Revolution summer comes alive again just in time for fall in the new and deeply personal story of life on and off stage. Take It Back: Life, Anxiety, and Gray Matter is released this week through DiWulf Publishing!

The story of one of Washington, DC’s most beloved bands comes to the page in a brand new graphic novel written by Gray Matter bassist and celebrated horror writer Steve Niles, illustrated by Brian Walsby, and lettered by Monica Richards. It is the story of friendship and the strength needed to overcome personal challenges amidst the background of a vibrant DC music scene. 

Writer Steve Niles is best known for horror comics 30 Days of Night, The October Faction, Frankenstein Alive! Alive! as well as his notorious monster hunter detective, Cal McDonald. But before he found his voice on the page, Niles cut his creative teeth in the fertile and influential 1980s Washington DC punk rock scene, where he played bass for years with the legendary Dischord band, Gray Matter. This book not only delves into Steve’s formative years, providing a candid look into his personal struggles, it also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the original DIY culture that inspired the DC punk and hardcore scene.

Brian Walsby is best known for his eyecatching artwork on t-shirts and album covers, including work with 7 Seconds, Descendents, The Birthday Party, Melvins, Die Kruezen, Big Star as well as illustrations in the essential underground We Got Power magazine and more.

Take It Back: Life, Anxiety and Gray Matter is available now directly from the publisher for $20.00. Don’t miss this essential document of one of the world’s most influential music scenes; whose enduring influence can be felt in virtually every corner of culture.