From Rags To Rockstars features the continued adventures of roadie Jim Soundman who we first met in the comic Road Crew. But where that book was a series of light-hearted gags and misadventures, this time writer/artist Tommie Kelly is broadening his range, getting personal, going metaphysical, and delivering some damned fine character work - as well as the laughs.
It begins with an opening sequence that recalls Buddy Baker's final showdown with Grant Morrison in Animal Man #26... if Buddy had been a boozed up loser rather than a family man superhero. Then the story starts for real as Jim uncovers some shocking secrets about his parents and has his life turned upside down... for the better, or perhaps not? Considering that intro sequence, we're left wondering just how good things will really get for our hero, even after he's been granted all his wishes. The idea that Kelly has written this book as some kind of magick wish-fulfillment opus (in a similar way to what Morrison tried in Invisibles) makes the whole comic a much more personal endeavour. I'm really looking forward to the next issue. Plus it's filled with sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll... what else do you need?
Buy From Rags To Rockstars and read online extracts here. While you're there, check out Tommie's daily webcomic Something Wonderful... but not if you're easily offended.
