Daniel Johnston. He’s a cult figure for sure, probably known best for 2 things: His art was on Kurt Cobain’s “HI HOW ARE YOU” t-shirt:
and he went half-crazy, and subsequently had a bittersweet documentary made about his life on the fringes of music as he battled schizophrenia: The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
Before that though, the Texas-based Daniel Johnston was a quirky child-like singer/songwriter – covered by Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Tom Waits, Beck, and TV on the Radio… and celebrated by dozens more. Johnston churned out 20 albums in 30 years although most people still have never heard of him. (His voice and songs certainly are an “acquired taste.” )
And even dealing with his mental and social issues, Daniel Johnston never strayed too far from that rapt cult audience who follow his every move in life.
To hear him tell it, though, Daniel Johnston had always wanted to be a comic book artist. And now he’s fulfilled yet another dream with SPACE DUCKS: AN INFINITE COMIC BOOK OF MUSICAL GREATNESS – his debut graphic novel. RELEASED TODAY – MAY 1ST 2012.
From the press release:
SPACE DUCKS is more than just a graphic novel, it’s a one-of-a-kind interactive comic book experience, complimented by the Space Ducks album and iOS App. The companion app will virtually take readers through Daniel’s Outer-Space world of Ducks and Devils, with games to play, surprising voices from different talents, animations and videos from the comic book, links to exciting new Space Ducks merchandise, and a slew of Easter eggs, including contributions from some of the critically-acclaimed musicians who number amongst Daniel’s biggest fans. The app will also debut Daniel Johnston’s first new album since 2009.
Here’s previews of all of the songs on the Space Ducks soundtrack album. Be sure to listen to the aching Sense of Humor with Daniel Johnston on vocals, and track 12 Space Ducks at the bottom – the version which features indie darlings Deer Tick…
Oh, and here are a couple pretty pictures from the new comic book…!
For those fans who want to buy Daniel’s music, art, or comic book, check out Daniel Johnston’s own website: http://www.hihowareyou.com/
