Return of the Rooftop Koreans: 140+ Page Graphic Novel
- Sep 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
Witness a new generation of Rooftop Koreans emerge to defend their community
Amidst the chaos of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, gangs and criminals looted businesses and set large parts of the city ablaze. Many Korean American business owners took up arms and stationed themselves on the rooftops of their stores. These brave men came to be known as The Rooftop Koreans. Decades later, the city of Los Angeles finds itself plunged into another nightmare. A new generation of Rooftop Koreans emerges to defend their community in this 140+ page action packed graphic novel. The graphic novel, titled Return of the Rooftop Koreans, is 100% complete and will go to print immediately after the Kickstarter campaign ends.
Project Overview
Name and Creator: Return of the Rooftop Koreans: 140+ Page Graphic Novel by Rooftop Korean.
What It Is: A full color graphic novel that follows Ernest Gwon, a Korean American small business owner who must rise to lead a new generation of Rooftop Koreans to protect his family and community during another wave of civil unrest in Los Angeles. The story challenges readers to consider the meaning of justice.
Key Features
140+ Pages: The book is a full-color graphic novel with 117 story pages plus bonus content.
Multiple Covers: The campaign offers five different covers, each by a different artist.
Campaign Promises: The creators are committed to excellent customer service, a delivery guarantee, quick fulfillment since all artwork is complete, and using funds responsibly.
Additional Content: The campaign offers a premium trading card collection, logo hats, and t-shirts.
Rewards
Digital PDF - $20 USD
Cover A, B, C, D, or E + Digital PDF - $25 USD
Cover A or B + Trading Cards + PDF - $50 USD
There are various options for rewards. Please refer to the reward page for additional details.
The Idea
Concept: The graphic novel draws inspiration from the real-life "Rooftop Koreans" of the 1992 LA Riots. The creators use this historical event to tell a fictional story of survival and self-defense.
Inspiration: The story is a response to the real-world events of the past and present, exploring themes of chaos, justice, and the need to protect one's community.
