It’s been virtually 25 years because the tragic passing of comedy legend Chris Farley. Perhaps greatest identified for iconic performances and characters on Saturday Night Life and his bigger than life antics, Farley stays a beloved entertainer to today. His life and profession has been chronicled in numerous documentaries and now in comedian type. Z2 has introduced Growing Up Farley, a graphic novel in regards to the comedy icon.
Co-written by Chris Farley’s brother, humorist and actor Kevin Farley, the story “provides an intimate portrait into Chris and Kevin’s youthful adventures—from their performances at Red Arrow Camp to sets at the Arc Theatre in Wisconsin, all the way to famed improv institution The Second City in Chicago.”
As Kevin Farley explains:
“Laughter was always a big part of growing up Farley. I’m excited to partner with the team at Z2 Comics to share all the humor and humanity of growing up with my brother, Chris, in 1970s Madison, Wisconsin and the huge influence our Dad had on our decision to go into comedy.”
Also concerned in the venture is co-writer Frank Marraffino (Marvel Zombies, Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It) and artist Ryan Dunlavey (The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic).
As somebody who watched Farley’s SNL performances rising up, this venture is significant for Marraffino. As he explains:
“Every Saturday at 11:30 my friends and I would drop everything to watch Chris Farley and the gang on Saturday Night Live. Chris always inspired us. He offered a perpetual masterclass in the art of comedy: exuberant and boisterous, but also genuine and heartfelt. I couldn’t be more excited to chronicle the journey of the Farleys!”
In a press release saying the e book, Z2 President Josh Bernstein mentioned:
“Chris Farley was one of the greatest comedy heroes of his or any generation. Getting to work directly with Kevin Farley and the Farley Family to bring their incredible origin story to life via a graphic novel is just the beginning of how this IP can take form and expand into comics, TV, film and beyond!”
As with all Z2 Comics choices, Growing up Farley comes in quite a lot of codecs. In addition to the usual cowl, the deluxe hardcover will include three artwork prints illustrated by famend underground artists Craig Rousseau, Fred C. Stresing, and Ryan Dunlavey. In addition the outsized platinum editions will include a chic slipcase, the artwork prints, a “Scotch Oil” trucker hat, a “Scotch Oil” pen, and a “Scotch Oil” ballpoint pen. The “Scotch Oil” firm of Madison, Wisconsin was famously owned by Chris and Kevin’s father, Tom Farley, and employed most of the Farley relations through the years. Z2 Comics may also provide 100 tremendous restricted platinum editions signed by Kevin Farley.
Look for all three editions of Growing up Farley to arrive in shops in Fall 2023.
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