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Southland Tales #1-3
Southland Tales: The Prequel Saga
The stage is set and destiny continues towards its fulfillment at breakneck speed. Southland Tales: The Prequel Saga collects writer/director Richard Kelly's (Donnie Darko) three graphic novels that set the stage to his second film, Southland Tales. Graphitti Designs and View Askew in conjunction with Darko Entertainment are proud to present this special collection prior to the movie release. These first three chapters set the tone and introduces you to the world and characters that comprise the movie events of July 4, 2008. The book and the movie combine to create a rich multimedia experience
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 8, 2008
As a whole I liked the entire collection of the three prequel 'chapters' more than any of the chapters by themselves. Taken as a whole the book adds a lot to the story and adds a different spin to the movie (at least for me, but I might be the only person in the world who thinks of the movie as a perfectly executed piece of absurdist disappointment). I'm curious to watch the movie again now with some crucial plot points that were given in the graphic novel, but left out of the movie.
January 30, 2016
I have a really soft spot for Southland Tales, in all its snarky, apocalyptic surrealism. Before anyone judges it (judge me, I don't care, but before you judge it) -- this article is required reading. It's weird, man, no one's denying that it's weird -- but there's something at its core screaming out the potential of art.
So as with a lot of movies these days (though this was a precursor to all that, published in 2007), Southland Tales was a multimodal experience. Yep, there's that strangely-cut movie from the mind behind Donnie Darko -- but the movie is actually the sequel to this series of graphic novels. A lot of movie plot is explained or hinted at here, so for anyone who's interested in the film, these are important. But as a standalone -- like the movie -- it's almost too weird to make any real sense. And that's not bad, it's just a lot of work that many people wouldn't be interested in undertaking.
But: the art is seriously awesome. There's a lot of dystopian commentary to chew. And Krysta Now is kind of an amazing character -- in fact, they're all kind of amazing, in their way, as parodies and sendups of their L.A. archetypes (Krysta Now being a prescient take on Kim Kardashian and her ilk). Much to like, here, despite the undeniable absurdity and convenience and outright ridiculousness -- and ultimately, worth the read.
So as with a lot of movies these days (though this was a precursor to all that, published in 2007), Southland Tales was a multimodal experience. Yep, there's that strangely-cut movie from the mind behind Donnie Darko -- but the movie is actually the sequel to this series of graphic novels. A lot of movie plot is explained or hinted at here, so for anyone who's interested in the film, these are important. But as a standalone -- like the movie -- it's almost too weird to make any real sense. And that's not bad, it's just a lot of work that many people wouldn't be interested in undertaking.
But: the art is seriously awesome. There's a lot of dystopian commentary to chew. And Krysta Now is kind of an amazing character -- in fact, they're all kind of amazing, in their way, as parodies and sendups of their L.A. archetypes (Krysta Now being a prescient take on Kim Kardashian and her ilk). Much to like, here, despite the undeniable absurdity and convenience and outright ridiculousness -- and ultimately, worth the read.
March 10, 2023
philip k dick inspired insanity.
December 1, 2024
Fascist dogma applied! Revolution by surprise! My vagina will not be denied!
This is amazing. It's like Deus Ex on bath salts. A topsy-turvy world where every reactionary conspiracy is true: a Marxist beneath the skin of every liberal influencer; Antifa as corporate takeover through subatomic revolution.
The horror of hyperreality, wherein anti-woke brain rot births its own tulpa as consensus hegemony. No matter the truth, reality is violently transformed by the insatiable maw of paranoia.
This is amazing. It's like Deus Ex on bath salts. A topsy-turvy world where every reactionary conspiracy is true: a Marxist beneath the skin of every liberal influencer; Antifa as corporate takeover through subatomic revolution.
The horror of hyperreality, wherein anti-woke brain rot births its own tulpa as consensus hegemony. No matter the truth, reality is violently transformed by the insatiable maw of paranoia.
