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Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story
A moving graphic biography for music lovers, Grace: The Jeff Buckley Story is painstakingly researched and created in collaboration with Jeff Buckley's estate.
California, 1991. All his life, people have told Jeff Buckley how much he looks like his father, the famous ’60s folksinger he barely knew. But Jeff believes he has gifts of his own: a rare, octave-spanning voice and a songwriting genius that has only started to show itself. After he falls in love with a mysterious girl in New York, he sets out to make a name for himself outside his father’s shadow.
What follows are six turbulent years of music, heartbreak, hope, and daring—culminating in a tragedy that’s still reverberating in the music world today.
Written by Tiffanie DeBartolo and with art by Pascal Dizin and Lisa Reist, this graphic novel biography uses archival material provided by Jeff’s mother, Mary Guibert, to reveal the young songwriter in the process of becoming a legend.
California, 1991. All his life, people have told Jeff Buckley how much he looks like his father, the famous ’60s folksinger he barely knew. But Jeff believes he has gifts of his own: a rare, octave-spanning voice and a songwriting genius that has only started to show itself. After he falls in love with a mysterious girl in New York, he sets out to make a name for himself outside his father’s shadow.
What follows are six turbulent years of music, heartbreak, hope, and daring—culminating in a tragedy that’s still reverberating in the music world today.
Written by Tiffanie DeBartolo and with art by Pascal Dizin and Lisa Reist, this graphic novel biography uses archival material provided by Jeff’s mother, Mary Guibert, to reveal the young songwriter in the process of becoming a legend.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
5 people are currently reading
1588 people want to read
About the author
Tiffanie DeBartolo
7 books1,845 followersTiffanie DeBartolo's most recent novel is Sorrow. Her previous novels include God Shaped Hole (2002), How To Kill a Rock Star (2005), and the graphic novel Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story (2019). She also wrote and directed the film Dream for an Insomniac (1996) starring Jennifer Aniston and Ione Skye.
Tiffanie is the founder and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area record label Bright Antenna, whose roster of artists include The Wombats, Wilderado, Sports Team, and Prep.
Tiffanie is also the cofounder of the ShineMaker Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to supporting human rights, women's rights, education, animal welfare, and the environment.
In her spare time, she is a runner, hiker, yogi, world-traveler, cook, poet, and artist.
She lives in Mill Valley with her husband Scott Schumaker and her two Irish Wolfhounds, Dipsea and Kazoo.
Tiffanie is the founder and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area record label Bright Antenna, whose roster of artists include The Wombats, Wilderado, Sports Team, and Prep.
Tiffanie is also the cofounder of the ShineMaker Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to supporting human rights, women's rights, education, animal welfare, and the environment.
In her spare time, she is a runner, hiker, yogi, world-traveler, cook, poet, and artist.
She lives in Mill Valley with her husband Scott Schumaker and her two Irish Wolfhounds, Dipsea and Kazoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 25, 2019
Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story by Tiffanie DeBartolo is a 2019 First Second publication.
I have never read a standard biography about Jeff Buckley, and I can’t claim to be a rabid fan. But, of course, I am very familiar of his haunting version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah”, and I knew he was the son of folk singer, Tim Buckley, and that Jeff died young in a freak accident. Beyond that, I couldn’t have told you much else.
I do read my fair share of music memoirs and biographies, but this is the first one I have read in a Graphic Novel format. The story pretty much sticks to the basics, so for diehard fans the book may not cover much new territory. However, even if the story is familiar to you, the outstanding illustrations truly bring out an amazing amount of depth and emotion you most likely would not experience in a standard text only biography.
The writing is a bit simplistic, but I’m thinking this book might be a learning tool as well, perhaps to entice YA readers as well as older fans.
Jeff’s life was cut short, and he was always a bit of an enigma, so this book certainly will give readers a little more insight into his life and the artist behind the music. I enjoyed the experience of reading this book, and learning more about Jeff, and of course it has inspired me to revisit Jeff’s music, hearing it from a new perspective now.
I recommend this one for anyone who loves music, biographies or Graphic Novels.
I have never read a standard biography about Jeff Buckley, and I can’t claim to be a rabid fan. But, of course, I am very familiar of his haunting version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah”, and I knew he was the son of folk singer, Tim Buckley, and that Jeff died young in a freak accident. Beyond that, I couldn’t have told you much else.
