No publisher wants a graphic novel about Musk

A graphic novel about Elon Musk is struggling to find an English-language publisher, with many expressing concerns over potential legal repercussions, according to The Guardian.
Elon Musk: Investigation into a New Master of the World is the latest graphic novel by Darryl Cunningham, a 64-year-old writer and illustrator from West Yorkshire. Cunningham has previously written and illustrated seven non-fiction books on various subjects, ranging from the global financial crisis of 2008 to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
His first book, Psychiatric Tales, which was inspired by his time working in acute mental health, was described as “a disturbing but rewarding experience” in an Observer review from 2010.
While Cunningham’s previous books have found publishers in both the UK and the US, there has been no word on a deal for his work on Elon Musk. Currently, the book is only available in French, where it was published and has received positive reviews.
Cautious About Musk
Cunningham’s French publisher, Delcourt, introduced the book at the Frankfurt Book Fair last month, and the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche called the work “rich in content and thought-provoking.”
However, Cunningham shared on his Patreon page last week that publishing in other countries “seems unlikely.” He explained that while there had been interest from several international publishers at the Frankfurt Book Fair, there were concerns about potential legal consequences.
He told The Observer, “I’m surprised that publishers seem so cautious about publishing this book about Musk, despite many other books already being released about Musk and various aspects of his business activities.”
“Delcourt even had lawyers review every word and image in the book to ensure there were no issues. I didn’t use any unpublished information; most of it comes from Musk’s own mother’s book, Maye’s,” Cunningham clarified.
He added, “It feels like we are living in an atmosphere of fear, where people with negative energy hold enormous power, and because of this, individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments tend to run away.”
Cunningham praised Delcourt for their “courage” in publishing the book about Musk in France.
The Book’s Content
The book, which was released in France in May, is not a glorifying biography. Drawing on various sources, Cunningham tells the story of Musk’s life, beginning with his parents, Errol and Maye, and even exploring his grandfather, whom Cunningham describes as “a white supremacist.”
The book also charts Musk’s rise to wealth, documenting his business dealings, including those with Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter.
Cunningham said, “From what I know about this man, I conclude that it is hard to believe such an ordinary person could accumulate so much wealth. But that’s the reality.”
Despite the book’s success in France, it is still unclear if it will find a home in English-speaking countries due to the ongoing fears surrounding legal risks and potential repercussions from powerful individuals.
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