March 4, 2024
Richard Kelly no solo escribió un guion para una pelicula si no que tuvo las pelotas para partirlo a la mitad y dejar la introducción en una serie de comics que se iban posteando en internet, lo que no sabia es que obviamente la gente que iba a ver la pelicula no sabría nada del comic y lógicamente estarían completamente ???
Y encima de eso con las pelotas del tamaño de 2 bombas nucleares en el comic dejaría el guion completo de THE POWER una pelicula ficticia dentro de la pelicula que ademas de explicar agujeros de la trama es una de las mayores bizarreadas que he leeido en mi vida.
Recuerden, Nobody rocks a cock like Krysta now, nobody.
Y encima de eso con las pelotas del tamaño de 2 bombas nucleares en el comic dejaría el guion completo de THE POWER una pelicula ficticia dentro de la pelicula que ademas de explicar agujeros de la trama es una de las mayores bizarreadas que he leeido en mi vida.
Recuerden, Nobody rocks a cock like Krysta now, nobody.
February 12, 2012
I'm probably in the minority of people who actually quite liked the movie, albeit with the knowledge that it was a bloated confusing version of an alex cox or gregg araki movie. Infact i think when it comes to rewatching a richard kelley movie i might be more inclined to pick Southland Tales over Donnie Darko.
This prequel graphic novel has been of interest to me since i first heard about the blending of artistic mediums to tell the complete story of richard kelley's apocalypse. And it just so happened to cross my path this week.
In terms of graphic novels its nothing special, the art is adequate and the layout pretty standard, the story is told in as straight forward a way as possible considering the content.
Where i was hoping it might shed some light on the plot if the story i have a feeling that i am actually more confused than ever. The chronology of events doesnt seem to match up to being a prequel in that i'm sure some of it is in the movie.
Worth the hour or so spent with it as a fan but otherwise not so much.
This prequel graphic novel has been of interest to me since i first heard about the blending of artistic mediums to tell the complete story of richard kelley's apocalypse. And it just so happened to cross my path this week.
In terms of graphic novels its nothing special, the art is adequate and the layout pretty standard, the story is told in as straight forward a way as possible considering the content.
Where i was hoping it might shed some light on the plot if the story i have a feeling that i am actually more confused than ever. The chronology of events doesnt seem to match up to being a prequel in that i'm sure some of it is in the movie.
Worth the hour or so spent with it as a fan but otherwise not so much.
May 13, 2008
My friend recommended the movie. He watched the movie and then read the book. We planned that I'd do the reverse and then we'd compare notes.
We both found that after one experience of Southland Tales (either print or film) you are mostly left intrigued and confused. After you get another shot at the story - perhaps especially through another medium - it makes more sense. I'm going to re-read the book now so that I can understand more as I read it.
The film is a really interesting adaptation - using images and drawings directly from the book. Also with stops and chapter titles screens that correspond with the book.
Weirdness.
We both found that after one experience of Southland Tales (either print or film) you are mostly left intrigued and confused. After you get another shot at the story - perhaps especially through another medium - it makes more sense. I'm going to re-read the book now so that I can understand more as I read it.
The film is a really interesting adaptation - using images and drawings directly from the book. Also with stops and chapter titles screens that correspond with the book.
Weirdness.
November 24, 2007
Mind-blowing. The graphic novel tells the first 3 parts of the story, and the film (now in theaters) concludes the final 3 parts. As a whole, "Southland Tales" is the most ambitious, exciting, and wildly imaginative creations I've seen since "The Cremaster Cycle". The scope of Richard Kelly's vision is staggering.
February 16, 2024
far more conflated with the movie than i thought it would be, ready for the movie. about 30 of the 360 pages are helpful for film context, the rest is mostly repeated
still a hoot cause southland tales
still a hoot cause southland tales
December 22, 2021
I haven't watched the movie Southland Tales since it came out. I remember thinking it was cheesy, with some poor acting, and an overambitious plot. I also remember not being bored by it and thinking it was at least worth watching once. This year I heard about an extended edition of the film availably by Arrow Video that included the original lengthier version of the film shown at Cannes, as well as a prequel saga trade paperback written by the films writer/director Richard Kelly.
