This issue came together in a whirlwind of activity in the latter half of 2022. Andrew Watt, the producer of Iggy Pop’s album Every Loser, is a big Punk fan; he got John Holmstrom to pour his heart and soul into making this tribute to Iggy happen in time to accompany the release of the record, and I was honored to take part in it. As of this writing (late winter, 2023) #22 is available only as a bonus item when you buy Every Loser (see #2 below).
[All art shown © 2023 Bruce Carleton]
Here’s what’s here:
(1) Cover (above) — This was a last-minute exigency dropped on me at Watt’s request, arising out of his love for my work on Punk #15, “Mutant Monster Beach Party” (1978). It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, and I had to work much harder and faster than I’m used to in order to meet the deadline.
(2) Iggy’s merch store splash — This was/is the only place to get the magazine, but at least you get one of Iggy’s greatest records along with it.
(3) Punk #22, page 6: early Iggy history — Holmstrom wrote and configured a multi-page history of Iggy to lead off the magazine. This is my contribution to that.
(4) Punk #22, page 52: Watt wanted us to come up with graphic representations of every song on the album. I titled this section “Every Loser Tells a Story” and contributed five of the pieces. This one is for the song “Strung Out Johnny.”
(5) Punk #22, page 53: “Every Loser Tells a Story,” “New Atlantis.”
(6) Punk #22, page 54: “Every Loser Tells a Story,” “Morning Show.”
(7) Punk #22, page 56: “Every Loser Tells a Story,” “All the Way Down.”
(8) Punk #22, page 57: “Every Loser Tells a Story,” “Comments.”
(9) Punk #22, spot illos: On the left is a logo I did for Animal Records way back when. On the right is a bit illustrating a comment Iggy made about his rep.
(10) Punk #22, mailer sticker: This was placed on the mailers that the mag and CD were sent out in. The guy on the right is the Monster from Punk #15.
(11) Punk #22, CD wallet: This is the cover for the CD that came with the purchase.
(12) Punk #22, me with the array of merch. The Monster from #15 is shown on the right to tie this in with “Mutant Monster Beach Party” which was, to some degree, the precursor to Punk #22.
