Dark Horse Comics 2015 On Sale in August
Written by Paul Cornell
Illustrated by Tony Parker
Coloured by Lovern Kindzierski
First thing I noticed is the artwork it’s freaking incredible! I love this it’s attention to detail the way it evokes feelings and grabs your eye and doesn’t let go. So much detail here that you just have to take your time soak it all in and it keeps you on the page and not letting flip through it’s that strong and powerful. The members of the band are like this blending of like the Beatles, Jim Morrison, heavy metal and grunge all as members of one band and it’s this diversity that helps them stand out and yet unifies them. I can’t get over just how damn good the work Tony and Lovern do here this beyond anything you should expect to see these days in a comic book.
The story here is one huge trippy experience and it’s kind of mesmerizing. I like the whole behind the scenes documentary style storytelling going on here as we get a chance to get to know the members of the band. It all happens in Japan I mean they have the craziest fans and they go gaga over their favorite bands/artists and they have some of the most interesting culture and legends in the world. Legends or gods or demons you name it they permeate the Japanese culture and where else are you going to go for a story to push the boundaries of selling your soul for a career than here?
In many ways it’s like the band is kind of a fraud they’ve been able to sell themselves as an image and brand and they might have good solid music but it’s the gimmicks that help stand them stand out. Which is probably why they each have a unique and different look like a true amalgam. Hearing Justin, lead vocals, start things off it’s like he’s starting a show for us and he starts the journey through what makes this band special. Oh god i’m not so into this type but the hair and fur vest thing he’s wearing it just gives him this vibe and you can’t take your eyes off him.
With wives, groupies and the like and their manager Clive he’s kind of I dunno how to describe him but really what I enjoyed was the way we are taken on this little jaunt through who’s who and what’s what and the role they all play. Yes there are stereotypes and cliches but who cares it works here. Everything we see leads up to getting to know the band and when they are told to do something they do it and then things get really weird. It’s almost what I would think of when the Beatles were all doing drugs and writing songs but we see this in a different manner because they are doing exotic mushrooms in Japan and it’s very specific to the region and what they experience.
Even if you decide this isn’t for you, which after you actually sit down and read this first issue, you’ll have to admit that this is one hell of an experience. It has so much going for it and it’s so out there and yet so familiar and so much fun. Paul has outdone himself and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from him quite this intense and bizarre and his characterization and ideas on how to tell this story really showcase what a talent he is.
Again I can’t express Tony and Lovern’s work here because you just stay on each page trying to absorb it words and all and figure out what’s happening both shown and not, what’s real and what’s for show. It’s all kind of crazy good.