So, I'm diving back in. I finished this one in two sittings, and it looks like it is tough to get your hands on a physical copy if you don't already have one. (The cheapest I see it on Amazon is currently $169.) I have the Arrow blu-ray and will check out the extended version this week. My takeaways from the prequel are this is a really ambitious story and I'm excited to revisit how it plays out. The basic plot deals with an actor who has amnesia who gets roped into playing a messianic character in a movie by a psychic porn star. The actor (or another person) may be a real life messiah. Other side stories include an airplane full of people who lost their memories, twins swapping out for each other, and an alternative energy source which will change everything about how we travel.
On story alone, I'd give this a five because it added a lot to my enjoyment/excitement of revisiting a pretty obscure film. I've got to dock a point for the artwork however, which is so sparse that absent characters addressing each other by their full names (and me having IMDB pulled up on my phone to figure how which actors the characters correspond to) I wouldn't have had any idea who was who from the movie. Some readers may also be turned off by about 40 pages of a movie script from the film within a film. I actually really enjoyed this section and am glad they included it. Overall, well worth the read if you have any interest in the movie. (I might update this review after rewatching the movie.)
**Update** Just rewatched this movie (kind of, I watched the extended version that has 13 minutes of new footage). Really enjoyed the movie this time, a lot more than on my first watch. The book added a lot of complexity to Krista Now's and Roland's characters. Really glad I read this.
So, I'm diving back in. I finished this one in two sittings, and it looks like it is tough to get your hands on a physical copy if you don't already have one. (The cheapest I see it on Amazon is currently $169.) I have the Arrow blu-ray and will check out the extended version this week. My takeaways from the prequel are this is a really ambitious story and I'm excited to revisit how it plays out. The basic plot deals with an actor who has amnesia who gets roped into playing a messianic character in a movie by a psychic porn star. The actor (or another person) may be a real life messiah. Other side stories include an airplane full of people who lost their memories, twins swapping out for each other, and an alternative energy source which will change everything about how we travel.
On story alone, I'd give this a five because it added a lot to my enjoyment/excitement of revisiting a pretty obscure film. I've got to dock a point for the artwork however, which is so sparse that absent characters addressing each other by their full names (and me having IMDB pulled up on my phone to figure how which actors the characters correspond to) I wouldn't have had any idea who was who from the movie. Some readers may also be turned off by about 40 pages of a movie script from the film within a film. I actually really enjoyed this section and am glad they included it. Overall, well worth the read if you have any interest in the movie. (I might update this review after rewatching the movie.)
**Update** Just rewatched this movie (kind of, I watched the extended version that has 13 minutes of new footage). Really enjoyed the movie this time, a lot more than on my first watch. The book added a lot of complexity to Krista Now's and Roland's characters. Really glad I read this.
June 10, 2025
As someone who obsessed over donnie darko as a high schooler, I would *love* to be a southland tales truther, but I genuinely think it is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Like an interminable SNL skit written by your best friend's stoner older brother. Anyway, I heard that there was a graphic novel prequel, so I figured I would check it out to see if these missing pieces provide any missing context from the grand tapestry of the film. The answer: nes.
While you do get some answers about what the characters were up to before the events of the film, it's mostly table dressing that no one truly needs to know, like a kingdom hearts ds game (re:coded, NOT 358/2 days). I did like learning that sean william scott's character can't poop, though.
The art is great and stylish, reminds me of school worksheet margin doodles, but the backgrounds tend to be very sparse, so it can be hard to remember where anyone is at any given time. I also think the dialogue goes down much smoother in comic form where you don't have to hear anyone saying it.
Anyway, like the movie, it's a fascinating piece of post-9/11 ephemera to look back on and think, huh, i guess america ending up like this kind of checks out.
While you do get some answers about what the characters were up to before the events of the film, it's mostly table dressing that no one truly needs to know, like a kingdom hearts ds game (re:coded, NOT 358/2 days). I did like learning that sean william scott's character can't poop, though.
