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Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin
A biography in comics of the amazing rock singer Janis Joplin with the highlights of her journey from childhood after the Second World War to her abrupt death in late 1970. It is one of the most fabulous musical adventures in America of the second half of the twentieth century, yet it lasted only five years. How did a very young, messed up woman, a drug addict filled with doubt, become a planetary icon of rock music in a few years? Thanks to a worldwide movement of emancipation which would consecrate for a long time the ideals and modes of alternative lifestyles from counterculture to the flower power generation, Janis, the ugly duckling, gave free rein to her impulses. Fed by the thirst for freedom of the Beat Generation and the desire for emancipation expressed by American youth in the early 1960s, Janis Joplin left for San Francisco, the epicenter of cultural innovation. There, she abandoned herself to all impulses, overcoming without hesitation all the taboos of the time: bisexuality, alcohol, and drugs, doing so not only with delight, but with the taste for excess which came naturally from her spontaneous character.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 23, 2022
A very good way to quickly learn about an artist who died before I was even born but made music that has lived on way past her death. Joplin's story is told competently with solid art. I really enjoyed this.
July 18, 2021
A comprehensive graphic biography of the short life of Janis Joplin, that is elevated by the narration, which is basically Joplin's mother talking to her daughter about her life.
It seems to hit all the milestones one expects out of a biography, and if you're like me and know very little about her early life, this is a good startingpoint to learn more about her.
The art is very competent, especially in colourful two-spread illustrations.
3.5 stars
(Thanks to NBM Comics for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
It seems to hit all the milestones one expects out of a biography, and if you're like me and know very little about her early life, this is a good startingpoint to learn more about her.
The art is very competent, especially in colourful two-spread illustrations.
3.5 stars
(Thanks to NBM Comics for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
August 15, 2023
Fast and fun. The 60-70s graphics really transport you to another time and place, but the over descriptive dialogue makes the reading a wee bit awkward and unnatural.
August 1, 2021
Once upon a time a girl from a small town in Texas wanted to sing the blues. She went to San Francisco to do it, but this being the 1960s, she got tangled up in all that free love and getting high and went off the rails. So she went back to Texas, got clean and went on to study to become a teacher.
And that might have been the end of that story, the girl might have gone on to live a long and decent life and the world would have never heard of Janis Joplin.
But, of course, that isn’t how it went down. Once back in Texas, Janis quickly realized that normal life wasn’t her thing and went back to performing. And all the partying that went on with it.
Prior to reading this book I was thinking…boy, she died so young, but having read it, it’s amazing she lasted that long. Janis didn’t just burn her candle at both ends, she threw them into bonfires and active volcanoes. She drank and got high and went through lovers with a kind of almost impressive albeit terrifying regularity. It was like she hit the world hungry and nothing would sate it. It sounded exhausting. It sounded sad. And eventually, it sounded like silence because she ODed. But then again silence isn’t ever going to associated with Janis Joplin, because however brief her stay on this planet was, the music she left behind goes on and on and on.
This is a pretty stereotypical biography of a music star, it follows a familiar trajectory of tragedy and 60s and 70s really were a killer of talent. All that indulgence…too much of too much. Terrible attitudes, terrible clothes, but boy, did they make some good music.
A pretty good book created by one of Joplin’s former associates with a nice personal approach to it. Nice art. Overall, an enjoyable, albeit naturally sad read. Recommended, especially for the fans.
And that might have been the end of that story, the girl might have gone on to live a long and decent life and the world would have never heard of Janis Joplin.
But, of course, that isn’t how it went down. Once back in Texas, Janis quickly realized that normal life wasn’t her thing and went back to performing. And all the partying that went on with it.
Prior to reading this book I was thinking…boy, she died so young, but having read it, it’s amazing she lasted that long. Janis didn’t just burn her candle at both ends, she threw them into bonfires and active volcanoes. She drank and got high and went through lovers with a kind of almost impressive albeit terrifying regularity. It was like she hit the world hungry and nothing would sate it. It sounded exhausting. It sounded sad. And eventually, it sounded like silence because she ODed. But then again silence isn’t ever going to associated with Janis Joplin, because however brief her stay on this planet was, the music she left behind goes on and on and on.
This is a pretty stereotypical biography of a music star, it follows a familiar trajectory of tragedy and 60s and 70s really were a killer of talent. All that indulgence…too much of too much. Terrible attitudes, terrible clothes, but boy, did they make some good music.
A pretty good book created by one of Joplin’s former associates with a nice personal approach to it. Nice art. Overall, an enjoyable, albeit naturally sad read. Recommended, especially for the fans.
March 6, 2025
A fairly simple telling of the too-short life of Janis Joplin. She was all about the sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll according to this.
