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Voodoo Child
Often cited as one of the most innovative and influential rock musicians, guitar legend Jimi Hendrix had a short and turbulent life, succumbing early, as did many other rock icons of his generation, to pressures generated by the conflicts between their creative visions and the economic imperatives of the music industry. He died of an overdose in 1970 at the age of 27. This collaborative tribute to Hendrix, described by one of its creators as "not so much outright biography as speculative fantasy," explores the excitement and the pitfalls of rock stardom sympathetically and perceptively.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2017
Cómic biográfico de Jimi Hendrix. Dibujo excepcional de Bill Sienkiewicz, no podría haber pensado en un artista mejor para esta obra, perfecto tanto en las representaciones realistas como en las oníricas o en la representación de ideas, el trabajo de un genio...
Y entonces por qué le pongo tres estrellas??? pues porque el guión no me parece creíble, nos retrata a un Jimi casi angelical, un ser inocente cuya única preocupación era su arte, que fue engañado y llevado por el mal camino por las malas compañías, y que terminó muriendo una noche no se sabe por qué, simplemente se tomo un par de pastillas para dormir y nunca despertó.
Supongo que será por un tema de imagen, para no sufrir denuncias y tal, pero creo que lo que podría haber sido una obra maestra se queda en un cómic con un gran dibujo, pero que no deja de ser una obra fallida, una biografía autorizada para todos los públicos, que no retrata los excesos ni el lado oscuro de este mito.
Para el que tenga problemas para leer en inglés... contínuamente aparecen fragmentos de canciones sin traducir, las traducciones están al final del cómic, puede hacerse un poco pesado irte al final para entender lo que dice en todo momento.
Y entonces por qué le pongo tres estrellas??? pues porque el guión no me parece creíble, nos retrata a un Jimi casi angelical, un ser inocente cuya única preocupación era su arte, que fue engañado y llevado por el mal camino por las malas compañías, y que terminó muriendo una noche no se sabe por qué, simplemente se tomo un par de pastillas para dormir y nunca despertó.
Supongo que será por un tema de imagen, para no sufrir denuncias y tal, pero creo que lo que podría haber sido una obra maestra se queda en un cómic con un gran dibujo, pero que no deja de ser una obra fallida, una biografía autorizada para todos los públicos, que no retrata los excesos ni el lado oscuro de este mito.
Para el que tenga problemas para leer en inglés... contínuamente aparecen fragmentos de canciones sin traducir, las traducciones están al final del cómic, puede hacerse un poco pesado irte al final para entender lo que dice en todo momento.
February 5, 2016
Wait, what? There's a biocomic about Jimi Hendrix illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz? You have failed me, every Essential Comics list ever!
I mean, sure, the writing is a bit tepid, but it still achieves a good depiction of an artist who just wants to explore music and is unwilling or unable to navigate the business side of the music industry.
But the art! In a perfect compliment to Hendrix's music, Sienkiewicz's artwork moves expertly from realistic to abstract, rough to polished. There are pages, so many pages, where I wish the text would get out of the way of the pictures.
1995? I could have been enraptured by this for 20 years? *sob*
I mean, sure, the writing is a bit tepid, but it still achieves a good depiction of an artist who just wants to explore music and is unwilling or unable to navigate the business side of the music industry.
But the art! In a perfect compliment to Hendrix's music, Sienkiewicz's artwork moves expertly from realistic to abstract, rough to polished. There are pages, so many pages, where I wish the text would get out of the way of the pictures.
1995? I could have been enraptured by this for 20 years? *sob*
October 16, 2024
La música de Hendrix no me interesa especialmente, pero el trabajo de Sienkiewicz en el dibujo... ¡Buf! Una maravilla, de las mejores páginas de toda su carrera. Como lectura puede ser un poco dura, ya que tiene mucho del tono inconexo y surrealista de Stray Toasters, pero eso es precisamente lo que más me gusta a mi de su trabajo.
March 2, 2018
The cd included with the book was new to me and really good.This was a graphic novel/book and the artwork was very psychadelic.A worthwhile history of the greatest electric guitarist ever.