The art is great and stylish, reminds me of school worksheet margin doodles, but the backgrounds tend to be very sparse, so it can be hard to remember where anyone is at any given time. I also think the dialogue goes down much smoother in comic form where you don't have to hear anyone saying it.
Anyway, like the movie, it's a fascinating piece of post-9/11 ephemera to look back on and think, huh, i guess america ending up like this kind of checks out.
November 30, 2017
As a companion piece to one of the strangest and most confusing movies I've ever seen, I was somewhat surprised at how relatively straightforward the story told in this comic is. Don't get me wrong--there is a *lot* of insanity to go around in these pages, and every new twist in the story just makes it crazier and crazier and somehow better and better. As a standalone book, this would be severely disappointing; but in conjunction with the film "Southland Tales" it's definitely something very interesting to get into, and certainly helps the movie make a whole lot more sense. The franchise (such as it is) is still a first-class example of a failure to build a brand and franchise, but it is a fascinating and honestly pretty engaging example. If you haven't, I'd highly recommend checking it out--with the caveat that you ought to prepare yourself for a whole lot of highly enjoyable strangeness.
May 14, 2025
These graphic novels are the prequels to the Southland Tales film, and somewhat necessary to understand the movie completely. You can find it on Archive.org for free too. I actually read these after watching the theatrical cut of the movie, but before watching the Cannes cut, which for me was the most enjoyable way to experience Southland Tales. Knowing how the story ends, recognizing all the characters, and slowly realizing their motives for the movie as I was reading made the experience much better. Each chapter is pretty short and I was able to get through all of them in a day followed by the Cannes cut. If you're going to watch Southland Tales, you should definitely give these a read for the complete experience.
May 30, 2020
I read this just before watching for the second time the movie by Richard Kelly.
I liked the backgrounds given on several characters later seen in the movie, but never properly or fully introduced. In my opinion, viewers ought to read the comics before watching the film or they will miss a lot of references. There is nothing special about the graphics. What I did not like is that there are many pages which are plain film script and could have been replaced with drawings.
I like this comic prequel as part of the joint experience with the film, but otherwise I do not see an interest of reading it alone.
I liked the backgrounds given on several characters later seen in the movie, but never properly or fully introduced. In my opinion, viewers ought to read the comics before watching the film or they will miss a lot of references. There is nothing special about the graphics. What I did not like is that there are many pages which are plain film script and could have been replaced with drawings.
I like this comic prequel as part of the joint experience with the film, but otherwise I do not see an interest of reading it alone.
July 28, 2021
Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in anticipation of watching the film (which comprise chapters 4, 5 and 6). The comic is not as self-contained as the film (which is really saying something) but as a whole it's quite provocative:
A near-future-but-now-past 2008 in which the anxieties of 9/11 and the degenerate culture of the early 2000's reach a fever pitch that threatens to destroy the world. A whole lot of ideas crammed into 300 pages plus a 2 hour movie.
The art here is really nothing special, but functional, which is a shame since the film largely suffers from the same lackluster presentation that undermines its heady ideas. But I'm glad it exists and I wish we had more like it.
A near-future-but-now-past 2008 in which the anxieties of 9/11 and the degenerate culture of the early 2000's reach a fever pitch that threatens to destroy the world. A whole lot of ideas crammed into 300 pages plus a 2 hour movie.
The art here is really nothing special, but functional, which is a shame since the film largely suffers from the same lackluster presentation that undermines its heady ideas. But I'm glad it exists and I wish we had more like it.
March 15, 2020
Ha! 5 star for this crazy graphic novel. Basically explains more of the beginning of the story that leads up to the film, which i love and will now rewatch. It’s wild and ridiculous and a wonderful sci-fi about fuel, drugs that transcend time and space, and the apocalypse. I’m thinking fifth element meets trainspotting. All star cast, we recognize them all here and they’re awesome. From the writer / director of Donny Darko, Southland Tales is a cult film to be watched and this here is just pure yum for lovers of this quirky masterpiece!
