May 13, 2014
Freddy Mercury Comic to Reduce HIV Stigma
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Bluewater Productions has released a new comic book biography on the life of Freddie Mercury, as the latest installment of their popular Tribute series. In showcasing the life of the Queen frontman and rock and roll legend who died of AIDS, creators hope to address and reduce continuing stigma that surrounds HIV.
"Mercury's story is a fascinating one, from his birth in Zanzibar, being forced to flee his homeland at an early age to his rise to Rock Royalty in the UK and then onto global conquest. His work has gone on to inspire generations of musicians. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers in music history and it was an honor to have worked on this biography," said writer Mike Lynch.
The comic, written by Lynch and Manuel D�az, will be available digitally in Spanish. There will be seven alternate exclusive covers by Michael Troy and Graham Hill. Freddie Mercury was one of the best performers of his generation. Now you can read the story behind the legend.
His childhood in the paradise island of Zanzibar, his exile to England, and then going on to become the front man for one of the greatest bands of all time, Queen. This special comic book is a tribute of his life and accompaniments he made to the world of music.
"The Tribute line of comic books tells the stories of people that have made a significant difference in the world while they were with us," said Bluewater publisher, Darren G. Davis. "It is a way for us to honor these people who have made a difference in the world."
Bluewater has produced other gay/HIV themed books such as the history of Stonewall, "Lost Raven" about a man dealing with HIV, biographies on Keith Haring, RuPaul, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell. The comic books are a way to spread information about important events and people in a way that a mass audience can digest.
"We also wanted to talk about the fact that Mercury suffered from the AIDS virus to try to reduce stigma," said Davis, who has HIV.
Bluewater Comics biography comic book series has been featured on CNN, "The Today Show" and in Billboard, Rolling Stone, People Magazine as well as many other publication and media outlets.
To view the book on iTunes please check it out here. Print copies of Tribute: Freddie Mercury can be ordered for $3.99 at Comic Flea Market here. To download a five-page preview plus covers please click here.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.