MURDER BALLADS

Indie publisher Z2 Comics provided a sneak peak of its upcoming graphic novel MURDER BALLADS to comic book fans at Free Comic Book Day last May by distributing a prequel story that sets up this tale of rock'n'roll noir.  Now the graphic novel that prequel was hyping is arriving on store shelves!  Written by Gabe Soria with Paul Reinwand's artwork follows Nate Theodore, a dead-broke and deadbeat owner of a failing record label, who is on a cross-country drive fleeing the wreckage of his business and trying to save a crumbling marriage.  He finds himself with an unexpected chance to reverse his fortunes when, during a stop in a desolate rust belt town, he "discovers" Donny and Marvell Fontweathers, two African-American brothers who play a raucous brand of doom-laden country blues. You'll find MURDER BALLADS at your favorite book stores and comic shops beginning Tuesday, August 8, 2017.  It is priced at $24.99.

While the story is appealing for its gritty supernatural tale there is also a very interesting twist to this publication that is a real bonus for people who pick it up.  It will include a sound track of authentic blues music tied to the story that can be downloaded online from a code printed within the graphic novel.  Grammy-Award winner Dan Auerbach, singer/guitarist of the rock band Black Keys, and bluesman Robert Finley have come together to record the music for the MURDER BALLADS soundtrack which includes a cover of the classic Leadbelly song "In the Pines" along with four original songs inspired by the graphic novel's story ("Bang Bang," "Butter Sandwich," "The Empty Arms," and "Three Jumpers").

This graphic novel combines two of my favorite indulgences; relaxing to blues music and reading comic books.  I'm really looking forward to checking out MURDER BALLADS illustrations and listening to its tunes.  This is a great read for those hot Autumn dog days of summer.  Pour yourself your favorite drink, relax in a comfortable chair, flip on the soundtrack, and enjoy reading an interesting story.  Combining the blues with a story told through comic strips really is a novel idea!