I do read my fair share of music memoirs and biographies, but this is the first one I have read in a Graphic Novel format. The story pretty much sticks to the basics, so for diehard fans the book may not cover much new territory. However, even if the story is familiar to you, the outstanding illustrations truly bring out an amazing amount of depth and emotion you most likely would not experience in a standard text only biography.
The writing is a bit simplistic, but I’m thinking this book might be a learning tool as well, perhaps to entice YA readers as well as older fans.
Jeff’s life was cut short, and he was always a bit of an enigma, so this book certainly will give readers a little more insight into his life and the artist behind the music. I enjoyed the experience of reading this book, and learning more about Jeff, and of course it has inspired me to revisit Jeff’s music, hearing it from a new perspective now.
I recommend this one for anyone who loves music, biographies or Graphic Novels.
July 31, 2019
This is the biography in graphic novel form of Jeff Buckley. I didn't really know much of his music. He had one acclaimed album, but I know his song, "Hallelujah". It is such a powerful song that goes right to your soul and sticks there. It has been two decades and I still love hearing that song.
He seemed to be a real talent. From this story, he was struggling as to what and how he was going to evolve on his second album. He was going to a harder sound from what they relay here. He was very interesting and obviously very talented. It is very sad that his time was cut short and he didn't get to evolve as an artist and to see what he could do.
His dad was also a singer, but Jeff didn't even know him and hated being compared to him. He seemed uncomfortable with fame. I thought the night he died swimming in the Mississippi river was a one time thing, but according to this story, he swam in that river often. I think he was swimming between the shore and mud island, but still... I have always been told as we would cross that river that is was a very dangerous and violent river and you could never swim in it. People drown in it all the time. I can't believe Jeff would swim in it.
He would get hot and go for a swim in the Mississippi without thinking. He must not have heard how dangerous the river was. He went swimming one time too many. He seemed very happy and upbeat the last night, according to the story. He was about to go into the studio. It really is sad what happened.
Some people have a way of illuminating the soul for all the rest of us and blowing on it to glow bright in the face of our day to day life. I think Jeff, when he chose, had this special gift. Thankfully, he left us one glorious album to remember him by.
This was very well done and I highly recommend it.
He seemed to be a real talent. From this story, he was struggling as to what and how he was going to evolve on his second album. He was going to a harder sound from what they relay here. He was very interesting and obviously very talented. It is very sad that his time was cut short and he didn't get to evolve as an artist and to see what he could do.
His dad was also a singer, but Jeff didn't even know him and hated being compared to him. He seemed uncomfortable with fame. I thought the night he died swimming in the Mississippi river was a one time thing, but according to this story, he swam in that river often. I think he was swimming between the shore and mud island, but still... I have always been told as we would cross that river that is was a very dangerous and violent river and you could never swim in it. People drown in it all the time. I can't believe Jeff would swim in it.
He would get hot and go for a swim in the Mississippi without thinking. He must not have heard how dangerous the river was. He went swimming one time too many. He seemed very happy and upbeat the last night, according to the story. He was about to go into the studio. It really is sad what happened.
Some people have a way of illuminating the soul for all the rest of us and blowing on it to glow bright in the face of our day to day life. I think Jeff, when he chose, had this special gift. Thankfully, he left us one glorious album to remember him by.
This was very well done and I highly recommend it.
September 10, 2019
When I saw that Tiffanie DeBartolo was writing a graphic novel about Jeff Buckley I knew I had to read it!
I already knew some things from Jeff Buckley's life but it was nice to learn more. His sudden death is something that saddens me deeply to this day. This graphic novel tries to show the readers how Jeff became such a famous singer. It also shows the struggles that he faced regarding for example fame or writer's block. It was very interesting to read and learn more about Jeff the singer, but also about Jeff the person. Also, I think the drawing style was very captivating.
If you're a Jeff Buckle's fan I highly recommend this graphic novel.
I already knew some things from Jeff Buckley's life but it was nice to learn more. His sudden death is something that saddens me deeply to this day. This graphic novel tries to show the readers how Jeff became such a famous singer. It also shows the struggles that he faced regarding for example fame or writer's block. It was very interesting to read and learn more about Jeff the singer, but also about Jeff the person. Also, I think the drawing style was very captivating.
If you're a Jeff Buckle's fan I highly recommend this graphic novel.
December 22, 2018
Starting off with the positives, the graphics were awesome! I loved all the artwork, especially the ones that overlapped each other.
But the story itself did not interest me much. I guess I was expecting something more... polished? And it felt as if everything was rushed. Half of the time, it took me a minute to realise that the characters have changed, and so has the place.
All in all, I loved the graphics, but I didn't care much for the story.
But the story itself did not interest me much. I guess I was expecting something more... polished? And it felt as if everything was rushed. Half of the time, it took me a minute to realise that the characters have changed, and so has the place.
All in all, I loved the graphics, but I didn't care much for the story.
November 22, 2022
Nice book. I like Buckley's music - 'himself' is a big fan. Tragic end to his young life. Credit the photo to hubby - he 'had to' have this special edition 'Live at Sin-é' LP (he has his records and I have my books) ...
September 19, 2018
At the risk of sounding dramatic I had to wait a couple days to write a review- I guess to let everything kind of sink it, settle. I admit I am completely biased regarding Tiffanie Debartolo’s work. I am a huge fan and remember years ago when there was mention of this book. Not only am I over the moon that it’s actually happened- but that I got to read it this week. But despite liking her books (and movie) so much- I can say in all honestly this was a fantastic graphic novel. I love that it was like reading a biography but in a much more fun, exciting way. I love the idea of the subplot describing another person’s relationship to Jeff Buckely’s music and how it came to fruition. It just was the perfect book. I feel like it truly showed Jeff Buckley’s evolution as an artist and the frustrations that come with being a rising star. I love that there was still plenty of humor, fact based tidbits, but most of all- so much heart. Not to sound sappy but I can’t but think this is a biography that Buckley would approve of.
August 7, 2020
A straightforward, accessible little graphic biography of Jeff Buckley—nothing more nor less, nor does it need to be. The focus is mostly on his music career (only one of his numerous love affairs gets any page-time, and DeBartolo dispenses with his childhood completely), but the music is what's important anyway. The more I learn about Jeff the more I realize that there's really nothing in his life—not even his famous absent father—which can adequately explain his talent or his soul. He was a pretty ordinary guy with an extraordinary gift, and there's nothing wrong with that.
I liked the art—with elements of manga, western cartoons, and more "standard" graphic novel illustrations—and the layouts are dynamic and appealing, with lots of Easter eggs for those interested. There's a framing device involving a teenage fan which isn't really necessary but which certainly doesn't detract anything, either. At times the book is surprisingly cutesy, even zany: the whole approach feels kind of fangirl-ish, which sounds like an insult but isn't meant as one. Personally I'll always prefer an affectionate ode from someone who clearly loves the artist and his art (while still acknowledging the imperfections, as DeBartolo does) over a Great Man of Rock treatment from some righteous asshole more concerned with quantifying Buckley's "importance" than engaging emotionally with his songs.
Come to think of it, Daphne E. Brooks' 33 1/3 entry on Grace, which I read earlier this year, had a similarly devotional tone. In fact, the people I tend to see singing Jeff's praises most enthusiastically these days are almost always women, while the capital-S Serious male critics don't seem particularly inspired by him. As far as I'm concerned, that just means I'm making the right choice in singing his praises, too.
Here's "Everybody Here Wants You," from his unfinished second album. Enjoy.
November 12, 2024
Beautiful graphics! I really like the style of it. I didn't know much about Jeff Buckley, but this comic ist great to get to know him a little more.
February 1, 2019
When I saw there was a graphic novel about Jeff Buckley's career, I actually made some kind of scream. When side character Henry hears Buckley for the first time, he's transported to another world-- just like I was when I first heard him. Jeff and Rebecca's relationship and undoing is illustrated exactly as I can feel it in the famous "Lover, You Should've Come Over". Grace is a brilliant depiction of his later years; I hope those who don't know Jeff Buckley will be intrigued by that gorgeous cover and learn all about this musical prodigy who left us far too soon.
September 23, 2018
Grace is a graphic novel depicting the life of singer Jeff Buckley. I enjoyed the art style of this piece. This book inspired me to listen to some of Jeff's music. This is a good read for any fans of music.Thanks First Second Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this title for review.
February 20, 2019
The illustrations and coloring in this story absolutely blew me away! I loved the way Jeff's emotions were drawn with such detail.
November 21, 2021
Grace is a simple biography of a musician whose life was cut short by a tragic accident told in graphic novel style.
I knew very little of Jeff Buckley before beginning this story, but I am quite familiar with Tiffanie DeBartolo's writing. While this didn't have that je ne sais quois I'm used to with Tiffanie, it was obvious that she has major love for music and Buckley. I felt like it was a book that was simple in terms of the writing, but the graphics told a lot more and made you feel even more than what was written on the page. It was a book that could be for young adults to enjoy and get to know a musician on his quest to find his own success.
This book would be a great read for someone that enjoys music, Jeff Buckley or even someone that wants to know the road traveled to find "IT". Music and the whole industry isn't an easy one to navigate and this book shows one man's journey that was not easy and what he gave up to find IT. The illustrations were beautiful and 100% made the story that much more enjoyable and profound. The emotions displayed in those graphics were the high point in this story for me. It added to the story told and made this graphic novel complete.
I knew very little of Jeff Buckley before beginning this story, but I am quite familiar with Tiffanie DeBartolo's writing. While this didn't have that je ne sais quois I'm used to with Tiffanie, it was obvious that she has major love for music and Buckley. I felt like it was a book that was simple in terms of the writing, but the graphics told a lot more and made you feel even more than what was written on the page. It was a book that could be for young adults to enjoy and get to know a musician on his quest to find his own success.
This book would be a great read for someone that enjoys music, Jeff Buckley or even someone that wants to know the road traveled to find "IT". Music and the whole industry isn't an easy one to navigate and this book shows one man's journey that was not easy and what he gave up to find IT. The illustrations were beautiful and 100% made the story that much more enjoyable and profound. The emotions displayed in those graphics were the high point in this story for me. It added to the story told and made this graphic novel complete.
August 5, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my open and honest review
I am a fan of Jeff Buckley. I think anyone who has heard his haunting version of Leanord Cohen's 'Hallelujah' would be affected by it and be a fan. But Jeff Buckley was generally an enigma whose life was cut short. Even after reading this, he is still sort of an enigma. I learned a few new things: for instance, I had no idea who his dad was, or that he was actually a folk singer. I learned that he was uncomfortable with fame and how it was thrust upon him, first in comparison to his father and then further through his own well earned fame. Then poof, his life, his light was out like a light. Jeff Buckley still remains an enigma. Maybe that is how the author intended it. To show that to all, he was and always will be this great shining star that brought light into the sky for a brilliant moment then puffed out. It is really sad the way his life ended.
Still, it felt very unsatisfying to me.
Aside from the story the graphics are extremely well done. Kudos to Dizin and Reist. They used a light touch but conveyed a lot of information.
I am a fan of Jeff Buckley. I think anyone who has heard his haunting version of Leanord Cohen's 'Hallelujah' would be affected by it and be a fan. But Jeff Buckley was generally an enigma whose life was cut short. Even after reading this, he is still sort of an enigma. I learned a few new things: for instance, I had no idea who his dad was, or that he was actually a folk singer. I learned that he was uncomfortable with fame and how it was thrust upon him, first in comparison to his father and then further through his own well earned fame. Then poof, his life, his light was out like a light. Jeff Buckley still remains an enigma. Maybe that is how the author intended it. To show that to all, he was and always will be this great shining star that brought light into the sky for a brilliant moment then puffed out. It is really sad the way his life ended.
Still, it felt very unsatisfying to me.
Aside from the story the graphics are extremely well done. Kudos to Dizin and Reist. They used a light touch but conveyed a lot of information.
July 27, 2019
I’ve read numerous Jeff Buckley biographies, and have listened to his music since the 90’s. His death, when he was on the cusp of another kind of genius, that even Grace couldn’t give us, never fails to rip my heart out.
I’ve loved so many time and I’ve drowned them all.
I’ve loved so many time and I’ve drowned them all.
December 28, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley and First Second Books in exchange for an honest review
I read this without having any idea who the intended audience was and that may have colored my reading. As an adult who has been a fan of Jeff Buckley's for years, this really missed the mark for me. I tried to remind myself that I might be biased due to my love for the subject and entered with too-high expectations. For a YA audience who isn't as familiar, this might have been a great read and the art was really outstanding. I enjoyed that it was only blues and whites, but really had an almost musical flow to it. That was the defining characteristic of the book for me.
I think the important part of the cover is where it says: "Based on the Jeff Buckley Story" as this should have tipped me off. It reads a lot like a biography, but it feels somehow incomplete. At the very least there are sections that feel very superficial and we don't dive deeply into Jeff relationships with some of the people in his life. I don't know how many creative liberties were taken with his story, but again, as an adult I felt like there were parts just missing that would have filled out the story.
This isn't a bad read, but for me it was unsatisfying. I would still recommend this to our YA readers and see if it sparks their interest in one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters.
I read this without having any idea who the intended audience was and that may have colored my reading. As an adult who has been a fan of Jeff Buckley's for years, this really missed the mark for me. I tried to remind myself that I might be biased due to my love for the subject and entered with too-high expectations. For a YA audience who isn't as familiar, this might have been a great read and the art was really outstanding. I enjoyed that it was only blues and whites, but really had an almost musical flow to it. That was the defining characteristic of the book for me.
I think the important part of the cover is where it says: "Based on the Jeff Buckley Story" as this should have tipped me off. It reads a lot like a biography, but it feels somehow incomplete. At the very least there are sections that feel very superficial and we don't dive deeply into Jeff relationships with some of the people in his life. I don't know how many creative liberties were taken with his story, but again, as an adult I felt like there were parts just missing that would have filled out the story.
This isn't a bad read, but for me it was unsatisfying. I would still recommend this to our YA readers and see if it sparks their interest in one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters.
February 3, 2019
In telling the story of tragic musician Jeff Buckley in appropriately blue-tinged comic form, talented writer Tiffanie de Bartolo (much loved round these parts for her off-beat 90s romcom Dream for an Insomniac) glosses over some facts and handwaves others, but still gloriously evokes the spirit of her subject while also pondering the mercurial nature of musical genius. Buckley’s early relationship, given here as a casualty of his career, is well-drawn, as are the, well, drawings, with co-illustrators Pascal Dizin and Lisa Reist collaborating, and contrasting, with verve and skill. The story, as you might expect, is quite a tearjerker, though it does somehow manage to build suspense even when you know what has to happen in the end. Recommend reading with Buckley’s too-limited catalog on shuffle – you, too, might have the eerie experience of having “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” play just as it is being written… – Rachel Hyland
4 1/2 stars.
This review will appear in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #5, out April 1, 2019.
4 1/2 stars.
This review will appear in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #5, out April 1, 2019.
May 19, 2019
Tiffanie DeBartolo is one of my favorite authors of all time. While the format of this novel is a departure from her earlier works, her talent continues to shine through.
Reading a graphic novel, was a truly unique way to consume a memoir. A long time Jeff Buckley fan, I have always wanted to know more about his life, and how he got started in the music world. While this novel did not entirely satisfy my curiosity, it was highly engaging. Most of the information felt familiar, but there were some new and interesting facts sprinkled throughout. I also found that the vividly detailed graphics, added emotional depth and intrigue, to an otherwise simplified plot.
Perfect for fans who want an emotional, yet uncomplicated, peek into the life and times of the extremely talented Mr. Buckley.
Reading a graphic novel, was a truly unique way to consume a memoir. A long time Jeff Buckley fan, I have always wanted to know more about his life, and how he got started in the music world. While this novel did not entirely satisfy my curiosity, it was highly engaging. Most of the information felt familiar, but there were some new and interesting facts sprinkled throughout. I also found that the vividly detailed graphics, added emotional depth and intrigue, to an otherwise simplified plot.
Perfect for fans who want an emotional, yet uncomplicated, peek into the life and times of the extremely talented Mr. Buckley.
January 2, 2019
So, I didn't know anything at all about Jeff Buckley before I picked this up - and that meant that the ending was a real surprise to me. There's a bit where Buckley has something of an onstage meltdown because his fans are demanding that he play the hits, while he wants to play from the new material he's been working on, and it's portrayed with gentle sympathy and humanity. This is a lovely biography and tribute, and the photographs included at the end are a nice touch. I can't say how successful it will be for superfans, but for me, it was a nice introduction.
February 5, 2019
I didn't know much about Jeff Buckley other than his tragic demise and the fact that he was an amazing musician, so this graphic novel was very much on point in delivering a compelling story. I really enjoyed getting to know more about this artist. And the artwork was beautiful.
September 3, 2019
Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story is a biographical graphic novel written by Tiffanie DeBartolo and illustrated by the team of Pascal Dizin and Lisa Reist. The memoir chronicles the life of Jeff Buckley as a struggling musician.
Jeffrey Scott Buckley, raised as Scott Moorhead, was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. After a decade as a session guitarist in Los Angeles, Buckley amassed a following in the early 1990s by playing cover songs at venues in Manhattan's East Village, gradually focusing more on his own material. After rebuffing much interest from record labels and his father Tim Buckley's manager Herb Cohen, he signed with Columbia, recruited a band, and recorded what would be his only studio album, Grace, in 1994.
This effervescent graphic biography of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley brims over with creative intensity, avoiding the typical excavation of morbid details. Buckley struggled in the shadow of his father, Tim Buckley, a singer-songwriter with a cult following, whom he barely knew. An earnest guy with a guitar on the New York club circuit, Buckley attracted record label attention in 1992, and while his first album notched up strong sales and positive reviews, Buckley bristled at the industry's attempt to turn him into just a pretty-boy darling of the adult contemporary charts.
Unsure of his direction and increasingly anxious, Buckley moved to Memphis, where he tried to clear a serious bout of writer's block. The buildup to the fateful nighttime swim that ended Buckley's life is handled delicately and without speculative psychological profiling.
Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story is written and constructed rather well. The narrative by DeBartolo only fitfully tracks Buckley's manic mood swings, leaving it mostly to the grin-heavy and high-energy Archie-inflected illustrations by Dizin and Reist to tell the story of the soaring highs that powered Buckley's music and the dark lows that may have silenced it.
All in all, Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story is an informative biographical graphic novel about the tragic story about a notable singer – Jeff Buckley.
Jeffrey Scott Buckley, raised as Scott Moorhead, was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. After a decade as a session guitarist in Los Angeles, Buckley amassed a following in the early 1990s by playing cover songs at venues in Manhattan's East Village, gradually focusing more on his own material. After rebuffing much interest from record labels and his father Tim Buckley's manager Herb Cohen, he signed with Columbia, recruited a band, and recorded what would be his only studio album, Grace, in 1994.
This effervescent graphic biography of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley brims over with creative intensity, avoiding the typical excavation of morbid details. Buckley struggled in the shadow of his father, Tim Buckley, a singer-songwriter with a cult following, whom he barely knew. An earnest guy with a guitar on the New York club circuit, Buckley attracted record label attention in 1992, and while his first album notched up strong sales and positive reviews, Buckley bristled at the industry's attempt to turn him into just a pretty-boy darling of the adult contemporary charts.
Unsure of his direction and increasingly anxious, Buckley moved to Memphis, where he tried to clear a serious bout of writer's block. The buildup to the fateful nighttime swim that ended Buckley's life is handled delicately and without speculative psychological profiling.
Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story is written and constructed rather well. The narrative by DeBartolo only fitfully tracks Buckley's manic mood swings, leaving it mostly to the grin-heavy and high-energy Archie-inflected illustrations by Dizin and Reist to tell the story of the soaring highs that powered Buckley's music and the dark lows that may have silenced it.
All in all, Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story is an informative biographical graphic novel about the tragic story about a notable singer – Jeff Buckley.
April 7, 2025
thank you $5 bin at black bond books and thank you JEFF BUCKLEY 🧎🧎🧎🧎🧎
April 27, 2019
(Gifted)
Blog Post: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...
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*I was provided with a copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was so excited when I came across this, because I am a big fan of Jeff Buckley’s music and just him in general! Therefore, I already knew some details about his life, but was eager to learn more. Jeff’s story will probably appeal to a lot of people though, because he was immensely talented and died far too young. There seems to be some sort of fascination with celebrities dying young, and especially just when they seem to be gaining back control of their lives, but there has always been something so surreal and hazy about Jeff’s death that I can understand people’s intrigue. People from Jeff’s life had input into Grace, such as his mother, and so I think that this is as honest an account of his life as we’re likely to get and I’m very grateful that they wanted to tell his story.
This graphic novel confirmed everything that I thought I knew about Jeff Buckley. He was a kind hearted soul that was desperately trying to find his voice through his music. We see him struggling with the comparison to his father, who had also been a well known singer, who Jeff only met once before Tim Buckley died at 28 years old, with Jeff even being invited to perform at a tribute concert. He is also dealing with trying to take his music further than playing to his and his girlfriend’s cat, Spinach, and get his voice heard. Then when his undeniable talent is finally realised, he has to battle record labels to make sure he keeps the integrity, originality and ownership of his music. Because his music was so much more than just music, it was him! There’s a beautiful line where someone remarks “He doesn’t sing the bloody songs, he becomes them” and I couldn’t agree more, he wasn’t just a songwriter, he was a storyteller. I’m just so glad that his pure passion and desire to make music, that he was proud of, was shown.
As we’re taken on a journey from 1991 to 1997 (Jeff’s death), I find it so fascinating to see the events that happened in his life and how they influenced particular songs of his. It was so great to read and it gave the songs such a deeper meaning! And I really enjoyed how the song lyrics were weaved into the artwork in order to make it explicitly clear, which songs stemmed from which experiences. I even found myself humming some of the songs as I figured out what influenced them, it was such a lovely experience!
The artwork in this was terrific, it favoured a muted and minimalistic colour palette, and I think it added to the story so beautifully, without overpowering it and it felt very fitting to Jeff’s laid back demeanour. It was brilliant in conveying Jeff’s emotions, especially when he’d experience euphoria through his music or even in more sombre times, when black ink heavily dominated the page, it was extremely powerful. I think that both the author and the illustrators did such a fantastic job telling Jeff’s story through a graphic novel. His music touched a lot of people and so I adored the inclusion of how he influenced one particular guy, it was very heart warming. There are some photographs in the back of the novel, of Jeff and those he was closest to, which was also a really nice touch! If it wasn’t obvious enough already, I enjoyed this tremendously and would most definitely recommend it!
Blog Post: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...
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*I was provided with a copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was so excited when I came across this, because I am a big fan of Jeff Buckley’s music and just him in general! Therefore, I already knew some details about his life, but was eager to learn more. Jeff’s story will probably appeal to a lot of people though, because he was immensely talented and died far too young. There seems to be some sort of fascination with celebrities dying young, and especially just when they seem to be gaining back control of their lives, but there has always been something so surreal and hazy about Jeff’s death that I can understand people’s intrigue. People from Jeff’s life had input into Grace, such as his mother, and so I think that this is as honest an account of his life as we’re likely to get and I’m very grateful that they wanted to tell his story.
This graphic novel confirmed everything that I thought I knew about Jeff Buckley. He was a kind hearted soul that was desperately trying to find his voice through his music. We see him struggling with the comparison to his father, who had also been a well known singer, who Jeff only met once before Tim Buckley died at 28 years old, with Jeff even being invited to perform at a tribute concert. He is also dealing with trying to take his music further than playing to his and his girlfriend’s cat, Spinach, and get his voice heard. Then when his undeniable talent is finally realised, he has to battle record labels to make sure he keeps the integrity, originality and ownership of his music. Because his music was so much more than just music, it was him! There’s a beautiful line where someone remarks “He doesn’t sing the bloody songs, he becomes them” and I couldn’t agree more, he wasn’t just a songwriter, he was a storyteller. I’m just so glad that his pure passion and desire to make music, that he was proud of, was shown.
As we’re taken on a journey from 1991 to 1997 (Jeff’s death), I find it so fascinating to see the events that happened in his life and how they influenced particular songs of his. It was so great to read and it gave the songs such a deeper meaning! And I really enjoyed how the song lyrics were weaved into the artwork in order to make it explicitly clear, which songs stemmed from which experiences. I even found myself humming some of the songs as I figured out what influenced them, it was such a lovely experience!
The artwork in this was terrific, it favoured a muted and minimalistic colour palette, and I think it added to the story so beautifully, without overpowering it and it felt very fitting to Jeff’s laid back demeanour. It was brilliant in conveying Jeff’s emotions, especially when he’d experience euphoria through his music or even in more sombre times, when black ink heavily dominated the page, it was extremely powerful. I think that both the author and the illustrators did such a fantastic job telling Jeff’s story through a graphic novel. His music touched a lot of people and so I adored the inclusion of how he influenced one particular guy, it was very heart warming. There are some photographs in the back of the novel, of Jeff and those he was closest to, which was also a really nice touch! If it wasn’t obvious enough already, I enjoyed this tremendously and would most definitely recommend it!
October 22, 2018
Jeff Buckley, son of musician Tim Buckley, has spent his life hearing about how he looks just like his father. Sounds just like his father. Tim Buckley 2.0. But that’s not what Jeff wants. He has his own style, his own sound that is powerful on its own, without the legacy of the father that he never knew. In Grace, we are given Jeff Buckley’s own story, from his humble beginnings in California to his successful first (and only) album to his final tragic evening. When I started this graphic novel, I had no idea who Jeff Buckley was. Or his father. And unfortunately, I still feel like I don’t. Something was definitely missing for me out of this story. I know it’s hard to cram someone’s life into a brief graphic novel, but I’ve read other biographic ones that I think did a much better job. I did love the art though. The various styles that were used in different panels was a nice touch. I also loved how Dixon depicted Jeff when he was particularly passionate about something. You could truly feel his emotions through the pages. I just wish I was offered a bit more on Jeff’s life. I came away from this still missing a lot of pieces. Maybe his fans will find more to appreciate than I did. Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for the eARC.