June 19, 2020
Great biopic of Jimi Hendrix.
The art style is gorgeous. It is really well thought out to go with the feel of the story.
Solid four stars!
The art style is gorgeous. It is really well thought out to go with the feel of the story.
Solid four stars!
January 22, 2018
This graphic novel blew me away. I randomly saw it at my local library, picked it up and two hours later I find myself back in the real world after taking an adventure of a lifetime through the eyes of Mr. Hendrix. Through the eyes it was, I'm not sure how much of the words were from Jimi's notes, lyrics, and letter's and how much was martin green himself. Though It doesn't matter because the whole story blends in the only way, I could ever imagine seeing Mr. purple haze.
I'm not a big Hendrix fan, and I'll be the first to say it, but through these collections of words, I feel I need to give the legend a chance to speak his soul, really listening to the words from the mouth of a man, I feel I know personally now. Lyrics that would have flown over my head and thrown to the garbage folder of my mind, now feel like important scripture from the voodoo chile himself...
the thing that drew me to the comic was the name Bill Sienkiewicz the illustrator who has helped with bringing some of Neil Gaiman's Sandman universe to life -also for any of my Sandman fans out believe me the art in voodoo child does not in anyway disappoint. Going with a dark murky haze of watercolor it reminds me of overture; in these pages, nothing means anything, everything has already happened while it is simultaneously happening, even if you see in third person a lot of the time you and Jimi are linked, and both of you know what's to come.
Honestly, I could go on-and-on about this novel. I highly recommend it; music fans, art fans, comic fans, poetry fans, fans of a good story, fans of hippie timepieces, anyone who will listen I will recommend this to because anyone one can find something to enjoy in this exciting piece of art.
I'm not a big Hendrix fan, and I'll be the first to say it, but through these collections of words, I feel I need to give the legend a chance to speak his soul, really listening to the words from the mouth of a man, I feel I know personally now. Lyrics that would have flown over my head and thrown to the garbage folder of my mind, now feel like important scripture from the voodoo chile himself...
the thing that drew me to the comic was the name Bill Sienkiewicz the illustrator who has helped with bringing some of Neil Gaiman's Sandman universe to life -also for any of my Sandman fans out believe me the art in voodoo child does not in anyway disappoint. Going with a dark murky haze of watercolor it reminds me of overture; in these pages, nothing means anything, everything has already happened while it is simultaneously happening, even if you see in third person a lot of the time you and Jimi are linked, and both of you know what's to come.
Honestly, I could go on-and-on about this novel. I highly recommend it; music fans, art fans, comic fans, poetry fans, fans of a good story, fans of hippie timepieces, anyone who will listen I will recommend this to because anyone one can find something to enjoy in this exciting piece of art.
May 26, 2022
Jimi Hendrix es de mis guitarristas favoritos, todo un genio creativo y creador de un estilo muy especial, mezcla de psicodelia con funk-rock. Muchos otros músicos han sido altamente influenciados por su trabajo, como por ejemplo John Frusciante en Red Hot Chili Peppers. Un día encontré un cómic biográfico sobre su vida, y no dudé en pillarlo, porque despertó mi interés. "Voodoo Child" narra la biografía del legendario guitarrista Jimi Hendrix, basándose a menudo en sus propias canciones para ofrecer una visión única y evocadora de una época. El dibujo de Bill Sienkiewicz le sienta genial a la obra, dándole un toque "psicodélico", "espiritual" y "onírico". Lo único que se le puede recriminar es que tienden a idealizar a la persona, ya que no retrata sus excesos con las drogas. En definitiva, una lectura interesante para rockeros.
March 30, 2021
I bought this book, mainly because it came with a CD of unreleased songs, or so they say..Unfortunately, somebody wanted the CD really bad as it was missing when I got the book.
The large book is an illustrated biography of Jimi from when his parents met til he passed. It's all done in comic book format. I didn't learn anything new, but it was really interesting to see all the illustrations that went along with his life. Some of the artwork is really very nice.
