Blue Note #1 – 2 (2013–2014) 🎩🎷
Genre
Crime Noir, Historical Drama, Jazz Noir 🎭🎷🔍
Blue Note blends gritty noir aesthetics with a historical backdrop, infusing elements of jazz culture and boxing into a moody, character-driven crime drama set in Depression-era America.
Main Characters
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Jack "The Hammer" Johnson 🥊
A former boxing champion trying to reclaim his past glory in a city that has moved on without him. Haunted by personal demons and systemic corruption, Jack is the soul of the story. -
Joe Bonny 🎺
A jazz saxophonist dreaming of artistic greatness but dragged down by poverty and racial inequality. Joe’s arc is parallel to Jack’s, symbolizing the shared struggles of musicians and fighters in a hard world. -
Gloria King 💃
A blues singer and love interest who connects both men. Mysterious, powerful, and emotionally layered, Gloria serves as a metaphor for hope and heartbreak.
Writer
Mathieu Mariolle 🖋️
A French comic writer known for blending action with introspective storytelling. Mariolle’s script is rich in atmosphere, capturing the soul of 1930s New York through raw, evocative dialogue.
Artist
Mickaël Bourgouin 🎨
Bourgouin brings the noir theme to life with sharp contrasts, gritty textures, and haunting facial expressions. His urban scenes and jazz club interiors feel immersive and cinematic.
Editor Details
Though the specific editor was not prominently credited, the editorial direction clearly focused on maintaining historical authenticity, moody pacing, and character-driven narratives. The comic’s polished layout suggests strong art direction from publisher-level editorial oversight.
Publisher and Brand
Dargaud 📚
One of Europe's premier comic book publishers, Dargaud is known for supporting artistically ambitious projects. Blue Note was originally published in French before being translated into English, preserving its European graphic novel sensibility.
Release Year
📅 Issue #1: 2013
📅 Issue #2: 2014
Brief Plot Summary
Set in the roaring yet ruthless 1930s, Blue Note tells the intertwined stories of Jack Johnson, a washed-up boxer, and Joe Bonny, a struggling jazz musician. Both men are navigating the unforgiving streets of New York, chasing redemption in a city riddled with racial tension, organized crime, and crushed dreams. As their paths collide through underground clubs and smoky back alleys, their stories become a blues ballad of survival and identity. The narrative crescendos into a gripping climax where fists and music speak louder than words. 🎶🩸
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“Rings of Smoke”
Jack’s return to the boxing ring is paralleled with Joe’s fight to headline a major jazz performance. Their mutual descent into the corrupt underbelly of New York reveals a society that exploits both talent and desperation. -
“Blues for the Lost”
A moving exploration of Gloria King’s past and her connection to both men. Her story deepens the narrative’s emotional stakes and provides a soulful, melancholic tone that resonates throughout.
Fan Theories or Interpretations 🎙️💭
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Some readers interpret Blue Note as an allegory for the artistic struggle — Jack represents physicality and primal ambition, while Joe embodies intellectual and creative passion.
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Another fan theory suggests that Gloria King is a metaphorical muse, not fully real, but rather an idealized symbol of unattainable dreams, especially since her presence feels dreamlike and ethereal at times.
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There’s also speculation about the cyclical nature of fame and failure, and how both boxing and jazz serve as metaphors for fleeting legacy in a harsh capitalist world.
Review Summary ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Blue Note delivers a visually arresting and emotionally resonant story with a rare blend of jazz culture and noir grit. The writing is poetic without being pretentious, while the art plunges the reader into a dark, smoky world full of tension and soul. Characters are well-drawn — both literally and figuratively — with Jack and Joe offering a dual narrative that feels raw and authentic. While it may not be for readers seeking fast-paced action, those who enjoy reflective, stylistic storytelling will find this mini-series a hidden gem.
🎷 Final Verdict: A moody masterpiece of rhythm, rage, and redemption.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