It is a little odd that the book seems to be narrated by a Greek chorus comprised of the souls of Bessie Smith, Odetta, and Ma Rainey. It's even a bit odder when you realize that while Smith and Rainey died before Joplin in the 1930s, Odetta outlived her by nearly four decades, passing away in 2008.
Side note: As is often the case for historical graphic novels, there's a fun game to be had by searching Google for images of Janis Joplin and finding all the direct photo references the artist used in drawing the book.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Preface / Gilbert Shelton -- Chapter 1. Forget Port Arthur -- Chapter 2. The Temptation of Disaster -- Chapter 3. Spells and Charms -- Chapter 4. Lost and Distraught -- Character Gallery -- Further Reading and Viewing
It is a little odd that the book seems to be narrated by a Greek chorus comprised of the souls of Bessie Smith, Odetta, and Ma Rainey. It's even a bit odder when you realize that while Smith and Rainey died before Joplin in the 1930s, Odetta outlived her by nearly four decades, passing away in 2008.
Side note: As is often the case for historical graphic novels, there's a fun game to be had by searching Google for images of Janis Joplin and finding all the direct photo references the artist used in drawing the book.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Preface / Gilbert Shelton -- Chapter 1. Forget Port Arthur -- Chapter 2. The Temptation of Disaster -- Chapter 3. Spells and Charms -- Chapter 4. Lost and Distraught -- Character Gallery -- Further Reading and Viewing
June 28, 2023
Znany problem tego typu publikacji - pisanie o barwnych postaciach popkultury w sposób grzeczny i poukładany. Szczytem ekspresji jest tu kilka paneli nawiązujących do kolorowych psychodelicznych grafik lat 60-tych, ale całość raczej nie ma szans na oddanie szaleństwa i chaosu towarzyszącego artystce. Janis była pewnie ciekawsza niż opowieść o niej. Rzecz dla fanów i miłośników biografii znanych postaci, choć wrażenie skrótowości i prześlizgiwania się przez kolejne wątki było niestety dosyć wyraźne. Zaledwie poprawnie
June 18, 2021
Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin is the first graphic novel/biography I've read. I wasn't certain what to expect, particularly after just reading a disappointing children's book about other legendary musicians, but Love Me Please not only looked at her immense talent, rise to fame, her difficult upbringing, and her troubles with self-esteem, relationships, and addiction, but also the concern of those around her. The narrator of the book speaks to both Janice and to the audience in a tone that expresses her compassion and regret for Janice - her sorrows, her struggles, and her loss.
In 154 pages we're taken back to a major historical time in popular music. The illustrations capture the colors, shapes, vibe, and aesthetic of the 1960s and early 70s. The story touches on the important emotional experiences for Janice, the significant events in music, and the people who shared experiences with Janice. Love Me Please is a realistic, 360 perspective of Janice, the people, and events of that legendary time in music.
Though the graphic novel/biography is a revelation of Janice Joplin's short career and life, its respect for the other figures of the time is impressive, particularly in the Character Gallery at the back of the book. The Gallery is an index of the famous and infamous individuals who influenced Janice and provided the color of her life. It also provides reference sources for readers to further expand their understanding of Janice and the time in music. In offering this additional information, Love Me Please, gives everyone an opportunity to see the community that made up the universe around Janice and, therefore, the other musicians of the time. Love Me Please allows you to put yourself into the story of Janice and see how Janice may be part of your story too.
In 154 pages we're taken back to a major historical time in popular music. The illustrations capture the colors, shapes, vibe, and aesthetic of the 1960s and early 70s. The story touches on the important emotional experiences for Janice, the significant events in music, and the people who shared experiences with Janice. Love Me Please is a realistic, 360 perspective of Janice, the people, and events of that legendary time in music.
Though the graphic novel/biography is a revelation of Janice Joplin's short career and life, its respect for the other figures of the time is impressive, particularly in the Character Gallery at the back of the book. The Gallery is an index of the famous and infamous individuals who influenced Janice and provided the color of her life. It also provides reference sources for readers to further expand their understanding of Janice and the time in music. In offering this additional information, Love Me Please, gives everyone an opportunity to see the community that made up the universe around Janice and, therefore, the other musicians of the time. Love Me Please allows you to put yourself into the story of Janice and see how Janice may be part of your story too.
May 31, 2021
Versión cómic de la biografía de Janis Joplin. Desde luego, a diferencia de una biografía al uso, este formato se hace mucho más dinámico y ágil de leer si no estamos muy acostumbrados a leer biografías de un único personaje histórico, ya que no es lo mismo que leer narrativa.
Sin embargo, si por el contrario esperábamos encontrar efectivamente una biografía bastante completa, esta se queda desde luego muy justa.