The large book is an illustrated biography of Jimi from when his parents met til he passed. It's all done in comic book format. I didn't learn anything new, but it was really interesting to see all the illustrations that went along with his life. Some of the artwork is really very nice.
December 1, 2019
Poměrně povedené zpracování příběhu výjimečného muzikanta, které se celkem dobře drží i historických faktů. Ale ten hlavní důvod, proč byste si tohle měli přečíst (tedy pokud nejste zapálení fanové Jimiho, pak jiný důvod prostě nepotřebujete) je naprosto dechberoucí kresba, pod kterou je podepsaný Bill Sienkiewicz. Polovinu panelů tohohle komiksu bych nadšeně rámoval a věšel na zeď.
September 17, 2018
Quite chaotic and mysterious. This illistrated book is inspiring and powerful in the way the amazing artwork seems to peak inside Jimi's thoughts and emotions as it shares his captivating lyrics. Simple and beautiful.
April 20, 2019
I totally forgot that I read this.
January 14, 2021
Resulta que me gusta mucho Bill Sienkiewicz!!!
October 31, 2021
Amazing music. Amazing story. Amazing art.
September 24, 2024
Un grafismo original para está biografía de la leyenda del rock. Para incondicionales.
November 18, 2017
This graphic novel utilizes the comics format to produce an unconventional biography/tribute to Jimi Hendrix. A graphic outline of Hendrix’s life is interspersed with excerpts from Hendrix’s song lyrics and private writings, as well as with conventional dialogue and captions. It’s hardly the most in-depth study of the famed guitarist, but then, a standard prose format works best for that, anyway. This book tells the story in the way that only a comic can, and for that alone, I give this high marks.
If you’re familiar with artist Bill Sienkiewicz’s work, then you have some idea of what to expect. The artwork often looks lush, painted and somewhat surreal. Music notes, vinyl album covers and newspaper headlines often flow through pages fractured with tall, slim panels. Nonetheless, Sienkiewicz’s likenesses are surprisingly good, as Hendrix, his band mates, fellow rock stars and contemporary political leaders are all instantly recognizable.
This book has languished in my unread pile for several years (possibly ten or more), and I’m glad I finally got a chance to read it. I do recommend it for fans of Bill Sienkiewicz and for fans of Jimi Hendrix and/or classic rock.
As a bonus, the book includes a “previously unreleased c.d. of rare and unissued Jimi Hendrix recordings available nowhere else.” These recordings are early, unreleased versions of some classic songs, including “Angel,” “Gypsy Eyes” and “Voodoo Chile.” It’s hardly essential material, but Hendrix fans will appreciate it, nonetheless.
If you’re familiar with artist Bill Sienkiewicz’s work, then you have some idea of what to expect. The artwork often looks lush, painted and somewhat surreal. Music notes, vinyl album covers and newspaper headlines often flow through pages fractured with tall, slim panels. Nonetheless, Sienkiewicz’s likenesses are surprisingly good, as Hendrix, his band mates, fellow rock stars and contemporary political leaders are all instantly recognizable.
This book has languished in my unread pile for several years (possibly ten or more), and I’m glad I finally got a chance to read it. I do recommend it for fans of Bill Sienkiewicz and for fans of Jimi Hendrix and/or classic rock.
As a bonus, the book includes a “previously unreleased c.d. of rare and unissued Jimi Hendrix recordings available nowhere else.” These recordings are early, unreleased versions of some classic songs, including “Angel,” “Gypsy Eyes” and “Voodoo Chile.” It’s hardly essential material, but Hendrix fans will appreciate it, nonetheless.
April 20, 2016
Pätevä paketti: huolella tehty taustatyö ja näkemyksekäs visuaalinen toteutus painettuna kiiltävälle paperille ja sidottu koviin kansiin. Kirjan liitteenä oleva cd sisältää Hendrixin kotinauhoituksia, jotka eivät ehkä muuten olisi olleet julkaisemisen arvoisia, mutta tässä kokonaisuudessa ne antavat ihan viehkon "päänsisäisen" näkökulman.
