Band for Life

Originally serialized online, this webcomic is the psychedelically drawn tale of a group of misfits pursuing their musical career on Chicago’s South Side. Portraying sound in comics is always tricky, but Davidson (School Spirits) has cleverly substituted color for noise. The pages are a blazing riot of purple against yellow, splashed with turquoise, brick red, and acid green. The effect is as loud and harsh as the band’s music, a perfect fit with the narrative. In the opening pages, the rock group Guntit secure their first gig. This could be their big break—if Linda can get the night off work, if Animal can find a babysitter, Krang can borrow a van for the gear, Renato’s amp is working, and Zot can remember any of their songs. Davidson is intimately acquainted with the struggles of fitting a music career around the commitments of family, friends, work, and relationships. Her character’s lives are a mess, but her portrayal is deeply compassionate. Unfortunately this collection ends essentially mid-scene, with no explanation about the lack of conclusion. (Nov.)