Books: Phonogram

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Phonogram
Volume 1: Rue Britannia
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
2007



Available now from Islington Libraries
You can reserve this item for free here:
http://www.library.islington.gov.uk/TalisPrism/

Phonogram
Volume 2: The Singles Club
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
2009



Available now from Islington Libraries
You can reserve this item for free here:
http://www.library.islington.gov.uk/TalisPrism/

Raised on a diet of broken biscuits: Combining the world of Britpop with the world of Magic or ("phonomancy" as they call it here) Phonogram recreates the feel of a late-night in Camden listening to jangly guitar music, whilst supping on a pint and trying to decide once and for all who was better - Blur or Oasis? Split across two volumes that each can be read in any order - volume 1 (in sulky black and white) dealing with the adventures of David Kohl - trying his best to find out what happened to the Mod-Goddess of Britpop whilst at the same time doing his best deal with his murky past and retain his cool, while volume 2 (in playful colour) views a night called "Never On A Sunday" from multiple angles: from a dancing queen to a fanzine writer. For me it's all a little bit too indie and anoraky and slightly on the wrong side of twee (it makes perfect sense that Eddie Argos is a fan) - but if you've been looking for a comic that captures those first few seconds of your favourite song, along with a few good jokes about Echobelly and "4 Real" written on it's arm (albeit in biro): then this one's for you.

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Links: Comics Alliance Interview with Kieron Gillen, The Hooded Utilitarian Article: Phonogram: Journey to the Past.

Further reading: Suburban Glamor, Lost at Sea, Chew, Xombi. 

All comments welcome.