Comics That Rock: SING NO EVIL by JP Ahonen & KP Alare

This comic book (or graphic novel, if you prefer) is a collection that mixes art, music and fantasy into a story of a bunch of friends trying to make it to the next level as a band. And it takes place in Finland...cool.

A story of pure rock angst, SING NO EVIL follows the band, Perkeros, and their frontman, Aksel, on a quest to tame the rock n' roll beast. Can he control and become a conduit for the wild music he hears in his head.

JP Ahonen and KP Alare create an intoxicating comic about a band in search of that elusive sound that will bring them to the next level. It is also about the struggle to be a creative artist and struggle with job, school, relationships, etc. There is a lot of humor woven in, and a love of metal. 

If you're into comics and music, and want to experience both blended together in a mystical tale of searching for that perfect song, you'll want to pick up SING NO EVIL. The tale is told from the perspective of the bandmates, specifically lead crooner, Aksel, as he struggles to harness the musical visions he hears within.

I got a chance to meet JP Ahonen at an event at the Abrams office right before NY Comic Con in October, and he was cool, humble and a hell of a nice guy. I received a copy of SING NO EVIL that night, and was immediately drawn in by the terrific title as well as Ahonen's beautiful and fun art style. 

He somehow manages to capture the surreal experience of attending a live show: encompassed by a wall of blearing sound, struggling among the heated, claustrophobic crowd, and letting the music just sweep you away. To be able to do this in a comic, is an accomplishment in my book. And this book would make a great gift for someone interested in music, especially if that person likes heavy rock. The following image is just one example of the chaotic harmony that is experiencing live music and it's just spot on. 

The Art of Space by Ron Miller PLUS a giveaway

Do you remember the first science fiction book cover art that really struck you? Can you recall a stylized film or television show that hooked you on science fiction? Maybe it was a comic book cover from the Silver Age. I recall Star Wars having something to do with it for me as a little boy. I was hooked  at the pure imagination of it. Other worlds, magnificent spaceships, aliens; all of it drew me in.

I was recently sent by the good folks at the Zenith Press, a copy of The Art of Space: The History of Space Art, From the Earliest Visions to the Graphics of the Modern Era

from award-winning artist and best-selling author Ron Miller, and it is a collection that is out of this world.

Miller covers each era of space art, and how it was developed at the time with the resources, knowledge and vision of the artists of the day. He covers individual artists and movements from the decades, and brings to life over 350 incredible illustrations with informative discussion and background on each.

The book includes some of Miller's own incredible work such as Upsilon Andromedae [above] as part of section 2: Stars and Galaxies. Also covered are Planets & Moons, Spaceships & Space Stations, Space Colonies & Cities and lastly...Aliens. It is an inspiring collection, and offers a lot of history of space-themed art, and would make a great gift for any fan of space age artwork or fan of science fiction in general.

And Zenith Press send me a second copy TO GIVE AWAY to one lucky reader of my blog. All you have to do to be eligible is write in the comments section a favorite or memorable book cover or piece of SF art that hooked you. I will select a winner at random from the comments and contact you via email (or ask you to email me) so that I can send off the book.

*This contest will end November 30th, I'll pick a winner December 1st and make contact. Thanks for following along and now get back to whatever book you were reading.