Captain Blue Hen Comics & Entertainment

PHONOGRAM Review

PHONOGRAM

IMAGE COMICS
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Jamie McKelvie

This mini-series is like what might be if Alan Moore wrote High Fidelity.

Phonogram is about magic and about music. In the world of Phonogram, music is magic. Characters in the series use their knowledge of pop and rock music to perform spells to gain influence and power. Recitation of lyrics and playing of songs helps these hipster magicians the same way a typical magician/witch would use totems, artifacts, and familiars. The first issue illuminates an underground rivalry between magical factions through the story of a young guy who uses his powers to take advantage of women. Vertigo readers will enjoy this for sure there are no good guys and bad guys here.

Gillen writes natural-sounding dialogue and clearly knows his modern rock. He’s not afraid to share the wealth of his knowledge either: all of the music references are defined and discussed in an extensive and entertaining text piece in the back. Fans of Grant Morrison who remember his Invisibles letters pages and reality-redefining storylines will love this Gillen’s writing.

McKelvie’s art is simple and attractive. I might describe it as a less-detailed Adrian Tomine or a cleaner Becky Cloonan. Good stuff.

Rated R
Check this out if you like: Britpop, Indie Rock, Sandman, Hellblazer, Invisibles, Optic Nerve, and Promethea