Written by Michael Allred & Steve Horton
Michael Allred and Laura Allred
Insight Editions
Before, there have been rock star comics. Even though they were not biographical, some of them are still pretty good (Alice Cooper’s Last Temptation or the KISS Comics). Some of them have been both biographical and amazing. (The Five Beatle is one example).
David Bowie is a musician who deserves his own comic book. He has great talent working on the biographical graphic novels and they are a truly amazing and captivating experience.
The graphic novel that follows is unlike anything else you’ve seen before.
This is one of the hardest books to review because it throws a bunch of history facts at you. The creators seemed to be trying their best to fit as many historical facts as possible into the story.
It was all fine to me.
The story begins in the 1960s. Davy Jones, a young man who wants to be a musician. There is already a Davy Jones music. What does this dude do? David Bowie is his new identity.
Bowie begins his career in 1963 with this song. It’s interesting to note that Bowie isn’t successful right away. This book shows those moments when perseverance was really hard. His first UK single didn’t reach the charts until 1969. Bowie’s popularity grew after “Space Oddity” hit the charts.
Bowie didn’t really start to make his mark until 1972.
Bowie and Mick Ronson both played a part in the birth of glam. The book shows the rise of glam-rock and Bowie’s contribution to the culture. This book focuses on Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character and various relationships.
The book has a beautiful overall look. The book shows many interactions that one would not expect between Bowie, and famous musicians. The book features Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and Elvis. The book is very entertaining.
Two minor issues with the book, for me at least.
It feels short. The creative team should consider producing another book to cover Bowie’s second career. The “epilogue”, which we receive, doesn’t really do anything for me.
Second, the book does not have any sort of a definite ending. It’s in every biography!
The passion for research and the love of art is evident in each panel. Allred’s best work is on display in this book, which has a stunning appearance. Every character has been perfectly portrayed. It is an excellent book for Bowie fans or anyone curious about Bowie’s life. It is a book that I have never read before.