From sun-baked Southern California streets and nighttime backyard parties to worldwide recognition, Sublime became a musical backdrop for all the alternative misfits who found their freedom outside the classical lines of music and society. Now, fans will get the chance to relive Sublime's story in a new graphic novel.
The band's ability to fuse reggae, punk rock, and more to create a sound all their own would go on to inspire musicians to this day. Add that to their anti-establishment ideals, chill vibes, and simple roots, and they continue to be an influence on even today's generation. Decades after founding member Bradley Nowell's untimely death, $5 at the Door will tell the story of the group's musical career and hijinks in a way fans have never seen before.
Sublime's management company Surfdog/DKM has partnered with Z2 Comics to create a comic book that fans will be able to cherish for years to come. The writer behind the novel's 120 page spread is Ryan Cady, a SoCal native who grew up in a world steeped in the culture Sublime cultivated and grew to represent. "I saw these guys like neighbors, and as I research the human moments underneath their phenomenon with Bud and Eric, I get to share that feeling with everyone who picks up the book," Cady said, Sublime wasn't just a band to him, it was almost a lifestyle, and now he gets the chance to bring their story to life once again.
Check out cover art for the book, set to release in June 2021, below.
Publisher Josh Frankel explains that it, "will highlight Sublime’s vast musical influences and behind-the-scenes stories, all centered around the unbreakable bonds of friendship." This won't be Z2's first time bringing fans graphic biopics of popular artists. The publisher last year released Morrison Hotel, another graphic novel that told the story of the seminal band The Doors. Z2 is even finding ways to keep it in the family by using cover art by longtime Sublime artists Opie Ortiz and DJ Product ©1969. Other members of the creative team include Audrey Mok, Alex Diotto, Hayden Sherman, Logan Faerber, Bill Masuku, Robert Ahmad, and more.
Additionally, if the concept of being able to see such an iconic band's adventures (or misadventures) brought to life in this format wasn't enough, there are special deluxe additions that include added perks. These exclusives include such bonuses as a special first-time vinyl edition of the Doin’ Time EP, exclusive prints, and even a Lou-Dog toy! So if you consider yourself a Sublime super fan, or just enjoy themes of friendship and anti-establishment, coupled with a no-rules mentality and chill tunes, then this graphic novel might just be a must add to your summer reading list. But until then, dust off that Sublime record, throw on Garden Grove, get yourself some sun, and let the music transport you back to the good old days of backyard parties and kicking it with your buds (no pun intended).