Marilyn Monroe, a new graphic novel, is published in hardback by the China-based company, Sendpoints.
“Born Norma Jeane Baker, Marilyn Monroe endured afragmented childhood in foster homes and an orphanage, marked by her mother’s hereditary mental illness and the absence of a known father. This book traces the extraordinary yet turbulent life of Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most enduring golden-age legends. Despite early typecasting as a ‘dumb blonde,’ she fought to prove her acting prowess. Beyond glamour, she challenged Hollywood’s glass ceiling, demanding creative control and fair treatment. More than a star’s story, it’s a poignant exploration of fame, gender, and resilience.
The Graphic Novel Series, initiated and published by SendPoints, is a collection of original inspirations by cartoonists and illustrators from all over the world with diverse cultural backgrounds. This series creates a distinct artistic expression and reading experience of the graphic novel with strong visual impact and a variety of styles. It re-explains the definition of ‘art collection’ through ‘image,’ presenting a collection that is more artistic than comic and more vivid than the novel.”
The cover image, showing Marilyn reflected in a dressing-table mirror, reminds me of a 1953 photo by Bob Beerman – while the hand-held love-hearts in the background recall ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,’ her signature number from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
A timeline tracks the major events in Marilyn’s life and career.
She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926…
Her first lead role came in 1948 when Columbia assigned her to the low-budget musical, Ladies of the Chorus, and Natasha Lytess became her acting coach.
While she worked hard to improve herself – studying briefly at UCLA in 1950 – success came at a personal cost. On the cusp of Marilyn’s stardom, her childhood guardian Grace died.
After being honoured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dissatisfaction with her studio contract motivated her to form an independent company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.
Following a sojourn at the Actors Studio, she returned to the big screen in Bus Stop and enjoyed a blossoming romance with playwright Arthur Miller.
And in her final public performance, Marilyn sang ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ to John F. Kennedy.
The artwork is inspired by images from photographers like J.R. Eyerman, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Sam Shaw, among others.
And finally, the text is in English – but some captions may be lost in translation. (For example, Paula Strasberg is called ‘Laura’, while Madison Square Garden is named as ‘Madison Park Square’.)