Al principio me pareció, precisamente por ello, el formato ideal para acercarme a la vida de una artista que me encanta, que siempre me había atraído, y de la que sin embargo no conocía gran cosa más allá de su música. Pero por desgracia este libro amplía poco más de los cuatro datos que ya tenía de ella. Y la sensación que me da es que no es por falta de acción en la vida de Janis, si no por como se ha planteado el libro.
Mi sensación, sin tener ni idea porque desconozco sus motivos reales, es de que el autor ha querido hacer su particular homenaje a Janis Joplin sin romperse mucho la cabeza en documentación o en seleccionar los momentos más representativos de su vida, si no que ha seguido totalmente la línea cronológica resumiendo en 160 páginas la vida de la artista sin hacer aparentemente incapié más en unos aspectos que en otros, ni destacando unos acontecimientos más que otros. Y para mí ese enfoque ha hecho que quede totalmente plano un libro que trata de una mujer que era explosiva en el escenario.
Además, no me ha gustado que el interior del libro no siga (en la medida de lo posible y coherente) el color de la cubierta. Las ilustraciones de la portada son una explosión de color y de flower power que inmediatamente identificamos o atribuimos a la imagen que nos viene a todos a la cabeza se Janis Joplin. Desde luego es de esos libros que dan ganas de comprarlo solo por la cubierta. Sin embargo, en el interior, la historia no sigue esa línea de colores. La gran mayoría de la historia resulta ser un cómic totalmente neutro en cuanto a color, que podría contarnos la historia de Janis o de cualquier otro artista, porque pierde la esencia de la cubierta que habría hecho que casi con cualquier viñeta supieses que esto va de Janis Joplin. Aunque intencionadamente intenta ir de menos a más en lo que al color se refiere, finalmente son muy muy pocas páginas justo al final las que tienen ese colorido y aún así no es exactamente el mismo estilo. La última cuarta parte del libro es la mejor en cualquier caso.
La traducción del francés tampoco me ha convencido en algunos momentos. Tiene algunas expresiones calcadas literalmente cuando en castellano no se ordena así la frase, resulta incorrecto y en un caso en concreto directamente no tiene sentido, no se entiende, no existe decir eso en castellano. En fin. Hay varias expresiones que no están bien adaptadas.
Por último, destacar el envío impecable de la editorial Aloha. Muy cuidado. Y la edición de buen tamaño, en tapa dura y con papel bien grueso. Así da gusto.
Sin embargo, si por el contrario esperábamos encontrar efectivamente una biografía bastante completa, esta se queda desde luego muy justa.
Al principio me pareció, precisamente por ello, el formato ideal para acercarme a la vida de una artista que me encanta, que siempre me había atraído, y de la que sin embargo no conocía gran cosa más allá de su música. Pero por desgracia este libro amplía poco más de los cuatro datos que ya tenía de ella. Y la sensación que me da es que no es por falta de acción en la vida de Janis, si no por como se ha planteado el libro.
Mi sensación, sin tener ni idea porque desconozco sus motivos reales, es de que el autor ha querido hacer su particular homenaje a Janis Joplin sin romperse mucho la cabeza en documentación o en seleccionar los momentos más representativos de su vida, si no que ha seguido totalmente la línea cronológica resumiendo en 160 páginas la vida de la artista sin hacer aparentemente incapié más en unos aspectos que en otros, ni destacando unos acontecimientos más que otros. Y para mí ese enfoque ha hecho que quede totalmente plano un libro que trata de una mujer que era explosiva en el escenario.
Además, no me ha gustado que el interior del libro no siga (en la medida de lo posible y coherente) el color de la cubierta. Las ilustraciones de la portada son una explosión de color y de flower power que inmediatamente identificamos o atribuimos a la imagen que nos viene a todos a la cabeza se Janis Joplin. Desde luego es de esos libros que dan ganas de comprarlo solo por la cubierta. Sin embargo, en el interior, la historia no sigue esa línea de colores. La gran mayoría de la historia resulta ser un cómic totalmente neutro en cuanto a color, que podría contarnos la historia de Janis o de cualquier otro artista, porque pierde la esencia de la cubierta que habría hecho que casi con cualquier viñeta supieses que esto va de Janis Joplin. Aunque intencionadamente intenta ir de menos a más en lo que al color se refiere, finalmente son muy muy pocas páginas justo al final las que tienen ese colorido y aún así no es exactamente el mismo estilo. La última cuarta parte del libro es la mejor en cualquier caso.
La traducción del francés tampoco me ha convencido en algunos momentos. Tiene algunas expresiones calcadas literalmente cuando en castellano no se ordena así la frase, resulta incorrecto y en un caso en concreto directamente no tiene sentido, no se entiende, no existe decir eso en castellano. En fin. Hay varias expresiones que no están bien adaptadas.
Por último, destacar el envío impecable de la editorial Aloha. Muy cuidado. Y la edición de buen tamaño, en tapa dura y con papel bien grueso. Así da gusto.
