Take It Back: Life, Anxiety, and Gray Matter: The story of one of Washington, DC's most beloved bands

Take It Back: Life, Anxiety, and Gray Matter is the story of one of Washington, DC's most beloved bands, Gray Matter told in a graphic novel. Written by bassist and renowned horror author Steve Niles and illustrated by Brian Walsby , with lettering done 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. Revolution summer comes alive in the vivid drawings of Brian and the storytelling of Steve. Featured Book Contributors and Gray Matter Members 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 . Niles came from the burgeoning 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 scene. Brian Walsby has been drawing stuff, playing drums and listening to a lot of music for well over forty years. He has done countless album covers, single covers, cd covers, posters, prints and t shirt designs for many bands. He has several books under his belt, from his Manchild series, and also SELF EMPUNISHMENT , a lengthy book about the pitfalls of being self-employed. He has played drums in bands such as Polvo , Double Negative and Snake Nation . Brian was tapped to take on the huge task of illustrating the Gray Matter book, and kept his head down and just did it until he was finished. He is happy to have had the assignment and is glad to be here today. Monica Richards got her start in music during the heyday of the DC punk scene, singing for bands Hate From Ignorance and Madhouse . She is best known for her DC post-punk band, Strange Boutique , as well as the acclaimed duo, Faith and the Muse .