The supergroup Six-by-Six has issued a graphic novel to coincide with the release of their self-titled debut album, out via InsideOut on sale now! The comic, entitled The Journey Internal, is a collaboration between Six-by-Six and artist JC Baez, published by Second Street.
Six-by-Six guitarist Ian Chrichton says This graphic novel is amazing. The way that JC Baez has blended the lyrics and captured the emotion of each song into a visually stunning graphic interpretation is simply amazing.”
While not originally planned to be a concept album, the melding of the three mediums (art, music, and text) have come together thanks to Baez efforts. He states, “I am fortunate to be working with Ian, Nigel, and Robert, bringing their amazing musical ideas into the visual realm. The process has been very much a collaboration and I’ve been made to feel like part of the Six By Six family. This story is dynamic and exciting and I’m thrilled to work on this graphic novel, which is in the vein of Genesis’ The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and other classic albums.”
I’ll admit I’m not a music critic. I like what I like and my playlists can vary from Viking Folk Metal to Shrek the Musical….often in the same playlist. But I do know a thing or two about comics. First, let me state that the art in this book is beautiful and stylish. Like the tracks to an album, each chapter has its own flare and I spent time looking deep into each panel. You can tell Baez had a good time stretching his creative muscles by switching up with each chapter. Personally, I loved the old-school comic style used in Chapter 6: Casino and the comic colors used in The Battle of a Lifetime in Chapter 7.
But what is a comic or graphic novel without the story and writing? Does it work in Six-by-Six? On the surface, I’m going to say no but don’t set me aflame just yet. The writing doesn’t read as a graphic novel should, but that’s the point. You want to hear the music that inspired the art. Very often, the words on the page are the lyrics from the song and you need that to fully experience both. Imagine if you watched the music video for “Land of Confusion” by Genisis without the context of the song. It wouldn’t make much sense. It would seem like some psycho-puppet farce but the music really pulls it all together.
Bottom Line: Six-by-Six is unique graphic novel and musical journey that should be experienced.
THE JOURNEY INTERNAL will be available for purchase through www.StNicksPicks.com for customers in North America and through Burning Shed www.burningshed.com worldwide.
