Ain't Them Bodies Saints opens in New York and Los Angeles today, before expanding nationwide on August 23. The drama centers on Bob Muldoon (Casey Affleck) and Ruth Guthrie (Rooney Mara), young lovers who go on a crime spree in the 1970s that ends with Bob in jail and Ruth pregnant with his child. They reunite years later when Bob escapes from prison, although he is unaware of the danger that awaits him. Writer-director David Lowery teamed up with artists Matthew Southman and Eric Skillman to create a 24-page graphic novel prologue entitled New Tattoo that explores more of Bob and Ruth's days as criminals on the run. Take a look at the novel in its entirety, then read on to see what David Lowery had to say.

David Lowery originally envisioned this as a short film prequel, but it never materialized.

"Casey and Rooney and I talked about it on the set, that we wanted to prolong that experience. But it never worked out because everyone's schedules are so complex."

When the short film never came to be, IFC Films suggested telling this story in a graphic novel form. David Lowery also added how happy he is with how the graphic novel turned out.

"I really loved these characters and I loved getting to spend a little more time with them on the page."