The concept is nothing new, we have seen mod-inspired graphic novels such as The Originals and Tobias Dahmen’s Getting Grand. But Living for Kicks: A Mods Graphic Novel is a new take on the theme.
It actually has something in common with The Originals too. Like that one, this is the work of another ex-2000 AD man from its earliest days. Well, co-work, as Living For Kicks is the work of Jim McCarthy alongside talented illustrator Kevin Cross, with the book said to be a mix of fact and faction from the mod scene of the early 1960s.
According to the initial write-up:
Living for Kicks is Omnibus’s first fictional graphic novel, the tale of young mod Spike Spellane and his attempts to hustle enough money in sleazy 1960s Soho to start a record label. Combining early sixties mod culture, Soho jazz dives, the Keeler affair and real-life British gangsters, this engrossing story reaches its climax during the infamous battles between mods and rockers on the beaches of southern England.
Although entirely fictional, real-life characters such as Stevie Marriott, Georgie Fame, Christine Keeler, Johnny Edgecombe, Lucky Gordon, Duffy Power, Ace Kefford and John McLoughlin are skillfully woven into a riveting story, one which expertly captures the energy and excitement of 1960s Mod Britain.
There isn’t any cover art just yet, but a look at the Jim McCarthy blog shows these first images of what will be a 160-page publication.
It is out in April, but is available to pre-order now, selling for £16.99. We’ll keep updating as and when we hear more.