Comics / Press Releases

Mystery Jets Comic Book

By The Editor
May 10, 2012 - 10:56

Inspired by their latest album, “Radlands,” indie-rock favorites Mystery Jets propel their Americana-fueled story with a complimentary graphic novel produced by Bluewater Productions.

According to lead singer Blaine Harrison, 'The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar’ is a three-part modern western, telling the story of a “jaded, lovesick country singer and mystic” in search of a childhood sweetheart.

“In the same way that all fiction originates from fact, various twists and spikes in his story can be traced back to the experiences, places and characters that inspired the writing of Radlands, during our time spent living out in Austin TX,” said Harrison. “He does everything we wished we did or didn't do, and says everything we wish we had or hadn't said. Radlands is the world Emmerson was born into, and he is its mouthpiece.”

Although the graphic novel is being distributed as a digital e-book (for the Nook, Kindle, Comixology and iPad), the Mystery Jets will be selling a limited number of traditional printed versions during their upcoming tour in support of the new record.  You can also get the 1st issue in the limited edition double vinyl record.

“This is a great marriage of visuals and music,” said Bluewater Productions president Darren G. Davis, “Fans of the Jets can go beyond the lyrics and get a visceral sense of the songs, but takes the experience of the album to a whole different level.”

Written by British comic writer Richard Elms and drawn by V. Kenneth Marion, they story is not presented in linear fashion but relies on “flashbacks, dreams and hallucinations” to give readers sense of the depth of the anti-heroes trials and tribulations.

“I had just come back from my own 3 month stateside adventure, and still had the engine of a convertible Mustang ringing in my ears. For me, The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar is about dreams, how they are shattered only to be replaced by new ones. Just as the Mystery Jets and I had experienced with our own American Dreams,” Elms added.

Adding to the visual experience, the covers for The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar were painted by Eisner-Award winning artist Glenn Fabry (Preacher, Hellblazer, Judge Dread, Sandman). Fans of Fabry will instantly recognize his realistic and emotive style.

“This is a great new venue for comics,” Davis added. “Blurring the media in this fashion creates a new dimension to read comic books and to immerse yourself into the music.”

The Ballad of Emmerson Lonestar is currently on sale at various online venues including ComiXology, Amazon and the Mystery Jets website. Each issue retails for $3.99.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12