Broken Frontier

After a six-year absence from publishing full-size comic books, Steve Peters returns with Chemistry, a 32-page B&W comic book.  It is a fully self-contained story.  A CD soundtrack of 7 original songs, about 58 minutes in length, is also being released to complement the comic.

Peters says: "Chemistry started as an experiment. I decided I wanted to draw a panel a day for a year with no preconceived notions as to what the story would be.  At the end of the year, I would hopefully have a complete comic.  As I went along, I began hiding the date in each panel, and for some readers, looking at the book becomes a game of trying to find where the date is hidden.

"The comic immediately became autobiographical.  I happened to be in a new relationship when I started it, and the first few pages are a reflection of my happiness.  By the end of the third page, however, things are starting to go wrong, and from that point on the pages become very dark as the character based on me begins to grapple with his inner demons of doubt and insecurity.

"By the time I was halfway finished drawing the comic, the relationship was over.  The demons have all consolidated into one entity who tries to destroy any self-confidence left.

"From then on, I begin to examine what went wrong in the relationship.  I start at the end, and gradually work my way backwards.  We watch as time is reversed and see the couple begin to grow happier and happier.  The comic ends at the beginning of the relationship.

"Chemistry consists of many little leaps of faith that things would work out somehow, since I was not working with a script but just an outline instead, and I was consistently amazed at how well everything seemed to fall into place.  It seemed very much that this book was meant to be.

To go along with the comic, Peters is also releasing a Chemistry soundtrack CD of original rock music recorded by his band.  Other artists have created comics with accompanying CDs in the past, but Peters says Chemistry will be different.  "Often, a CD that comes with a comic is just a random collection of songs, with maybe a title track that is about the same subject as the comic.  On the Chemistry soundtrack CD, each song is titled after a chapter in the comic.  The lyrics and the mood of each song reflect what is going on in the corresponding chapter.  For example, there's a breakup song called 'Goodbye' which is heavy and dark, with lots of distorted guitars.  A song about being drunk on love, 'Intoxicated', is appropriately silly and energetic and rambunctious."       

Peters explores a variety of sounds and musical styles and odd time signatures on the CD, often venturing into the realm of progressive rock.  “The best description of my sound I can think of is ‘if They Might Be Giants did Yes songs’”, he says.  “I always loved the interaction of Steve Howe’s guitar and Chris Squire’s bass, so there’s a lot of that in my music.  At the same time, I like bands that do goofy music like TMBG and King Missile, so some of my songs are pretty tongue-in-cheek, which isn’t something you see too often in prog rock”.  Peters also makes use of sampled sounds, being inspired by the experimentation of Radiohead, which he considers a progressive band.

Awakening Comics will be donating 75% of the proceeds from sales of the Chemistry soundtrack CD to charities aiding the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.  "Chemistry is about spiritual growth, and I think that in order to achieve that growth it's important to give when you can.  I received a special offer from my CD manufacturer, Disc Makers; they're giving a discount to anyone printing CDs to benefit the disaster victims.  I happened to be finishing up my CD when I heard this, so the synchronicity of it made it impossible to pass up".

Sample pages from the comic and MP3s from the CD are available at www.awakeningcomics.com.  Both appear in Diamond Comics' March Previews catalog and are slated for a May 2005 release.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR CHEMISTRY:

"For as long as I've known Steve, I've always felt blessed to be in his company, awed and inspired by his work. After reading his latest creation, Chemistry, I'm convinced more than ever that some stories HAVE to be told and are meant to be. His stories are personal, human and heartfelt as he explores situations that one can't help but relate to."
---Eric Battle, artist, Tarzan syndicated Sunday newspaper strips, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and various other publications

"I read Chemistry - WOW.  Man, I f---ing love this. I'm sorely impressed by this, and [by the] styles used to create it.  Personal stories are always so hard to do, and it's even harder to do when you bare your soul to other people to see. It was real honest, and to look at it from someone who has never met [Steve] before, you really feel for 'Steve' the character as well. This is ACES."
---Jamar Nicholas, creator, The Jamar Chronicles

"Steve Peters is a unique talent in the world of comics, and it has been a joy to watch his development. Chemistry marks both the fulfillment of his earlier promise, and the first step on a new artistic journey. Great work by a talented creator."
---Jimmy Gownley, creator, Amelia Rules

ENDORSEMENTS FOR STEVE PETERS:

"Awakening Comics is quite snazzy, and about a subject we all wish were nearer and dearer to people's hearts. Let's hope for an awakening of the direct sales market!"
---Rick Veitch
Maximortal, Brat Pack, Rare Bit Fiends

"Awfully nice work. [Steve has] the drive, the spirit, the smarts...long live the profession!"
---Jim Woodring
Jim, Frank

(About Awakening Comics and Everwinds:) "If I tried to describe what you do in your comics, it's that you are not content with the boundaries of the comic book medium and are constantly gunning to break, bend, or bust those boundaries in your own work. Steve Peters doesn't care what you think of his comics. Instead, Steve Peters wants to challenge how your mind works."
---Joe Chiappetta
Silly Daddy

"Steve mines the realm of myth and the metaphysical playfully, yet with a serious intent, to produce stories and characters both cosmic and down to earth. His work is entertaining, as well as enlightening. The artwork, too is a joy to look at."
--- Mack White
Zero Zero, Villa of the Mysteries