the Solo universe is expansive, comprising multiple volumes and spin-offs, Hampa Studio is taking a measured approach to the narrative. Producer Álvaro García confirmed that the film will initially focus on a single volume of the series. This strategy allows the creative team to establish a solid foundation for what could eventually become a multi-film saga without overextending the initial production.

"Adapting a comic into a film is always a big challenge," García explained. "There are things that work on paper but not in a more classical 90-minute narrative." The transition from the episodic, often internal-monologue-heavy structure of the comic to a feature-length script requires a restructuring of character arcs and pacing. To ensure the "soul" of the project remains intact, Oscar Martín has been directly involved in the adaptation process, providing feedback on character designs and story beats.

The collaboration reached a turning point during a chance meeting at a comic signing, where Mortero presented his early work to Martín. The author’s positive reaction, bolstered by the enthusiasm of fans in attendance, solidified the partnership. Martín’s involvement has since extended beyond mere consultation; he has provided original assets and connected the studio with key creative personnel, such as sound designer David Flores, to ensure the auditory world of Solo matches its visual grit.

Data and Trends: The Rise of Mature Animation

The development of Solo coincides with a broader shift in the global animation market. Data from the last five years indicates a significant increase in the demand for adult-oriented and "all-ages" (PG-13 to R-rated equivalent) animation. Successes such as Netflix’s Arcane and Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse have proven that audiences are hungry for stylized, non-traditional visuals and mature storytelling.

In Spain, the animation sector has become a vital component of the national economy. According to recent industry reports from ProAnimación, the Spanish animation industry generates over €900 million in annual turnover and provides more than 8,000 direct jobs. However, the industry has historically been dominated by service work for major Hollywood studios. Projects like Solo represent a strategic move toward intellectual property (IP) ownership, where Spanish studios retain the rights and creative control over their stories.

The "Spider-Verse effect"—the industry-wide move toward stylized 3D—has provided a roadmap for studios like Hampa. By utilizing NPR, Hampa can produce a film that looks "expensive" and unique without the $200 million price tag associated with hyper-realistic CGI from major American studios. This allows for greater creative risks and a more faithful adherence to the source material’s dark tone.

Official Responses and Industry Implications

The reaction from the animation community to the proof-of-concept trailer has been overwhelmingly positive. Industry analysts suggest that Solo could serve as a flagship project for the "New Wave" of Spanish animation. By focusing on a "cult" property rather than a generic family-friendly script, Hampa Studio is targeting a demographic that is often underserved in the theatrical animation space: the young adult and comic enthusiast market.

"The project already has its visual development completed thanks to Toni," García said, looking toward the future. "This year we need to work on the final script while continuing financing efforts and searching for partners to close the budget."

The search for international co-production partners is currently underway. Given the popularity of the comic in France, industry insiders expect a potential partnership with a French studio or distributor, a common path for high-end European animated features. The goal is to secure the remaining budget by late 2026 to move into full-scale production.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The successful realization of Solo would mark a turning point for Hampa Studio and the Spanish animation landscape at large. It demonstrates a sophisticated maturation of the medium, where the line between "comic book" and "cinema" is blurred not through live-action adaptation, but through a technological evolution of the original art form.

As the production team moves into the scripting phase, the focus remains on balancing the brutal survivalist themes of the comic with a narrative heart that can sustain a 90-minute journey. If the proof-of-concept is any indication, the film will be a landmark in stylized animation, offering a grim, beautiful, and uncompromising look at a world where only the strongest—and perhaps the most solitary—survive.

For fans of Oscar Martín’s work, the trailer is a promise kept. For the wider animation industry, it is a signal that Spain is no longer just a hub for service work, but a powerhouse of original, high-concept storytelling. As Hampa Studio continues to seek partners and refine its vision, Solo remains one of the most anticipated European animation projects currently in development, poised to bring the "Mundo Canibal" to global audiences.