In May 2022 Ablaze Publishing will be debuting a new, gorgeously illustrated graphic novel biography of Jimi Hendrix titled Hendrix: Electric Requiem. This graphic novels depicts his intense, impactful life. It focuses on his upbringing in Seattle, his difficult experiences with racism as a starting musician in the South, and his journey to becoming one of the most famous musicians in history. Jimi Hendrix is considered by many to be the world’s greatest guitarist of all time, and his music and approach to life have made an indelible impact on American society ever since he first gained notoriety in the late 1960s. And, his popularity has lasted far past his untimely death at the young age of 27.
Hendrix started playing guitar at the age of 15, after his parents and teachers noticed he was constantly playing air guitar with brooms, a musical beginning that is adorably illustrated in the upcoming graphic novel. After being discharged from the US Army, he traveled to Tennessee where he began playing with various bands, but found that he was not getting the success he had always dreamed of, in part because of the intense racism and segregation common to the American South at that time. Success first came to Jimi when he moved to England in 1966 and earned 3 Top Ten Hits in the UK in several months performing with his iconic band the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Traveling back to the United States, Hendrix then found fame in the states after performing at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, before headlining the infamous Woodstock festival, becoming the highest paid rock artist in the entire world.
Hendrix: Electric Requiem—written by Mattia Colombara with breathtaking art by Gianluca Maconi—was announced by Ablaze Publishing during Black History Month. This is perfect timing for a graphic novel biography about one of the most famous African American musicians of all time. The synopsis states:
“A compelling trip into the mind and world of Jimi Hendrix. Electric Requiem is an exhilarating ride, from Jimi’s difficult beginnings in the South, plagued by racism, through his global stardom and triumph at Woodstock, and the excessive lifestyle of a rockstar. A rockstar who, even with all his experiences, never forgot where he came from. Skillfully illustrated by artist Gianluca Maconi, this gripping tale of music, personal demons and thirst for glory is a must-have for any Jimi Hendrix fan. Includes bonus material on Hendrix’s life.”
ComicCon.com was given an exclusive look at some textless preview pages for the upcoming graphic novel:
While Jimi Hendrix’s life has been adapted in various formats, such as the 2014 film Jimi: All Is By My Side, this is the first time that his life has been detailed in graphic novel form since Voodoo Child in 1995, and Electric Requiem has found a way to tell his story that truly paints a picture of his intense struggles and wild successes. The gorgeous preview pages seen above show how expansive Hendrix: Electric Requiem will be, going from his earliest days as a young child living in Seattle, all the way up through the end of his life, when he was struggling with his own inner demons and a terrifying drug use problem. While Electric Requiem will surely be a must-have for any die-hard Hendrix fans, it can also serve as a powerful and elucidating introduction to the musician for anyone who is not familiar with his life, music, or legacy.
Hendrix’s passing was devastating for the entire world, but his legacy as the world’s greatest guitarist, a man who changed the future of the electric guitar, will live on forever. Hendrix: Electric Requiem appears to be an expansive and honest look at the life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix. Make to sure to pick up a copy when Ablaze Publishing releases it on May 18, 2022.
