The life of Saturday Night Live icon and comedy legend Chris Farley will be chronicled in a new graphic novel co-written by his brother, Kevin Farley.
Z2 Comics has announced their upcoming graphic novel, Growing Up Farley, which will revisit the life and times of the Hollywood icon. Growing Up Farley is co-written by Kevin Farley, who is also a stand-up comedian and actor in addition to being Chris' brother. Joining Farley on writing duties is Marvel Zombies scribe Frank Marraffino, with art provided by The Illustrated Al: The Songs of "Weird Al" Yankovic's Ryan Dunlavey
Chris Farley found critical acclaim as the breakout star of SNL's 1990 season. Alongside fellow cast members including Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and David Spade, Farley became known as one of the "Bad Boys of SNL," and became an instant household name thanks to the myriad of unforgettable characters he played and their explosive, over-the-top antics. Starring in films such as 1995's Tommy Boy and 1996's Black Sheep, both of which co-starred Spade, then cemented Farley's potential as a comedic lead on the big screen. Tragically, Farley lost his life to an overdose in 1997, leaving behind a slew of unfinished works including an original version of Shrek, as well as one of the most indelible comedic legacies of all time.
Kevin Farley opened up about revisiting his childhood with Chris in writing the graphic novel. "Laughter was always a big part of Growing Up Farley," he stated. "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."
Marraffino also recalled his own memories of the late Farley, saying, "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!"
Growing Up Farley is slated to go on sale in Fall 2023 from Z2 Comics in both standard and deluxe hardcover editions. The latter includes three art prints by Dunlavey, Craig Rousseau and Fred C. Stresing. Z2 Comics will also produce an oversized platinum edition of Growing Up Farley, which also includes a slipcase cover, "Scotch Oil" trucker hat and pen and a "Scotch Oil" Chris Farley Business Card.
Source: Z2 Comics