New Jimi Hendrix Graphic Novel Set for Release This Summer

Jimi Hendrix performs at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 18, 1969
(Image credit: Walter Iooss Jr./Getty Images)

A new graphic novel centered on the life of electric guitar icon Jimi Hendrix is set for release this summer.

The 144-page comic – titled Hendrix: Electric Requiem – was written by Mattia Colombara and features illustrations from Gianluca Maconi. Originally released in Italy, it follows the entirety of Hendrix's tragically short life – from his difficult and unstable childhood to his conquering performances at the Woodstock and Monterey Pop festivals.

As one can see from the available preview of the comic, Electric Requiem even goes beyond the end of Hendrix's life, opening with a scene of Hendrix arriving in the afterlife.

The comic also examines the racism Hendrix experienced throughout his life – from his early years through even the height of his fame.

The cover of the graphic novel, Hendrix: Electric Requiem

(Image credit: Ablaze)

In Ablaze's words, the comic is "An exhilarating ride, from Jimi's difficult beginnings in the South, plagued by racism, through his global stardom and triumph at Woodstock, and the excessive lifestyle of a rockstar. A rockstar who, even with all his experiences, never forgot where he came from. 

"Skillfully illustrated by artist Gianluca Maconi, this gripping tale of music, personal demons and thirst for glory is a must-have for any Jimi Hendrix fan." 

Hendrix: Electric Requiem is set for an August 9 release via Ablaze, and can be pre-ordered, for $24.99, now from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

For more info on the comic, visit ablaze.net.

Jackson Maxwell
Associate Editor, GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com

Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.