July 31, 2021
I'm not going to pretend I have any interest in the music of Janis Joplin, but that didn't really interfere with accepting the biographical information on these pages. For what could have been a very boring seesaw of music-drugs, success-failure, romance-heartache, the read is much more interesting and lively, with a nuanced 'voice-over' from one of the Joplin parents. Visually, it's fine too, and very successfully absorbs the 60s look. The problem is the main script, however, with the amount of exposition in the dialogue quite painful at times. "I'm going to call you by your full name in an unrealistic manner so as everyone knows who you are for the two pages you're in this story. And in the next speech bubble I'm going to tell you something you already know, just so the reader can learn it, too." "I dig ya, you hep cat, now here's some drugs."
Get past that, and/or have any connection with the subject's output, and you could well love this. It was 3 and a bit stars from me.
Get past that, and/or have any connection with the subject's output, and you could well love this. It was 3 and a bit stars from me.
January 15, 2023
“Acuérdate de ese día Janis: 4 de junio de 1966 porque, si todo sale bien, lo recordarás como el primer día de tu recorrido de star”
Uno de los libros que me regalaron las reinas magas, fue este: “Love me please Janis Joplin” una novela gráfica sobre la biografía de Janis Joplin.
El interior del libro es 🤩 Además, me ha gustado mucho que la biografía está presentada de una forma súper respetuosa, tratando las luces y las sombras de Janis Joplin con veracidad pero sin morbo ni juicios de valor.
Más de 100 páginas de una leyenda del blues que vivió deprisa, que solo buscaba ser querida y respetada y que dejó una voz inigualable.
3/5 ⭐️
Uno de los libros que me regalaron las reinas magas, fue este: “Love me please Janis Joplin” una novela gráfica sobre la biografía de Janis Joplin.
El interior del libro es 🤩 Además, me ha gustado mucho que la biografía está presentada de una forma súper respetuosa, tratando las luces y las sombras de Janis Joplin con veracidad pero sin morbo ni juicios de valor.
Más de 100 páginas de una leyenda del blues que vivió deprisa, que solo buscaba ser querida y respetada y que dejó una voz inigualable.
3/5 ⭐️
July 20, 2022
3.5 stars-- The life story of the legendary 1960s singer is given the graphic novel treatment. This era, with its iconic imagery, wild colors, and larger-than-life personalities, fits so nicely with the comics medium. Both dedicated and casual fans will find something to appreciate here.
Unfortunately, the expositional dialogue is so over-the-top and clunky that I was wincing. (Think people using each other's first and last names and job titles in casual conversation, or just randomly announcing the date.) I would have much rather seen narrative boxes or something similar to share this information with the reader.
However, the artwork was enjoyable, and the full-page images depicting Janis performing her songs were particularly standout. I could imagine these frame-ready pages appearing as very cool posters or t-shirts.
Unfortunately, the expositional dialogue is so over-the-top and clunky that I was wincing. (Think people using each other's first and last names and job titles in casual conversation, or just randomly announcing the date.) I would have much rather seen narrative boxes or something similar to share this information with the reader.
However, the artwork was enjoyable, and the full-page images depicting Janis performing her songs were particularly standout. I could imagine these frame-ready pages appearing as very cool posters or t-shirts.
December 11, 2021
je suis un peu généreuse… j’adore pearl mais je crois que le texte franchouillard colle moins à l’image rock de l’époque à mon goût. pour les fans.
April 6, 2023
2.85 ⭐
Historia niesamowita, ale imo trochę źle napisana
Historia niesamowita, ale imo trochę źle napisana
November 4, 2021
I won this from goodreads giveaway. You have to be a fan of Janis and probably graphic novels to enjoy this. I am. The graphics are beautiful, except for a few of Janis back in Port Arthur. I especially loved the tentacles following her around . The dialogue is ok at best and the story is very choppy. There were no smooth transitions. But it was an interesting read.
July 2, 2022
Bez cienia wątpliwości Janis Joplin to prawdziwa muzyczna legenda, która mogła pokazać światu znacznie większą dawkę swojego niezwykłego talentu. Jej krótkie, ale mocno burzliwe życie stało się podstawą wielu różnorakich biografii. Jedną z nich jest album Love me please, w którym twórcy starają się przybliżyć czytelnikowi losy tej urodzonej buntowniczki, która lubiła łamać zasady i panujące wokół niej konwenanse.
Początek albumu to dość szybki i skrótowy przegląd wczesnego dzieciństwa JJ, która przyszła na świat 19 stycznia 1943 roku w Port Arthur (Teksas). Już w czesnym okresie swojego życia przejawiała ona niemałe zdolności muzyczne. Głos i talent odziedziczyła ona po matce, która w późniejszych latach nie wspierała jednak córki w jej „rozwoju muzycznym”. Typowo biograficzne dane autor przeplata informacjami o traumach dzieciństwa, które miały pewien wymierny wpływ na całą jej przyszłość. Dość dosadnie pokazuje on również to, że Janis od małego miała mocno buntowniczą naturę, która nie mogła pogodzić się z ograniczeniami narzucanymi przez społeczeństwo tamtego okresu.
Finet na kolejnych stronach płynnie przechodzi przez kolejne etapy życia gwiazdy. Pokazane są tutaj początki jej kariery, różnorodne towarzystwo, w jakim się obracała, muzyczne wzloty i upadki oraz wszelkiego rodzaju nałogi. Autor nie ukrywa, że Jenis lubiła eksperymentować. Zarówno z alkoholem, wszelkiego rodzaju narkotykami, jak i sexem. Obserwujemy więc postępujący obraz jej zanurzania się w oparach autodestrukcji. Wszystko to było jej desperacką próbą odnalezienia właściwego kierunku życia. W kilku fragmentach albumu można jednak odnieść wrażenie, że twórca niepotrzebnie stara się „tłumaczyć” artystkę. Potrzeba miłości i brak zrozumienia otoczenia nie jest wytłumaczeniem postępującego uzależnienia (jest to jednak moja subiektywna ocena). Na całe szczęście autor nie spycha tego elementu biografii Joplin na daleki plan. Stara się on dość dokładnie pokazać destrukcyjność jej życia, które zakończyło się zdecydowanie przedwcześnie.
Jeżeli zaś chodzi o duże zalety albumu, to na pewno należy do nich zaliczyć szereg interesujących treści związanych z muzyczną karierą Joplin. Wielu miłośników jej twórczości niekoniecznie musi sobie zdawać sprawę z muzycznych zamiłowań artystki. Janis była fanką wielu afroamerykańskich śpiewaków bluesowych i to oni byli mocną inspiracją wielu jej utworów.
Całkiem dobrze prezentuje się tutaj również oprawa graficzna. Rysunki są dosyć proste, ale potrafią one przykuwać wzrok czytelnika. Na swój sposób ewoluują one wraz z kolejnymi przewróconymi stronami komiksu i dość interesująco obrazują kolejne etapy życia bohaterki. Szczególnie ciekawie prezentuje się tutaj obraz nadużywania przez Joplin środków odurzających. Artysta z jednej strony potrafi być w takich scenach dość dosadny i dokładny, w innych zaś wykorzystuje alegoryczne obrazy do ukazania postępującej destrukcji życia.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Początek albumu to dość szybki i skrótowy przegląd wczesnego dzieciństwa JJ, która przyszła na świat 19 stycznia 1943 roku w Port Arthur (Teksas). Już w czesnym okresie swojego życia przejawiała ona niemałe zdolności muzyczne. Głos i talent odziedziczyła ona po matce, która w późniejszych latach nie wspierała jednak córki w jej „rozwoju muzycznym”. Typowo biograficzne dane autor przeplata informacjami o traumach dzieciństwa, które miały pewien wymierny wpływ na całą jej przyszłość. Dość dosadnie pokazuje on również to, że Janis od małego miała mocno buntowniczą naturę, która nie mogła pogodzić się z ograniczeniami narzucanymi przez społeczeństwo tamtego okresu.
Finet na kolejnych stronach płynnie przechodzi przez kolejne etapy życia gwiazdy. Pokazane są tutaj początki jej kariery, różnorodne towarzystwo, w jakim się obracała, muzyczne wzloty i upadki oraz wszelkiego rodzaju nałogi. Autor nie ukrywa, że Jenis lubiła eksperymentować. Zarówno z alkoholem, wszelkiego rodzaju narkotykami, jak i sexem. Obserwujemy więc postępujący obraz jej zanurzania się w oparach autodestrukcji. Wszystko to było jej desperacką próbą odnalezienia właściwego kierunku życia. W kilku fragmentach albumu można jednak odnieść wrażenie, że twórca niepotrzebnie stara się „tłumaczyć” artystkę. Potrzeba miłości i brak zrozumienia otoczenia nie jest wytłumaczeniem postępującego uzależnienia (jest to jednak moja subiektywna ocena). Na całe szczęście autor nie spycha tego elementu biografii Joplin na daleki plan. Stara się on dość dokładnie pokazać destrukcyjność jej życia, które zakończyło się zdecydowanie przedwcześnie.
Jeżeli zaś chodzi o duże zalety albumu, to na pewno należy do nich zaliczyć szereg interesujących treści związanych z muzyczną karierą Joplin. Wielu miłośników jej twórczości niekoniecznie musi sobie zdawać sprawę z muzycznych zamiłowań artystki. Janis była fanką wielu afroamerykańskich śpiewaków bluesowych i to oni byli mocną inspiracją wielu jej utworów.
Całkiem dobrze prezentuje się tutaj również oprawa graficzna. Rysunki są dosyć proste, ale potrafią one przykuwać wzrok czytelnika. Na swój sposób ewoluują one wraz z kolejnymi przewróconymi stronami komiksu i dość interesująco obrazują kolejne etapy życia bohaterki. Szczególnie ciekawie prezentuje się tutaj obraz nadużywania przez Joplin środków odurzających. Artysta z jednej strony potrafi być w takich scenach dość dosadny i dokładny, w innych zaś wykorzystuje alegoryczne obrazy do ukazania postępującej destrukcji życia.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Want to read
August 15, 2021I’m fairly new to the whole graphic novel format… I think this is only the second or third graphic novel I’ve read, but when I saw it was about Janis Joplin I knew I needed to read it. I love her music, and I’ve always found her to be an interesting person. Plus, it was a nice break from the dark thrillers I’ve been into lately.
Most of the art here is a great representation of the psychedelic style of the time although some wasn’t quite as impressive. I thought that some of the dialogue and storytelling seemed a little awkward and stilted, and some sections of the story were fictionalized, although the novel seemed to be marketed as a biography.
All in all, it was a fast, fun read, and would probably appeal to people who love the music and are looking for a quick overview of Janis’s experiences. If you’re looking for something more in depth, this may not be the right book for you.
I’m so grateful to Papercutz/NBM Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Love Me Please.
Most of the art here is a great representation of the psychedelic style of the time although some wasn’t quite as impressive. I thought that some of the dialogue and storytelling seemed a little awkward and stilted, and some sections of the story were fictionalized, although the novel seemed to be marketed as a biography.
All in all, it was a fast, fun read, and would probably appeal to people who love the music and are looking for a quick overview of Janis’s experiences. If you’re looking for something more in depth, this may not be the right book for you.
I’m so grateful to Papercutz/NBM Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Love Me Please.
May 28, 2022
This was an enlightening graphic novel about a truly unique artist. I think most people have at least heard of Janis Joplin, and have probably heard one or two of her songs. I would definitely say this book is for adults because it deals with adult content and themes. It was fascinating to learn about Janis Joplin’s life and career. The illustrations were great and I was surprised and impressed with the artistic depiction of her addiction. The song lyrics jumped off the page and I felt like I could hear them. The writing was stiff and awkward at times and I wish it could have flowed better. I was confused about the narrator because we never found out who was commenting on what was going on. Based on context, my guess is that it was her father, but again, there was never a clear answer. Overall, I liked this graphic novel and was inspired to seek out Janis Joplin’s music after reading it.
Again, I would caution that this is for adults and would not recommend it to younger readers.
Content warnings: profanity, nudity, sex, drugs, alcohol, and death from overdose
Again, I would caution that this is for adults and would not recommend it to younger readers.
Content warnings: profanity, nudity, sex, drugs, alcohol, and death from overdose
July 24, 2021
Love Me Please looks at the life of the singer, Janis Joplin. It explores not only her inner world but the happenings that led to the heights of her music career and ultimately to her death at the tender age of 27.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK
From Joplin's early years in Texas to her career struggles in San Francisco, we witness her perspectives on life and how she wants to live it. Love Me Please opens a lens into Joplin's personality and talent - a combination that influenced people around her, pushing the young lady to the top of her craft.
Even at the heights of Joplin's career, this biography shows her vulnerability and efforts at grasping unto herself as she slips to alcohol, drug use, and other excesses.
DISLIKES
None
WHO IS IT FOR?
This is meant for Janis Joplin's fans as well as those curious about the life and times of the late musician.
Many thanks to NBM Publishing for providing a review copy.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK
From Joplin's early years in Texas to her career struggles in San Francisco, we witness her perspectives on life and how she wants to live it. Love Me Please opens a lens into Joplin's personality and talent - a combination that influenced people around her, pushing the young lady to the top of her craft.
Even at the heights of Joplin's career, this biography shows her vulnerability and efforts at grasping unto herself as she slips to alcohol, drug use, and other excesses.
DISLIKES
None
WHO IS IT FOR?
This is meant for Janis Joplin's fans as well as those curious about the life and times of the late musician.
Many thanks to NBM Publishing for providing a review copy.
August 8, 2021
Reading 2021
Book 83: Love Me Please!: The Story of Janis Joplin by Nicolas Finet
Thank you to #Netgalley for the copy of #lovemeplease in exchange for my review. You all know I love a good graphic novel so it was great to get approved for this one. This is an adult graphic novel.
Love Me is a biography of the short music career of Janis Joplin, along with a look at her early years and rise to stardom. As a teen Janis wanted to be her own person, her parents were not onboard for her antics. They send her off to the west coast to work and hopefully learn some responsibility. We all know how this story ends.
