Dio: Holy Diver (1983)

Dio: Holy Diver (1983)

Dio's début album is a bona fide music masterpiece that I feel is fully deserving of its lauded status among fans - there's not a single weak track on it. It's one of my favourite records from the entire 80s metal scene.

A number of similar themes recurred time and again in Ronnie James Dio's oeuvre, both in his solo work and during his time with Black Sabbath. 

His imagery-filled lyrics, often reminiscent of a time of chivalry and myth, celebrated an era in which magic could initiate real change and provide a voice to the voiceless.

Dio: Holy Diver - Comic Book (2021)

Dio: Holy Diver (2021)

Author: Steve Niles | Illustrator: Scott Hampton | Page Count:124

"We have forsaken nothing. There are Gods everywhere. There are Gods in the ground and in the water, in the very air. Life is a never-ending wheel."

Music related comics aren't new, but I don't recall them ever being as abundant as they seemed to be in 2021. At time of writing there's about a dozen books based on or inspired by bands and/or albums that have either recently been published or are currently up for pre-order (and occasional delay), including works on Freddie Mercury, Elvis, The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Blondie, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cypress Hill, Chuck D, Alter Bridge, Mötley Crüe, and Anthrax. [1]

All of the publications mentioned above are from publisher Z2 Comics. Is it desperation or a bold move to reach a potential new audience? I don't know, but with the full benefit of the doubt I decided to choose one and see for myself. (I noticed afterwards that a comic of King Diamond's Abigail was planned, so 'choose one' became two because I'm a KD fan and it might actually translate well to the page).