Z2 Comics
Eternal blue is one of those graphic novels that’s very hard to find. When it’s been published by a boutique publisher with a low print run, not even Diamond Comic Distributors have copies at their warehouse. I didn’t want to preorder as this company didn’t have a solid reputation for getting books out on time, and hoped there’d be a supply after it finally got released.
New fans of the heavy metal band, Spiritbox, are not missing out with the standard retail release. What’s drawn from the album gets a solid interpretation, and I feel this work is only for die-hard fans. This group of musicians came into prominence in 2019. Although their sound is more nupunk than anything else, the fact they made waves while still living in my hometown of Victoria, BC said everything. Leading vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer started this group; although they’ve since relocated since then, the fact they had local roots made me want to keep tabs on their future.
This graphic novel coincided with their 2021 album release, also titled Eternal Blue. The deluxe edition included a 3D printed spirit box that looks great, but as far as I’m aware, it does not function like the real spirit boxes I use during paranormal investigations. In the graphic novel, they are devices to hold some “thoughts” in, and should they ever be fully opened, what’s unleashed is as nasty as Pandora’s box.
What I found looked like manifestations of Eva’s fears and as they spread, so did her paranoia. She’s not all that confident regarding the art exhibit showcasing her works. She thought she can stand proud amongst the greats like Van Gough and Andy Warhol, but as the later act shows, those insecurities are manifesting! Some of those moments even mirror the Japanese anime, Neo Tokyo. To be specific, I’m thinking of the final short, Labyrinth Tales.
Even though there’s no direct collation, I suspect what’s drawn by Amilcar Pinna are simply manifestations of each person’s emptiness. Her “fans” are faceless and I suspect that’s because she’s unsure of what kind of audience will appreciate her work. I’m sure part of the narrative is about LaPlante going through her self doubts as a rising talent. What’s experienced here is more than a trip through Wonderland and facing one’s fears.
Although this graphic novel is out of print, thankfully the album that partially inspired it is still available (Amazon Music link). I read this book again with the music playing in the background, and it made for understanding the narrative better. “Secret Garden” and the title track “Eternal Blue,” are certainly very important to understanding the written work.
Hopefully, the publisher will consider a reprint. This work gives this band its due. After all the efforts to get it printed, and not making it easily available says something. It took years and a desire to own a copy to finally track down a copy to read. Also, I’d love it for the band to have permission to sell a digital file on their web store, so those discovering them for the first time can experience their foray in the sequential art medium. It’s a decent enough read when the mood strikes, and I’d welcome more.
3 Stars out of 5
Spiritbox Eternal Blue Single YouTube
Discover more from Otaku no Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
