Sunday Trade: Phonogram

Phonogram: Rue Britannia story by Kieron Gillen, art by Jamie McKelvie

Yeah I know its Monday. But lets forget my inability to do something as simple as be on time with a weekly project. Let us instead turn our eyes to England. And to that musical phenomenon known as britpop. Confused? That is because you're like me in that you have no fucking clue what britpop is or was (apparently Oasis and Blur would be some of the more mainstream representatives). But for some people it was a big deal...

Like David Kohl, phonomancer. That is a person who uses music and its culture as magic. Not making music, but listening to it. Being involved in its fandom. Taking a loosely defined genre and using it to form a sub-culture. Magic from that...

Kohl's more than a bit of an arrogant prick and supremely self-involved. So of course he's been tasked by the female divinity The Goddess to rescue an aspect of herself. Brittania, the avatar of britpop. And to do so she gives him The Curse until he's done. After that things go very metaphorical and symbolical and shit until Kohl saves reality. Or at least the bit that focuses on him...

Phonogram isn't for everyone. And who its for isn't apparent until they read it. Or try. Its not the music. I loved the series and as may be guessed I'm clueless to the majority of the music referenced in it. To some its self-indulgent and/or pretentious. And that isn't any inaccurate description. But for some it'll catch hold and dig deep. So go ahead and give it a spin and find out which you are...