This week's auction boasts a collection of a comics, including vol 1- 4 of Grateful Dead Comix! The comics included lyrics from Grateful Dead songs that were adapted into stories and tidbits about the band itself. A total of 9 issues were published between 1991 and 1994. That got us thinking, what other musicians have left the world of rock and dabbled in comics? Turns out the line between rock ‘n roll isn’t so clear!

 

  • Orchid (2011, Dark Horse Comics): Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote his 12 issue series about a teenage prostitute in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Similar to the band he belongs to, the comic has plenty of social commentary while also capturing a dark and graphic rebellion. 
  • UZO (2021, Z2 Comics): Jaaaaason Derulo based the look of the titular character on himself, but the story centers on a man in a post-apocalyptic, ice age future trying to lead his village and defend against a villainous militia leader. While Derulo used social media to introduce the character the story itself was written by Anthony Piper and illustrated by Eric Koda.
  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: My Chemical Romance front-man Gerard Way is no stranger to the world of comics. Co-written with Shaun Simon and illustrated by Becky Cloonan, this comic was a tie-in to the bands studio album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. The band was already known for their high concept albums, and with this album, each music video told a story. While the original Killjoys are ultimately killed by the bad guy in the “Sing” video, the comic pick up with the mysterious “Girl” and continues her adventure. 
  • Electric Century (Z2 Comics): Mikey Way's companion book that ties in to his second album with his band, Electric Century. Does the name sound familiar? Mikey is Gerard's brother and bassist for My Chemical Romance. He created this comic with Shaun Simon featuring an alcoholic former TV star who is trapped in a worth he accessed through hypnotherapy.
  • The Umbrella Academy (2007): Gerard Way's appears again with his now well known (thanks Netflix) comic about the dysfunctional Hargreeves siblings with super powers. Before forming My Chemical Romance, Way was actually a comic artist, graduating from art school with a emphasis on comics and cartoon illustration. Unlike his previous effort, this was not tied to his music, but a stand alone tale about the complex relationships of families. 

 

Whether you're into the music these artists also created or just here for the comics - it's clear that there are some amongst us who are actually crossover artists. If you've got comics, or vinyl!, that you're looking to move, we can help! Contact Back to the Past today and we can help evaluate and sell your collections!