Kirjan käsikirjoitus on melko perinteinen rock-legendan elämäkerta: toimii, mutta ei suuresti yllätä. Kuvakerronta taas on hyvinkin kerroksellista eikä kaikkia juttuja tajua tai edes huomaa kertalukemisella. Hendrixin laulujen sanoituksia käytetään tunnelman luomisessa ja niitä ohjataan tulkitsemaan biografisesti. Aika paljon on käytetty piirrosten pohjana valokuvia, mikä joissakin ruuduissa vähän tökki.
Pohjimmiltaan tämä kirja on kuitenkin fanituote. Siinä on vain se huono puoli, että minä en ole tämän suurempi fani.
Kirjan käsikirjoitus on melko perinteinen rock-legendan elämäkerta: toimii, mutta ei suuresti yllätä. Kuvakerronta taas on hyvinkin kerroksellista eikä kaikkia juttuja tajua tai edes huomaa kertalukemisella. Hendrixin laulujen sanoituksia käytetään tunnelman luomisessa ja niitä ohjataan tulkitsemaan biografisesti. Aika paljon on käytetty piirrosten pohjana valokuvia, mikä joissakin ruuduissa vähän tökki.
Pohjimmiltaan tämä kirja on kuitenkin fanituote. Siinä on vain se huono puoli, että minä en ole tämän suurempi fani.
October 7, 2014
La vie de Jimi Hendrix, de son enfance à sa mort, en passant par les difficultés rencontrées alors qu'il tentait de percer en tant que nouvel artiste et les tribulations dues à la célébrité. J'aurais aimé que l'auteur s'attarde un peu plus en détails sur sa vie amoureuse et ses relations intimes.
Mais la plus grande force de ce livre réside en sa qualité graphique. Les illustrations de Bill Sienkievwicz sont tout à fait sublimes. Son style est unique quand on le compare à ce qui se fait généralement en bandes dessinées et romans graphiques. Si je ne me trompe pas, il se sert de peinture et de collages. La couleur, les mouvements...de toute beauté. Je suis une nouvelle fan.
Mais la plus grande force de ce livre réside en sa qualité graphique. Les illustrations de Bill Sienkievwicz sont tout à fait sublimes. Son style est unique quand on le compare à ce qui se fait généralement en bandes dessinées et romans graphiques. Si je ne me trompe pas, il se sert de peinture et de collages. La couleur, les mouvements...de toute beauté. Je suis une nouvelle fan.
October 30, 2008
Hardbound, what would now be called a 'graphic novel'. Illustrations are wonderful, and really build on the tone and mood.
Not a complete biography of Jimi, but an impressive and expressive telling of his story.
But wait - there's more: it also comes with a short CD of "home recordings". Most sound like he's sitting on his couch working on his songs. But it has my favorite version of "Angel".
Not a complete biography of Jimi, but an impressive and expressive telling of his story.
But wait - there's more: it also comes with a short CD of "home recordings". Most sound like he's sitting on his couch working on his songs. But it has my favorite version of "Angel".
October 6, 2010
A fantastic graphic arts approach to the glory and haze that was Jimi's life. Perhaps less detailed or clear than more formal biographies, Voodoo Child does an excellent job of conveying the emotional impact of the music and life of a rock god.
August 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this biographical comic. VOODOO CHILD is proof that rock legend comics don't have to be filled with lazy artwork (I'm looking at you, John Lennon comic book creators.) The art in VOODOO was a real joy that captured the spirit of Hendrix's famous music pretty well.
December 6, 2023
Great paintings, haven't seen anything like(tho I am not so much into images). The content is great if you are already familiar with the songs and the interviews as I was touched by the quotes I know and left missleaded from the quotes and moment's I didn't know
May 12, 2011
The actual story and dialogue of this book are rather unimpressive. But the real reason I got this book was for Bill Sienkiewicz' artwork, which is top notch here.
November 3, 2015
Great art. Not so great on the story. Technically didn't actually finish it but I looked at all the pictures so good enough.
July 31, 2016
A surreal trip through the life of Jimi Hendrix, with some incredible artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz at the top of his game.
August 7, 2016
3 1/2 stars
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews