Dustin Gebel
Image Comics announces that it will publish the graphic novel adaptation of Pete Townsend’s screenplay, Life House, which was the basis for The Who’s concept album, Who’s Next. The comic will be based on the original draft of the screenplay, and is co-written by James Harvey and David Hine with art by Max Prentis, inks from Mick Gray, and lettering by Michah Myers. The graphic novel, which releases December, is presented in a massive LP format (12.25″ x 12.25″).
Townsend described the origin of the graphic novel, stating:
“Life House has always needed a story that makes sense but without the egos of new creatives who think they can ‘fix’ what was wrong with my first draft. The graphic novel is built around that first draft written prior to recording sessions and workshops at the Young Vic in 1971. A second draft with some good ideas from Roger in 1976 added some cohesion and more exciting collateral which really suits the comic format.?The art is beautiful and dense, colourful of course and engaging. The artists and their team have made an amazing and hugely collectible piece that adds depth and clarity to an otherwise complex story. I’m delighted with the comic. Life House is reborn!”
Life House follows a group of rebels staging an underground concert in a dystopian future that has outlawed music. The plot reads like Footloose meets 1984, and was a pivot entry into the canon of concept albums.
Image Comics Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Eric Stephenson described the influence of the story:
“Growing up, The Who were one of my favorite bands, and ‘Who’s Next’ definitely loomed large in their discography as a major touchstone. From ‘Tommy’ to ‘Who’s Next’ to ‘Quadrophenia,’ Pete Townshend has always not only distinguished himself as one of rock’s most ambitious songwriters, but also a natural storyteller, so it’s both a pleasure and a thrill to see one of his most legendary projects take on a new life as a graphic novel. Anyone who has been a fan of Pete and ‘The Who’ for as long as I have is well-versed in the history of ‘Lifehouse’ and how it became ‘Who’s Next,’ so helping to finally get Pete’s story into people’s hands is nothing short of incredible.”
Image has also shared a first look at the series, which can be seen below:
Pete Townshend’s Life House hardcover edition and Pete Townshend’s Life House hardcover edition w/slipcase will be available at bookstores on Tuesday, December 5 and local comic book shops on Wednesday, December 6.
