Mother Monster has returned!
Fifteen years after Michael Fitzgerald Troy’s Going Gaga! became a viral comic-book tribute to Lady Gaga, Troy is returning to the world of outrageous fashion, pop culture, comics, and Little Monster fandom with GOING GAGA 2.0: THE RETURN OF MOTHER MONSTER, now on Kickstarter.
The new graphic novel marks an anniversary sequel to a project that took on a life of its own after debuting during the height of Gaga mania.
Troy created Going Gaga! as a celebration of Lady Gaga’s larger-than-life visual persona. Rather than approaching the pop superstar as the subject of a conventional biography, Troy drew inspiration from her elaborate costumes, music, theatrical performances, and ability to reinvent herself.
The result was a playful comic-book interpretation of Mother Monster that combined celebrity culture with Troy’s love of comics and superheroes.
Then something happened that every independent creator dreams about.
Lady Gaga saw it.
After the original comic appeared around San Diego Comic-Con, Gaga discovered the book and shared her enthusiasm for it with her enormous social-media following. According to Troy, the attention sent fans scrambling for copies and helped the independently produced comic sell out.
Troy later recalled that his original goal had simply been for Gaga herself to see the comic. Once she did, the response from her Little Monsters transformed the project into something much bigger.
The original Going Gaga! also became more than a parody or celebrity comic. Troy described the book as a genuine love letter to Gaga and to the message of individuality and acceptance surrounding her music and fan community. A later special edition even directed a portion of its proceeds toward the Born This Way Foundation.
At the time, Troy hinted that he might eventually return for a second installment.
Now, fifteen years later, that sequel has arrived.
GOING GAGA 2.0: THE RETURN OF MOTHER MONSTER revisits Troy’s distinctive interpretation of Gaga after another decade and a half of music, fashion, performances, characters, and unforgettable imagery.
The Kickstarter describes the project simply and appropriately:
“Mother has arrived!”
For longtime fans, the project is a chance to revisit one of the more unusual success stories to come out of the independent comics scene. For newer Little Monsters, it offers an introduction to a comic created by someone who was a fan long before celebrity tribute projects became a regular feature of crowdfunding.
It is also a fascinating example of how comics and pop culture can collide. Lady Gaga has always presented herself with the kind of visual imagination that feels almost tailor-made for sequential art. Each era brings a new costume, color palette, attitude, and identity. Troy recognized that quality early, treating Gaga almost like a constantly evolving comic-book character whose next incarnation could be completely different from the last.
Fifteen years of additional Gaga history gives Going Gaga 2.0 plenty of new material to celebrate.
The original comic was ultimately powered by the enthusiasm of the Little Monsters, and Troy has remained open about being one himself. In a 2012 interview, he explained that Gaga’s message of celebrating individuality was an important part of his connection with her work. He also predicted that she would continue inspiring him and specifically left the door open for a second Going Gaga! project.
It took a while, but Mother Monster has finally returned.
GOING GAGA 2.0: THE RETURN OF MOTHER MONSTER is currently seeking support on Kickstarter.
Check out the campaign and join Michael Fitzgerald Troy as he goes Gaga all over again.
About Author