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February 22, 2021I read this in preparation for watching the film, which I have never seen. As far as what is going to happen with the story, I have no idea. It would appear that lines (and maybe even scenes) from the comic, are also in the movie. Never the less, I don't think I can assign this a rating or a proper review until I finish the whole story.
September 21, 2017
i don't much care for the "graphic novel" format (this is probably the first i've read through since childhood), and yeah, even for one of my favorite movies, this didn't do much for me.
certainly of no value without the movie, which most people hate in the first place.
certainly of no value without the movie, which most people hate in the first place.
August 9, 2021
Gave this five stars because like the film, this is not quite a quantifiable experience. Very keen to rewatch the movie and see if it plays differently for me now. I warn you, I love the film, but it isn’t for everyone. Same with this book.
October 31, 2017
Provides unnecessary exposition to a misunderstood modern day cinematic masterpiece.
June 12, 2020
I love big ambitious sci-fi like this. Can’t wait to revisit the movie with this in my rear view.
March 12, 2021
"Hmm. Somehow I doubt that'll ever happen. Defecation is part of life. It stinks... and we have to accept it."
April 26, 2023
I'm gonna grill the friend who told me this "explains everything" so damn hard. I want to understand!
September 23, 2023
Even better after all of those years. Kelly is a genius able to put everything into the pot and still create something this thrilling and mesmerising.
May 19, 2024
While I love the movie, this graphic novel is bland at best. Lazy art, fragmented story, overall forgettable.
November 5, 2025
Nobody rocks the cock like Krysta Now
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July 18, 2025I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
I got soul but I’m not a soldier
March 31, 2008
This graphic novel includes chapters 1-3 of Southland Tales, with the movie completing the story with chapters 4-6.
I think I would have enjoyed the overall story more if all of it were on film. It seems like they could have made two movies, as was done with Kill Bill. Maybe they didn't have the budget, I don't know.
This book definitely fills in some of the backstory, but much of what happens in the graphic novel is at some point described in the movie, so I'm not sure that the graphic novel is really crucial to one's enjoyment of the movie.
Several pages from the screenplay of "The Power" (described in the movie) are included, which is kinda cool.
I didn't really care for the art style in the graphic novel. It's mostly done in a loose, abstract style, the simplicity of which at some points resemble storyboards or sketches. I think the story would have been served better by a more detailed artistic style that would depict the alternate future of Southland Tales with more specificity (like the film does).
I think I would have enjoyed the overall story more if all of it were on film. It seems like they could have made two movies, as was done with Kill Bill. Maybe they didn't have the budget, I don't know.
This book definitely fills in some of the backstory, but much of what happens in the graphic novel is at some point described in the movie, so I'm not sure that the graphic novel is really crucial to one's enjoyment of the movie.
Several pages from the screenplay of "The Power" (described in the movie) are included, which is kinda cool.
I didn't really care for the art style in the graphic novel. It's mostly done in a loose, abstract style, the simplicity of which at some points resemble storyboards or sketches. I think the story would have been served better by a more detailed artistic style that would depict the alternate future of Southland Tales with more specificity (like the film does).
September 1, 2013
To be clear, I read the screenplay (Southland Tales: The Prequel Saga) and NOT this graphic novel collection, but I didn't want to add the Prequel screenplay to Goodreads. It is available online, though, distributed by Kelly himself. And it's damn good. Like these, it presents the ST prequel story (the first three chapters). It answers fundamental questions like: What are the connections between Roland and Pilot? What is Fluid Karma? What are the experiences of "bleeding" Fluid Karma? What is the significance of "The Power?" And many more. If you are a huge ST fan like myself, you need to read this screenplay. Kelly's writing is excellent and easy to envision. Given the amount of money the film lost, I'm not sure if the Prequel will ever get filmed and, even then, get filmed on the budget it deserves. Of course, I do hope in my lifetime, it does get made, but if not, the screenplay and any other Kelly-written material we can get, will have to do. Over and out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews