Belushi: On a Mission from God

by Alberto Schiavone, Matteo Manera (Illustrations)

Animal House. Blues Brothers. Saturday Night Live. A gift for comedy practically unmatched in the history of cinema–John Belushi is one of America's greatest icons. Belushi died of an overdose at the age of thirty-three, defined by fame, success, and an insatiable hunger for life.

This graphic novel offers readers a new perspective on one of the most prominent figures in American comedy, chronicling Belushi's rise and fall and showing how wild success can turn into sudden tragedy. Through a story rich in tenderness and passion, it brings to life the irreverent, excessive, crazy, profane, unpredictable spirit of an actor considered to be the ultimate testament to free thought and nonconformity.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Biography

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2014

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a comic about the life of one John Belushi. The artwork is ridicolous or bad, but I am not an expert at all when it comes to art. So let me say that I was absolutely not impressed. The story however was quite strong with excellent chosen script.
It aquires a certain taste to enjoy this book but it certainly a reminder of how people can be plagued by demons which can cost them a lot.

[Sonic · Rating 2 out of 5]

To me the word amateurish does not necessarily mean something is not at all enjoyable, but in this case I do use the word knowing that it has a bad connotation.
The writing was not very good.
The art was pretty terrible, yet somehow still worked.

I still felt moved at the end, but I really think it was mostly because of the great loss of Belushi and what we all must feel of the pointlessness of an early demise from drug overdose.

Or maybe it was the book that despite it's obvious failings was able to convey something...

[Patrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very weak art, it looks like the book was drawn one loaded afternoon. The storytelling is also weak. I did learn a few things that I did not know before, but it still reads as if a middle school C student was writing it.

[Arsnoctis · Rating 2 out of 5]

La biografia di Belushi in sintesi, senza lungaggini nè tentativi di indorare la pillola. Acquistato volentierissimo, a prezzo ridotto, all'interno della raccolta fondi digitale organizzata dall'editore.
Come scritto su Instagram, questo è nel pieno spirito del cosiddetto "disegnato male".

[Jon B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

It feels like the creator just read a brief bio or watched a "behind the music" type of piece or maybe even just went through the highlights of John's Wikipedia page and just scratched out a few lackluster drawings. Not good. Belushi deserves better.

[Ilmaji · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh no. Se la storia può andare bene (essendo una biografia), lo stile è terribile, a mio gusto. Disegni che non mi piacciono per nulla. Con uno stile che richiama quello di dr. Pira. Non è decisamente di mio gusto

[Lonnie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe the real life of one of America's funniest comedians could be so dark. This graphic novel rivals the sadness of any Batman comic. RIP John Belushi.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for something with more depth to it, even as a graphic novel.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss watching this guy in SNL. Grew up with it and it will never be the same. Every Saturday night, 10:30... falling asleep on the floor to his antics. I couldn’t have been more than 4 or 5. 😊

[Markus Seaberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, but I wanted more. It was very short. I want to read a biography now.

[Robert Hudder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but evocative bio of John Belushi. The illustrations add a lot.

[Trevor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Art style really great for this story. Story told really not well at all. Feels like a wikipedia regurgitation and towards the end feels exploitative. Ending in poor taste.

[C. Heyward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching graphic novel biography of a comic & entertainer that left a lasting impression on me. Alberto Schiavone’s story can easily be read in one sitting, and it succinctly summarizes John’s career and touches on several of his memorable characters. Matto Manera’s fine-line art work is able to show endearing qualities and also capture the chaos that I can only imagine surrounded John Belushi.

This book will be on my coffee table for the next few months, and I’m looking forward to revisiting it often, as well as share it with friends.

[Sezin Koehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, if a bit simplistic, overview of John Belushi's life. I'm honestly not all that familiar with his work and the few things I do know showed me that his sense of comedy isn't really my cup of tea; I'm not the ideal audience for this particular graphic novel biography. Someone who is a fan would get much more from this book, I think.

[Bill DeGenaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really simple line art suggests how anarchic JB's work and life were at times. This graphic novel has the challenge of telling a very familiar story, though, and I wish it went beyond iconic moments more often. Art is definitely powerful and very minimalist--that aspect of the book will stick with me.

[Nelliamoci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uno è convinto di diventare un giocatore di football e poi diventa uno degli attori più famosi al mondo: cose che capitano. http://www.finzionimagazine.it/extra/...

[Mark]

http://www.unshelved.com/bookclub/201...

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad art and poor writing - This great comic and tortured soul deserved far better.

[Katharama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Art: abysmal.
Story: disjointed and unengaging.
Essence of actual John Belushi: nonexistent.

[Rye · Rating 3 out of 5]

"...genius, drugs, alcohol, insecurity, madness, talent, nightlife, laughter, and tears. Success. The Abyss. A damned soul... A brilliant disaster. Unique."

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"you know,you know how it is with me baby you know,you know I just can't stand myself and it takes a whole lot of medicine for me to pretend that I'm somebody else"
This graphic novel was heartbreaking. I'm familiar with John Belushi and his life so none of it came as a surprise but I love how the author still managed to capture this tortured soul in a way that I feel,is good even for audiences who know little of him.
RIP John. Your legacy still lives on.