Titled
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 40×40, the graphic anthology celebrates Jett’s achievements via a series of pieces based on the 20 tracks split between
ILRNR and 1980 debut album
Bad Reputation. Toward that end, the book assembles a superteam of some of the most preeminent female creatives in the comics and pop culture world, including acclaimed New Contemporary Art mover-and-shaker Tara McPherson. Other participants include Clara Tessier, Frankie Smith and Alice Meichi Li.
Blackheart Records president Carianne Brinkman, daughter of Jett’s longtime manager and creative partner Kenny Laguna, indicated the publication’s all-woman crew is by design. “We reflected on all the rejection and opposition Joan faced from the industry as a woman with a guitar, especially at the beginning of her career,” she wrote in a statement. “Luckily, she blocked out the noise and showed the doubters she could do it herself. The comics world, much like the rock ‘n’ roll world, is fairly underrepresented in terms of women, particularly in the mainstream. We thought this was a great opportunity to celebrate comic writers and illustrators who happen to be women, and who, like Joan, are constantly being asked what it’s like to be ‘a WOMAN…’ in their respective industries. We are so excited to bring these amazing artists and writers together to celebrate this milestone anniversary.”