‘Growing Up Farley’: Z2 Comics Tells The Graphic Novel Origin Of SNL Icon Chris Farley In New Graphic Novel

The latest from Z2 Comics finds Chris Farley’s brother Kevin looking back on the comedian’s life in the graphic novel, Growing Up Farley.

Chris Farley took the comedy world by storm in the 90s, becoming Saturday Night Live’s breakout star. And now Z2 Comics and Farley’s brother, Kevin, bring you the tale of Farley’s journey from childhood through to comedy superstardom in graphic novel form.

Laughter was always a big part of growing up Farley. I’m excited to partner with the team at Z2 Comics to share all the humor and humanity of growing up with my brother, Chris, in 1970s Madison, Wisconsin and the huge influence our Dad had on our decision to go into comedy.

– Kevin Farley

Coming out in Fall 2023, Growing Up Farley, written by Frank Marraffino and Kevin Farley with art from Ryan Dunlavey, the story provides an intimate portrait into Chris and Kevin’s childhood, exploring the unique family dynamic that fueled their creativity and adoration of physical comedy. It takes us from their performances at Red Arrow Camp to sets at the Arc Theatre in Wisconsin, all the way to famed improv institution The Second City in Chicago.

After honing such characters as “motivational speaker” Matt Foley at The Second City Theater Group in Chicago, Chris Farley joined the Saturday Night Live cast in 1990, cementing a golden era of humor alongside Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and David Spade. He’d soon ascend into the ranks of celluloid comedy legend through releases including Wayne’s World, Tommy Boy, Beverly Hills Ninja, and Black Sheep.

Every Saturday at 11:30 my friends and I would drop everything to watch Chris Farley and the gang on Saturday Night Live. Chris always inspired us. He offered a perpetual masterclass in the art of comedy: exuberant and boisterous, but also genuine and heartfelt. I couldn’t be more excited to chronicle the journey of the Farleys!

– Frank Marraffino

Z2 Comics presents Growing Up Farley in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, with the deluxe hardcover coming with three art prints by underground artists Craig Rousseau, Fred C. Stresing, and Ryan Dunlavey.

The oversized platinum edition comes slipcased, with the art prints, a “Scotch Oil” trucker hat, a “Scotch Oil” pen, and a “Scotch Oil” ballpoint pen – The “Scotch Oil” company of Madison, Wisconsin was famously owned by Chris and Kevin’s father, Tom Farley, and employed many of the Farley family members over the years.

Growing Up Farley, written by Kevin Farley and Frank Marraffino, art by Ryan Dunlavey, covers by Ryan Dunlavey and Josh Bernstein, print artists Craig Rousseau, Fred C. Stresing, and Ryan Dunlavey.

Published by Z2 Comics in Fall 2023.

Pre-orders available from https://z2comics.com/products/farley.