It's that time of year again when artists, vendors, writers, cosplayers, and more gather for the event known as New York Comic Con. Comics and graphic novels can cover a variety of subjects, and here at the Music and Recorded Sound Division, we have been collecting music-related comics for years! If you like the Beatles, Johnny Cash, the Ramones, and other notable bands and musical artists, then there might be a comic for you! In honor of Comic Con, we even have a few ideas to get you started. 

A Short List of Comics and Graphic Novels for Music Lovers

Music History

Theft : A History of Music by Keith Aoki, James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins

Explore 2,000 years of musical history and the role of politics, race, and religion in music copywright law. 

 

 

Tunes: A Comic Book History of Rock and Roll by Vincent Bruner

Follow the rise of rock and roll through a series of black-and-white graphic strips.

 

 

 

 

Biographical Graphic Novels

Gabba Gabba Hey!: The Graphic Story of the Ramones by Jim McCarthy and Brian Williamson

Discover the Ramones in a new way, and learn about the band that impacted others such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash.

 

Reckless Life: Guns N' Roses : A Graphic Novel by Jim McCarthy and Marc Olivent

This graphic biography captures the lives of famed rockers Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steve Adler.

 

 

 

Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness: A Graphic Novel by Reinhard Kleist

Delve into the biography of one of the most notable country singers of all time. The beautiful art adds a dash of noir. 

 

 

 

 

The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story by Vivek J. Tiwary,  Andrew C. Robinson, and Kyle Baker

Enjoy the story of Brian Epstein, the man who discovered and managed the Beatles.

 

 

 

 

Opera Graphic Novels

Opera by P. Craig Russell                                

A collection of  early P. Craig Russell opera adaptations including Parsifal, Salome, and Pelléas & Melisande.

 

 

 

The Ring of the Nibelung by Roy Thomas

Illustrated by Gil Kane are Richard Wagner's four "Ring" operas, epic music dramas loosely based on historical Norse characters. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Magic Flute by P. Craig Russell

The adventurous illustrated tale of Prince Tamino, who attempts to rescue the Queen of the Night's daughter. 

 

 

Have a favorite music-focused comic or graphic novel? Let us know in the comments below!