Bomb It! The Story of Graffiti Art

A graphic novel that tells the story of graffiti, from the subways and back alleys of 1960s and 1970s New York to the global sensation of today.

Join photographer Izzy Fame on a vibrant journey through the history of writing on walls as she curates an exhibition on the rise of graffiti. Bomb It! follows the transformation of the movement, from a rebellious few tagging their names around New York to the emergence of bold, colourful throw-ups and wild-style pieces; hip-hop, breakdancing and street art; and the explosion of the small subculture into a world-wide phenomenon.

Izzy traces the true story of graffiti’s origins and progression and encounters key figures along the way, including Taki 183, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Chaz Bojórquez, Futura 2000, Blek le Rat, Miss. Tic, Banksy, Robbo, Margaret Kilgallen, Barry McGee, OSGEMEOS, Shepard Fairey, Invader and many more.

Feuds spark, relationships grow and fracture, legendary crews form and all limits go up in smoke as graffiti culture spreads across the world. Artists evade law, censorship and the third rail; risk their lives to leave their mark; and make their way into museums and art galleries – with and without invitation.

About the Author

Balthazar Pagani is the founder of WeAreBeside based in Milan. He produced the Graphic Lives series of graphic novels and is the author of How to Draw a Graphic Novel. Damiano Restivo is an artist and comic book illustrator based in Italy.