June 20, 2019
The art and the story in this graphic novel are beautiful. It is a very basic biography, but also tells enough of the story for someone like me that knew nothing about Jeff Buckley before reading this.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2019
The graphic novel equivalent of a Hollywood movie about musicians. Hit all the important biographical bullet points, strip away any semblance of real emotions and replace them with familiar story beats, and voila. It's a story you've seen/read hundreds of times before but now it's about a different celebrity.
The art is an interesting balance of manga, 21st century Eurostyle art, and non-traditional panel breaking. But the story rarely feels like it has earned Dizin and Reist's art.
I don't know who to recommend it to. Not because it's awful, but because I think it's divisive. Some Buckley fans will be glad a graphic novel based on his life exists, some will wish it was a more complex look at him. Those unfamiliar with Buckley but who like graphic novels, might decide to pick up the album, others won't find enough of the album's charm to hold their interest.
The art is an interesting balance of manga, 21st century Eurostyle art, and non-traditional panel breaking. But the story rarely feels like it has earned Dizin and Reist's art.
I don't know who to recommend it to. Not because it's awful, but because I think it's divisive. Some Buckley fans will be glad a graphic novel based on his life exists, some will wish it was a more complex look at him. Those unfamiliar with Buckley but who like graphic novels, might decide to pick up the album, others won't find enough of the album's charm to hold their interest.
June 12, 2019
Thanks to First Second for the advance ARC of this amazing book in exchange for honest feedback.
This book is absolutely gorgeous. I was a pretty casual fan of Jeff Buckley's before reading the book, and knew a little bit of his story, but this gives so much insight into his character and life that I couldn't help but dive into his full catalog more thoroughly.
I love the choice to use two different artists! The two different styles allow for additional depth and richness of storytelling. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone, whether or not they're familiar with Jeff Buckley's music.
This book is absolutely gorgeous. I was a pretty casual fan of Jeff Buckley's before reading the book, and knew a little bit of his story, but this gives so much insight into his character and life that I couldn't help but dive into his full catalog more thoroughly.
I love the choice to use two different artists! The two different styles allow for additional depth and richness of storytelling. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone, whether or not they're familiar with Jeff Buckley's music.
September 1, 2018
I was a fan of Buckley's music, but this was missing something for me. It hit the highlights of Buckley's life but it felt like there were sections missing. There were no real connections with Buckley and his friends and family and it felt kind of rushed and inconsequential. I didn't think the artwork was very effective either. The color palette was too muted and didn't add a lot of depth to the drawings. It made it difficult to distinguish between characters and settings. I was hoping to get some insight on Buckley's life and his relationships but this one left me wanting more.
September 24, 2018
I just found this one baffling. I honestly am not sure what happened, or why or how the two stories being told were actually connected. To be fair, I’d never heard of Jeff Buckley or his father before, so his entire story was new to me. Maybe this is targeted to people who are already fans? I don’t know, but it was a strange story, especially because of how he died. Was he having issues with bipolar disorder? Or did I interpret this telling incorrectly? In any case it was an ok read but probably not something I’d recommend.
March 30, 2020
This graphics are great and it hits a lot of benchmarks of Buckley’s career. But be very clear that this is a very small (and reductive) version of the story. It’s clear that Buckley’s mother was heavily involved with the process of making this book and has whitewashed and edited a lot of the people that had a major part in Jeff’s life and story. And that’s really upsetting as a fan. Go read Dave Lory’s biography of him. He was his manager, and it’s shocking (and telling) that this book left him out entirely.
May 27, 2019
Language: R (14 swears, 19 "f"); Mature Content: PG (substance use); Violence: PG (death)
I don't know how accurate this story is, but the story it tells is powerful. Jeff and Henry learn about taking risks and following their dreams; Jeff and his band teach readers about ingenuity and respect; Jeff teaches readers about enjoying life as he learns to balance his life. Furthermore, the illustrations are beautiful, and Jeff's album Grace has some beautiful music on it that I now listen to.
I don't know how accurate this story is, but the story it tells is powerful. Jeff and Henry learn about taking risks and following their dreams; Jeff and his band teach readers about ingenuity and respect; Jeff teaches readers about enjoying life as he learns to balance his life. Furthermore, the illustrations are beautiful, and Jeff's album Grace has some beautiful music on it that I now listen to.
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