Banksy Graphic Novel Imagines The Artist Without Knowing Who He Is
Image via Amazon
What do Clark Kent, Peter Parker, and Banksy have in common? They all have famous alter egos, while their true selves remain hidden from the public eye. And, as it turns out, they’re all comic-book heroes.
His Name is Banksy is a forthcoming graphic novel that spotlights the esteemed street artist, and it’s written by someone whose guess on the graffitist’s identity is as good as yours.
In a fictional narrative, journalist and screenwriter Francesco Matteuzzi chronicles the faceless artist’s rise to international acclaim, with illustrations by Marco Maraggi. While the 128-page story doesn’t promise to unmask the elusive artist, it hopes to educate new audiences about the journey of Banksy and his ethos that art belongs to everyone.
The comic book follows two fictional street artists who get to know each other after being caught by the police for spray-painting graffiti on a wall and being detained. This setback inspires them to make a film about Banksy’s life, and trace his steps from the grungy streets of London to swanky museums worldwide.
Image via Penguin Random House
“Readers will learn not only of Banksy’s politically-charged art and the causes he championed, but also of its worldwide dissemination, museum exhibitions, and record-breaking auctions,” says the author.
The hardcover (US$24.95) is scheduled for release on October 11, and preorders have opened.
[via Artnet News and Amazon, images via various sources]
