Rick Parker, the artist of Marvel’s Beavis and Butt-Head comic book, published a graphic novel memoir about his time in the U.S. Army. Titled Drafted, the story sees Parker reflect on his life after being drafted to serve during the Vietnam War.

Abrams Comic Arts publishes Parker’s indie comic graphic novel memoir, describing it as a “beautifully drawn and deeply personal memoir” with a “compelling and thought-provoking story that’s sure to stick with readers long after they’ve finished reading.” CBR has an exclusive look at pages from Drafted, which show the young Parker noticing a bush moving in the distance as he looks out for his fellow soldiers while on night watch. Drafted is available now from Abrams Comic Arts.

DRAFTED

By RICK PARKER ISBN: 9781419761591 On sale Sept. 24

Abrams’ description of Drafted reads: “Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War. The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.

“In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army. Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir, perfect for fans of Joe Sacco and Derf Backderf, and is sure to appeal to Parker’s dedicated followers and new fans alike — already proven by the response to the award-winning short film Rick Parker, I’m Afraid.”

Parker’s Career Includes Work for Marvel and MTV

Parker’s military service lasted from 1966-1969, and he soon after got his start in the comics industry in the late 1970s. Parker began as a letterer for Marvel Comics and was one of the four original artists of SMITH Magazine’s The Pekar Project, which brought the writing of American autobiographical comics pioneer Harvey Pekar to the digital age.

Parker’s other comics include drawing the introductory pages of Tales from the Crypt from 2007-2009 and illustrating a series of graphic novel parodies with Stefan Petrucha for Papercutz Slices. These humorous graphic novel parodies include Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring, The Hunger Pains, and a Twilight series parody called Breaking Down. In 2011, Parker self-published his graphic novel, Deadboy.

Drafted is available now from Abrams Comics Arts.

Source: Abrams