The art in this book was amazing, a great representation of the time. The story for me was only so so. Not sure what it was, the story did not hold my attention and seemed to meander along. I did learn lots about Joplin's life before her rise to fame. My rating 3⭐. ,
Book 83: Love Me Please!: The Story of Janis Joplin by Nicolas Finet
Thank you to #Netgalley for the copy of #lovemeplease in exchange for my review. You all know I love a good graphic novel so it was great to get approved for this one. This is an adult graphic novel.
Love Me is a biography of the short music career of Janis Joplin, along with a look at her early years and rise to stardom. As a teen Janis wanted to be her own person, her parents were not onboard for her antics. They send her off to the west coast to work and hopefully learn some responsibility. We all know how this story ends.
The art in this book was amazing, a great representation of the time. The story for me was only so so. Not sure what it was, the story did not hold my attention and seemed to meander along. I did learn lots about Joplin's life before her rise to fame. My rating 3⭐. ,
June 3, 2021
Thank you to NBM Comics Biographies via Edelweiss for the ARC.
This is a biography of Janis Joplin, done in Graphic Novel form. It follows her life from when she was young, until the day she passed on.
We see the conflict between her and her mother, the way drugs, booze and sex controlled her at many moments of her life and the way that music made her feel free.
I really enjoyed the concept of this graphic novel, and I am a a fan of Janis. I just thought that it was very jumpy at parts, since it was a lot of info trying to be compacted into such a short writing style.
I would love to learn more about Janis, in depth. I knew about her abuse of drugs and alcohol, but I just wanted more about her as a person.
If you're a fan of Janis, or just learning more about music/musicians in general, I think this is something you should pick up.
TW: Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual encounters, Nudity, Fatphobia, Parental issues, racism, physical abuse and overdose.
This is a biography of Janis Joplin, done in Graphic Novel form. It follows her life from when she was young, until the day she passed on.
We see the conflict between her and her mother, the way drugs, booze and sex controlled her at many moments of her life and the way that music made her feel free.
I really enjoyed the concept of this graphic novel, and I am a a fan of Janis. I just thought that it was very jumpy at parts, since it was a lot of info trying to be compacted into such a short writing style.
I would love to learn more about Janis, in depth. I knew about her abuse of drugs and alcohol, but I just wanted more about her as a person.
If you're a fan of Janis, or just learning more about music/musicians in general, I think this is something you should pick up.
TW: Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual encounters, Nudity, Fatphobia, Parental issues, racism, physical abuse and overdose.
August 3, 2021
ARC received by Netgalley
Even though I was born in 1981, I grew up with Janis Joplin's music - my mother played it for me, and I remember being deeply fascinated by a VHS recording of Woodstock 69' which I watched over and over again in my teen years. So, when I came across this title, I was excited to learn more about Janis Joplin and her story.
The graphic novel is well-structured, and the style captures the tone and vibrations of the story. However, it becomes a bit too obvious in stating facts, and often it doesn't sound natural when dates and names are mentioned.
I really enjoyed learning more about the type of person that Janis Joplin was, her fast-paced life, and her ability to live life to the fullest extreme. She did end up paying the ultimate price though.
Even though I was born in 1981, I grew up with Janis Joplin's music - my mother played it for me, and I remember being deeply fascinated by a VHS recording of Woodstock 69' which I watched over and over again in my teen years. So, when I came across this title, I was excited to learn more about Janis Joplin and her story.
The graphic novel is well-structured, and the style captures the tone and vibrations of the story. However, it becomes a bit too obvious in stating facts, and often it doesn't sound natural when dates and names are mentioned.
I really enjoyed learning more about the type of person that Janis Joplin was, her fast-paced life, and her ability to live life to the fullest extreme. She did end up paying the ultimate price though.
August 22, 2021
The art was well done and I really enjoyed learning more about Janis Joplin. However, the story and the writing was very disjointed, jumpy, and stilted. I truly wish I could give this a higher star rating, but I lost the trail of the timeline and people several times.
My favorite illustrations were the images of Janis and/or other musicians singing with their lyrics lettered into the image. Beautifully done and conveys the passion of those musicians and songwriters.
Overall, this is a nice quick read and a well illustrated graphic novel to learn a bit about Janis Joplin's life, her desire to make it as an artist and musician, her fame, her vices, and her death.
My gratitude to Papercutz, NBM Publishing, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my review.
My favorite illustrations were the images of Janis and/or other musicians singing with their lyrics lettered into the image. Beautifully done and conveys the passion of those musicians and songwriters.
Overall, this is a nice quick read and a well illustrated graphic novel to learn a bit about Janis Joplin's life, her desire to make it as an artist and musician, her fame, her vices, and her death.
