The biggest issue I have with Queen in Comics! NMB Comics Biographies) is I do not like drawn leg hair or chest hair. And since we are talking about Freddie Mercury there is a lot of chest hair! But despite that, Emmanuel Marie, and Sophie Blitman created a graphic novel that covers a lot of good stuff (I use the technical word stuff because there is a lot of good, juicy stuff going on).
Different artists/authors hit on the highlights of the journey of Queen. Each style range from realistic and “Oh yes that is Freddy, Brian, etc.” to cartoon and, “Um who the flaming monkey is that supposed to be?” Focusing on the good and the bad, a realistic timeline is created. The different styles of art sometimes are a little “off putting” but also is an interesting way of presenting. In between the chapters there is a factual recap, more information and even photographs of what was happening, people and places mentioned.
There are a few things the casual fan might not know, however, if you are only aware of them from the movie, ignore that. That was the “spirit” of Freddie, and this follows more facts about Queen itself, not going to total sensationalism. Even though no section dwells on any of the darker moments, or the controversies, it is not shied away from (I had not known about the South African concert). One of the parts of the book I especially enjoyed (though was sad about) is the ending and dealing with Mercury’s illness. There are a lot of emotions fit into a few pages. If you know anything about the final video he performed, you know that Mercury’s makeup and the use of black and white filming was the hide this, but you cannot hide it. And everyone, especially him, knew he was telling us goodbye.
Currently out (or should be) I read via an online reader copy. This was a little awkward, but as I have a finished copy on order, I will be giving it a review to see what I missed.
