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"And then there was rock"
"And then there was rock" is a masterful blend of fact and fiction. True life tales of the author's experiences playing music in a hopeless crappy loser band are retold via flashback in a fictional backstory that features a Shazam-like moron endowed with musical superpowers. The first 20 pages of the book set up the framework, and might seem confusing for readers not familiar with standard "origins of superhero" cliches, but once the autobiographical episodes about the pathetic band "Oops Factor" kick in it all makes sense. The book then seamlessly jumps back and forth between fantasy and reality, with the non-fictional stories related as warnings to the... More > fictional characters. The device works well and makes "And then there was rock" essentially two novels at once. Anyone who has played in a band will love this book, as it accurately describes all the perils and pitfalls of the music industry in grim but humorous detail. Music fans will appreciate the historical aspects as the development of the North Carolina rock "scene" unfolds. There's plenty of juicy gossip about bands you may have heard of. Names have been changed, but are usually thinly disguised,so it's fun to figure out who the author is dishing the dirt on. Avid comix readers will also get a kick out of "And then there was rock". The author obviously has a great love for the art form, and throws in lots of homages and cameos from popular characters while simultaneously skewering some of the hackneyed conventions of the genre. Those who don't have much experience reading comix, or who don't care about popular music are not left out in the cold. Some jokes might be too esoteric for neophytes, but the plight of the characters and their predicaments can be universally enjoyed by everyone. This isn't just a comic about music, or a spoof of superheroes. "And then there was rock" is a very funny look at the human condition, warts and all. Anyone who has had their hopes, dreams, and ambitions stomped on a little will be able to relate. Even if you are among the few who've never spent countless hours and effort pursuing a lost cause, "And then there was rock" will make you laugh out loud. Really, is there anyone among us who doesn't find the misfortune of others hysterical? Solid artwork, and brutally funny sophisticated storytelling make this book a must read. But don't take my word for it, I wrote and drew the damned thing. Order a copy and find out for yourself. If you don't like it I guarantee that it will make a great gift for someone you know. < Less