DKD The Once & Marvellous DKD logo

Inspired by the true accounts of
young rockers who toured the Vietnam War

The Once – & – Marvellous DKD
is the New Original graphic novel trilogy
inspired by the true accounts of young rockers who toured the Vietnam War.

After 3 years of research and 18 months of work to script-draw-colour,
I am glad for this opportunity to share the extraordinary ‘coming-of-age’ stories
of this ‘particular group of uncelebrated young heroes’.

Kudos to those who played in and survived that crazy jungle world of
Bullets, Bombs, Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll. 

– Boon Lai,

Made with the New Creation Grant award from

National Arts Council Singapore logo
DKD graphic novel Front Covers Photo
DKD graphic novel BackCovers Photo
DKD band playing on a makeshift stage behind a US army truck

What People Say…

“… the story and the characters are certainly unique…
this story stood out as one that would be new…”

Audible Accelerator Team’s comment on the story pitch based on DKD’s story

“… very casual at first glance, encapsulated the difficult circumstances the characters were in during that period…”

Selene A. T. , reader

“…a beautiful trilogy…
Book 1 goes up, Book 2 keeps up and Book 3 plunges down into the conclusion.”

Zeke META, comic fan – pro-wrestler – kickstarter backer

“I really enjoyed reading American-styled graphic novels, so I enjoyed DKD. …it pokes fun with cartoony shots and demonstrates the power of communication…”

Mark Pereira, founder – reviewer – GeeksUnited

DKD band in silhouette walking across a sunset landscape with Huey helicopters flying overhead

The DKD Story

In 1969, a band of late-teens was struggling to make it in Singapore
when they received a once-in-a-lifetime offer.

“Go on a tour of South Vietnam and entertain American soldiers
for money – ‘shitloads of money’!”

Eager to escape ‘the boring life’, they unwittingly set themselves
on a 13-month journey that would change them forever.

From the dodgy streets of Saigon to the volatile demilitarized zone (DMZ) near Danang,
they would witness the brutal realities of war first hand.

With their bodies, their minds, and their sense of right and wrong pushed to breaking points every day,
how could these foolhardy youngsters make it out of the Vietnam War in one piece?

BUY THE PRINTED BOOK

DKD graphic novel Front Covers Photo

The Complete 3-Book Set     S$60
*Autographed upon request.
FREE delivery within Singapore

DKD Tour Dates…

Singapore Comic Con 21 logo

Boon talks DKD @ SGCC2021.
A discussion about the DKD’s journey, the history behind the story and the creative process involved.

copyright 2022-2023 BOON LAI . MENTALWORKS . All Rights Reserved.