5 Musicians Who Wrote Comic Books and Where to Find Their Work

Music and comic books share a unique blend of creativity. Some musicians have diversified their talents by creating their own comic books, blending storytelling skills with visual art. For comic book enthusiasts, discovering these music comic books offers a new way to enjoy the arts and cultural impact of musical storytelling.

Here are five musicians who ventured into the world of comics and where to find their work.

1. The Weeknd - Starboy (Marvel Comics)

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, teamed up with Marvel Comics for a cool project—a comic book inspired by his hit album, Starboy. This collaboration highlights Tesfaye's creative flair and brings together the worlds of music and comics, mixing sci-fi action with the vibes and themes found in his music.

In this comic, you'll meet characters that reflect the album's themes, along with new ones that spice up the story. The plot might follow a hero navigating a futuristic world, dealing with enemies and obstacles similar to the struggles in Tesfaye's songs. This mix of sci-fi and personal storytelling not only grabs The Weeknd's fans but also draws in comic book lovers who dig deep stories and awesome art.

Where to buy:

Although the comic stopped production, you can still purchase it from Key Collector Comics, eBay, and Amazon.

2. D'Vo - D'Vo The Codex Comic Book Series

Meet D’Vo, a virtual Neo Soul and Hip-Hop artist from the lively city of Houston. He's mixed his musical skills with a captivating story in his manga-scifi comic series, D'Vo The Codex. This project not only highlights his artistic range but also dives deep into themes of spirituality and self-discovery.

At the core of D'Vo The Codex is a spiritually rich tale about a young boy on a mission to find his divine purpose in life. This coming-of-age story is packed with themes of faith, identity, and the quest for meaning, striking a chord with readers who might be on similar journeys. Through vibrant illustrations and animated storytelling, D’Vo brings the protagonist's challenges and victories to life, letting audiences connect with the character's ups and downs on a personal level.

Where to buy:

Start reading for free right here on our website and stick around as each edition rolls out monthly.

3. Gerard Way – From My Chemical Romance to Comics

Gerard Way, the frontman of the legendary rock band My Chemical Romance, isn't just famous for his killer vocals and energetic performances. He's also super passionate about comics. One of his biggest hits in the comic world is The Umbrella Academy, a series that's been a huge hit with both fans and critics.

The story centers around a quirky family of adopted siblings, each with their own unique powers. They come back together to figure out what happened to their dad, all while dealing with their own issues and trying to stop the apocalypse. This complex storyline really shows off Way's knack for storytelling and his talent for mixing deep emotions with a wild, imaginative plot.

Where to buy:  

The Umbrella Academy can be found at bookstores, comic shops, and online retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and it is also available to watch on Netflix.

4. Gene Simmons of KISS - Multiseries Comics

Gene Simmons, the legendary bassist and co-founder of the rock band KISS, has taken his talents beyond music into the comic book world. He's published several series inspired by the band's larger-than-life personas, starting with Marvel back in 1977.

Some standout series include KISS: Psycho Circus and Dominatrix, which mix rock and fantasy in a way only KISS can. These stories take place in a wild universe where the KISS members become superhero versions of their stage personas, taking on all sorts of evil forces. The comics are packed with horror, fantasy, and supernatural elements, letting fans dive into a world just as theatrical as KISS's epic live shows.

Where to buy:

You can find both new and vintage KISS comics, including the latest issues from the "The End" series, on various online sites like the official KISS Army Warehouse or Amazon.

5. Claudio Sanchez - The Amory Wars

Claudio Sanchez is the dynamic lead of the progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria. They're famous for mixing epic sci-fi tales with complex music. With his powerful vocals, detailed guitar skills, and dramatic live shows, Sanchez has gathered a loyal following through albums that are like chapters in a bigger story. Every Coheed and Cambria album is part of a huge sci-fi saga, showing Sanchez’s knack for combining music and storytelling. His deep lyrics and grand vision stretch the limits of what rock music can express, making him a unique artist who sees songs as scenes in a larger narrative.

This story is The Amory Wars, a comic book series that Sanchez created and wrote himself. It’s the core of the band’s whole music collection, presenting a vast space adventure filled with rebellion, betrayal, identity, and cosmic justice.

Where to buy:

The Amory Wars is available at local retailers like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, and local comic retailers.

These musicians show how music comic books can expand an artist’s creative reach. Whether you’re drawn to the storytelling of hip hop comic books or the graphic narratives from rock musicians, these works offer a unique blend of sound and vision. Exploring these comics can deepen your appreciation for the artists’ talents beyond their music.

Start reading D'Vo The Codex Comic Book Series for free and stick around for monthly releases.