My gratitude to Papercutz, NBM Publishing, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my review.
August 3, 2021
This was a very fast-paced story that suited Janis Joplin’s very fast-paced life. Her life was heartbreakingly too short.
The story and art didn’t shy away from showing her drug and alcohol consumption, which is obviously a huge part of her story. I think it’s important to see all the external pressures put on her (and others, too). She was constantly swarmed with drug dealers, record labels wouldn’t sign her because of her addiction, but also help was really hard to come by.
The story also included her many musical influences, which I thought was really rad.
Overall, the art style was my favorite because I felt like I was living in the 60’s right along side her.
The story and art didn’t shy away from showing her drug and alcohol consumption, which is obviously a huge part of her story. I think it’s important to see all the external pressures put on her (and others, too). She was constantly swarmed with drug dealers, record labels wouldn’t sign her because of her addiction, but also help was really hard to come by.
The story also included her many musical influences, which I thought was really rad.
Overall, the art style was my favorite because I felt like I was living in the 60’s right along side her.
January 26, 2022
This is a no-punches-pulled biography of Janis Joplin told in graphic form, and if you're interested in her or her music, you won't be able to put it down. That said, not being able to put it down may make you very depressed, because her life and the reasons why it was so short were very sad in a lot of ways.
Janis Joplin was a talented musician with a great knack for singing blues music, but was so drawn to self-destruction in so many ways, all while in search of some form of approval, that it breaks your heart.
I wish the artwork had been a little cleaner, but there is a section at the back of the book to help identify people.
Janis Joplin was a talented musician with a great knack for singing blues music, but was so drawn to self-destruction in so many ways, all while in search of some form of approval, that it breaks your heart.
I wish the artwork had been a little cleaner, but there is a section at the back of the book to help identify people.
August 8, 2022
I picked this up because I don't know much about the life of Janis Joplin and wanted to understand why she is such an icon. Unfortunately, this book didn't help much. It covers the story of her life pretty thoroughly but new people pop up every few pages and while there is a glossary in the back of the book about who everyone was, I kept getting thrown out of the narrative trying to figure out who these people were and whether or not we had already seen them in the story. An octopus is used to show her getting caught up in her addictions but that lovely touch doesn't save it. I'm better off following the recommended resources suggested at the end.
April 3, 2025
This was an interesting read in the form of a graphic novel.
I've always heard her name and knew where she was from, but I never knew anything about her life before she went big.
She went through some rough stuff as a teen through adulthood. Drugs and sex were a main staple in her career. But it seemed like she had a kind soul despite it all.
I've honestly never listened to her music, but from what I gathered she had an amazing voice! ❤️
It's honestly so sad that she passed away so young; she was practically my age!
One thing I will say is it's incredibly inspiring that she came from a small town in Texas yet chased her dreams into being one of the most well known musicians <3
I've always heard her name and knew where she was from, but I never knew anything about her life before she went big.
She went through some rough stuff as a teen through adulthood. Drugs and sex were a main staple in her career. But it seemed like she had a kind soul despite it all.
I've honestly never listened to her music, but from what I gathered she had an amazing voice! ❤️
It's honestly so sad that she passed away so young; she was practically my age!
One thing I will say is it's incredibly inspiring that she came from a small town in Texas yet chased her dreams into being one of the most well known musicians <3
June 18, 2021
I love reading about Janis Joplin, any time any place and would have nominated this graphic novel for our reading list, if not for the depictions of sex in the book. I enjoyed the story, her journey, what it was like to be addicted to drugs and the results. I love that she was a musical icon from Texas and lived so big for the 5 years she was famous. Such a sad story of a talent gone too soon. Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
For being a graphic novel of only 160 pages, I think that it packed a lot of info and personality in it.There wasn't much that I didn't already know but I still enjoyed it. I think the art and the colors are really nice. All the art for when Janis was performing was my favorite. I loved that anytime there was a song mentioned or she was singing a song that wasn't her own, it was credited at the bottom of the page.
July 30, 2021
Janet Jackson is one of the people that I have heard of, but didn't really know anything about.
So reading this was gave me more insight into a figure I only knew in passing.
But what I found most interesting was the depiction of addiction and how even when she was happy it was slithering in through any gap it could find, waiting to wrap a tendril around and pull someone back into the deep.
So reading this was gave me more insight into a figure I only knew in passing.
But what I found most interesting was the depiction of addiction and how even when she was happy it was slithering in through any gap it could find, waiting to wrap a tendril around and pull someone back into the deep.
December 6, 2021
This contradicted the story of Janis Joplin that I was familiar with from documentaries I've seen--it revealed a strained relationship with her family and an out of control, lost, soul. Her light burned out too quickly but it's no surprise. One wonders if she would have been as great and remembered if she was disciplined and could control her impulses. Perhaps not.
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