This Damned Band – The Dark Art of Humour

“The power of Motherfather is the power of… yes, I’ll say it, of ‘Black’ magic.”

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Robert Plant and Ozzy Osborne had made an on-the-road documentary while on a world tour together? If you have, then the This Damned Band comic might offer you some insight into what could have been.

Stars of the 70’s, Motherfather are on tour and living the life of excess, as all rock icons do. With a film crew tagging along to document their travels, they realize that when they said they worshipped the Dark Lord – they may have, in actual fact, been worshipping him!

Whilst not a comic for kids, Paul Cornell (Wolverine, Action Comics) and Tony Parker (Mass Effect: Foundation) have created a nostalgia-inducing black-comedy that adult fans of classic rock are bound to love. Parker’s psychedelic artwork along with a story that would put you in mind of the legend that is ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ – is a perfect combination. While the story captured through the ‘camera’ in the documentary is in more a classic ’80’s comic-book’ style, there are parts that take on a different style entirely as they are artists’ drawings based on the bands interviews. Considering that they are devil worshipping, the artwork is bound to get even more out of this world as the series progresses.

I have to admit, I loved the British bad language and slang – which was absolutely spot-on. The characters are a nod to legends of rock and roll history – if you are familiar with classic rock through the ages, then you are in for a real treat. I could feel myself becoming attached to the characters very quickly, as each seemed to be facing the challenges of the complex life that comes with being rich and famous. (Even Kev – I’m pretty sure everyone will love Kev.) By the end of issue one, I was genuinely craving more. Not only am I eager to see where they are headed on their paranormal path, I also hope that we will be given more of each band members’ story.

This Damned Band may well turn out to be the best rock documentary never made. This Damned Band will hit shelves on August 5, check online to see if your local comic book shop will carry it.

[Images via Paul Cornell]