Childish Gambino Arrives in Comics

You probably know that we're huge fans of Community here at IGN. And really, everyone and their mother should be. However, one of its stars -- Donald Glover -- is also an accomplished musician that raps under the name Childish Gambino, to much critical success (including IGN).

Having conquered television and music, Glover is now taking Childish Gambino to the world of comics for a guest appearance in Image's hit webcomic-turned-ongoing series, The Li'l Depressed Boy by S. Steven Struble and Sina Grace. In issue #10, the titular character will head to Camp Gambino where Li'l Depressed Boy will get a bit of life experience from the performer and will be the starting point for the character's upcoming arc.

Childish Gambino is in the midst of promoting his upcoming tour in support of his album, Camp (check out IGN's review here), which dropped late last year. The tour begins in Austin, Texas on April 5, and starting April 16, there will be a limited edition issue #10 featuring an exclusive variant cover for sale at the shows.



Here's the full press release from Image:

"Image Comics announces that 'Li'l Depressed Boy' will take a trip to Camp Gambino in issue #10 of the series featuring a special guest appearance by rapper Childish Gambino who kicks off his much anticipated 'Camp' tour with a string of sold-out shows including opening night on April 5th in Austin, TX. A limited number of copies featuring an exclusive cover designed by 'The Li'l Depressed Boy' artist Sina Grace will be available for purchase only on the Camp Tour starting in Iowa City on April 16th.

In the issue, a concert rekindles a memory of loneliness and a person who made a difference in Li'l Depressed Boy's life - rapper Childish Gambino, who urges him to climb out of his cocoon and experience the world. The experience will lead Li'l Depressed Boy on a new path in his life sending the comic series in a new direction. The appearance in the comic marks the first time a guest will participate in the actual narrative and not just as a setting.

'It's eerily alarming how much the themes in Childish Gambino's 'Camp' are going to play out not only in this issue, but the story arc to come,' said artist Sina Grace.

'When I came across his music, it quickly ascended to the top of every playlist. I feel a kinship with what he says in his songs," said writer S. Steven Struble. "He's creating something earnest and true to his life, and I'm trying to do the same with mine.'

As Grace simply puts it: 'He loves the comics, we love the music, we wanted to make art together. His appearance is bringing the best out of both Struble and myself.'

Initial solicitations of the issue featured a different cover and story summary from the issue's final incarnation. THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY #10 will include additional story pages and will be in comics stores on April 25 and can be pre-ordered now with the Diamond Comics code (NOV110460)."

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