A graphic novel by Elaine M. Will
The Last Band on Earth is a “semi-post-apocalyptic horror story about music and mental illness.” Created by Elaine M. Will, a comic book writer and illustrator from Saskatoon, Canada. Her previous works include the Xeric Award-winning graphic novel Look Straight Ahead and the Canadian historical graphic novel Dust-Ship Glory.
The idea for The Last Band on Earth was born in 2019. Elaine has a history of discussing mental health issues in comic book form and felt compelled to create a comic book series centred around depression and themed on the things she loves: horror and music. Other work by Elaine has been featured at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF), and her work has also won a Gene Day Award at the 2020 edition of the Joe Shuster Awards.
Issues #1 and #2 of the series can be read at Elaine’s Patreon channel for free HERE, but the rest of the story is almost finished – and ready to be collected as a 224-page graphic novel. The Kickstarter campaign will cover the cost of printing and shipping a small run of books – enough to fulfill backer rewards, with some books left over to sell at conventions over the next few years.
“The Last Band On Earth, tells the story of The Dead Layaways, a noise rock band trapped in a semi-post-apocalyptic city ruled by demons. The band wishes to leave the city so they can tour whatever might be left of the world, but the demon overlords insist there are miles of untraversable wasteland surrounding the city in all directions, and anyone attempting to leave will die. Better to stay put, where it’s safe.”
“Except…it’s not safe at all. There are strange demonic creatures roaming the streets, empty grocery shelves, and a general feeling of malaise and existential dread hanging in the air at all times. This anhedonia only seems to intensify the longer one remains in the city. After an unexpected personal tragedy/setback, the band decides they have nothing left to lose, and they must strike out into the unknown.”
“From here, we begin a liminal horror road movie about fighting both literal and metaphorical demons…”
Who are the band members of The Dead Layaways?
Nat – Singer/Bassist: Fierce and easily irritated, yet with a heart of gold. Nat wants nothing more than to keep the band together with her unmatched loyalty to her friends and band mates.
Axel – Guitar/Backing Vocals: Axel acts tough, but behind this facade he’s much more timid than he’d like. A lover of old video games, Axel enjoys collecting them too; but his bank balance doesn’t share that affinity.
Rick – Keyboardist/Sound Engineer/Noise Wrangler: Rick is so laid back that he’s almost horizontal, always trying to look on the bright side of things, almost to a fault. He loves nothing more than tinkering, field recording, and that sweet, sweet hangover food.
Will – Drummer: Will is an anxious ball of nerves, self-conscious about his skinny frame, he is want to wear a thick sweater to cover his physique.
Kickstater rewards are the expected Digital and Physical copies of the graphic novel, prints, original art, retailer bundles and sketches. I’ve throughly enjoyed Elaine’s award-winning writing and art style in the past and the first issue of The Last Band on Earth was equally as great. Pop on over to Kickstarter HERE and support this graphic novel by Elaine M. Will.
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