%20(1).png)
Legendary composer, conductor, and arranger Henry Mancini didn’t just create music:
He turned it into one of cinema’s most unforgettable characters.
His masterful scores are woven into the very fabric of 20th-century pop culture, whether it’s the playful elegance of the Pink Panther theme or the timeless longing of "Moon River." Mancini’s work shaped the emotional landscape of film, elevating stories with dramatic flair, heartfelt tenderness, and a dash of pure fun. Now, his life gets a fitting tribute with The Extraordinary Life of Henry Mancini, a stunning graphic novel from the award-winning Fantoons animation studio. Featuring a foreword by none other than Hans Zimmer, this beautifully illustrated biopic hits shelves today, September 17, and is available everywhere.
Mancini’s name has become a legend thanks to his unforgettable soundtracks for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Peter Gunn, Victor Victoria, and countless others. Icons like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Mathis have immortalized his tunes, making him a four-time Oscar winner and recipient of 20 Grammy Awards. His music didn’t just accompany films; it helped define them, leaving an impact that still resonates across generations.
Fantoons, known for their vivid storytelling and illustrated biographies of music giants like Rush, Motörhead, and Iron Maiden, presents Mancini’s life in a way only they can—bold, vibrant, and full of heart. Written by David Calcano and illustrated by a powerhouse team including Svetlana Palkina, Jorge Mansilla, and Lindsay Lee, this graphic novel captures the spirit, love, and passion that made Mancini a legend. Hans Zimmer pens the foreword, with an intro by composer Christopher Lennertz, setting the stage for an epic journey through Mancini’s incredible career.
For superfans, there’s also a deluxe edition with a 26-page interview booklet featuring film composer icons John Powell and Patrick Doyle, legendary Disney directors John Musker and Ron Clements, and industry heavyweights like Chris Montan and Richard Kraft. As a special treat, the limited edition includes a 7-inch vinyl with a never-before-released performance from Mancini’s Sunflower score, plus a piano demo of the “Love Theme” played by Mancini himself. Complete with new art from Fantoons, this is a must-have for fans of film music and anyone who’s ever been moved by the magic of Mancini’s melodies.
