In my comics program, we recently started working with text and how it can be used in comics. One of our assignments was to write something in our sketchbook and experiment with different text styles. Lately I have been listening to a lot of the X-Ray Spex (late 70’s punk band fronted by Poly Styrene, who unfortuately passed away earlier this year). My X-Ray Spex kick inspired me to I write out the lyrics to the song Oh Bondage, Up Yours!
This turned into a comic of sorts. The colors were inspired by Poly Styrene’s unconventional style in the early days of the punk scene. She would wear bright colors instead of black which typically defined punk style, and defied the typical norms of beauty.
While drawing this out, I was reminded of, and thus inspired by, JustSeeds Celebrate People’s History prints, which focus on various political struggles, and often include a written description of the subject within the print itself. While I didn’t include a written history of Poly Styrene in this illustration, it inspires me to expand this as something similar yet in the form of a comic. I now find myself wanting to do even more illustrations in the realm of lyrics and feminist punk icons.
So, here it is, a tribute to Poly Styrene:
Fiona Avocado 