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a_blerdandhisbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
scottpm's review against another edition
3.0
It was an average story. It had the potential to be so much more, but it felt like the creators tried too hard to make it important. The black and white pencils just did not really work well at times. It is a shame too as black and white art can be so powerful. The story at times was tough to follow as again, the author tried to hard to make it work. The book really needed to let the story drive the book. It felt like they were trying to make their own version of Maus. It was a valiant effort and a story that needs to be told.
spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
5.0
This was an incredible book!
It's truly a shame that this regiment, that so impacted the outcome of World War I, gets so little recognition and appreciation for what they've done. This story is both sad and amazing. Sad because our soldiers face a shit ton of racism every-step-of-the-way during this story: at home before they go to war, during their training, even after major successes on the field of battle in Europe, and even read about race riots going on at home while they're abroad. It's amazing that in spite of all the crap they put up with, they still manage to go out and effectively wow the world with their tenacity and spirit.
The art pulls no punches whatsoever--it's uber violent. For example, the first time they see what a "Jack Johnson" could do to a human body, is a full page of body exploding gore. However, it's appropriate that the art be graphic here. We are talking about the "war to end all wars" here.
I seriously hope there are some high school teachers out there with the guts to use this text in their classes. The author notes in the back that he tried to stay as historically accurate as possible, though there are some fictionalized accounts of historical events. This story needs to be told, and Max Brooks does a fantastic job of telling it like it is.
It's truly a shame that this regiment, that so impacted the outcome of World War I, gets so little recognition and appreciation for what they've done. This story is both sad and amazing. Sad because our soldiers face a shit ton of racism every-step-of-the-way during this story: at home before they go to war, during their training, even after major successes on the field of battle in Europe, and even read about race riots going on at home while they're abroad. It's amazing that in spite of all the crap they put up with, they still manage to go out and effectively wow the world with their tenacity and spirit.
The art pulls no punches whatsoever--it's uber violent. For example, the first time they see what a "Jack Johnson" could do to a human body, is a full page of body exploding gore. However, it's appropriate that the art be graphic here. We are talking about the "war to end all wars" here.
I seriously hope there are some high school teachers out there with the guts to use this text in their classes. The author notes in the back that he tried to stay as historically accurate as possible, though there are some fictionalized accounts of historical events. This story needs to be told, and Max Brooks does a fantastic job of telling it like it is.
youraveragedave's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
fast-paced
4.0
A piece of American History not many of us have heard before. These brave men fight for democracy and freedom in Europe when theirs was not guaranteed at home.
Wish the art was in color. It felt like too much going on in black & white to see the details and distinguish who was who.
Wish the art was in color. It felt like too much going on in black & white to see the details and distinguish who was who.
th3_b1g_bu5h's review against another edition
5.0
Solidly unquestionable 5/5 in my book. Great story with a great message and purpose. The fictionalization was respectfully done and pays great tribute to the real men who this story is about.
kurtwombat's review against another edition
5.0
History has many dark corners and often there is little incentive to light a candle. Therefore I am grateful whenever someone breaks from the rote path of history, follow the big names and see where they lead us, and brings light to something new. WWI in general, let alone it's unique particulars, seldom gets much popular culture attention despite being one of the most devastating acts mankind has committed against itself. More people were hurt-killed-missing in the first month of WWI than were killed in the entirety of the American Civil War. The creative team of Max Brooks (writer) and Caanan White (artist) introduce us to THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS -- a unit of African-American soldiers who had to fight to get into combat, fought their way to heroism and medals in combat, and then despite their valor had to again fight racism upon their return "home". As with any minority achievement they had to be better to be considered equal and they excelled enough that their fearsome name was actually coined by the Germans they fought. The story as presented is riveting from induction into the service through boot camp and the crossing to Europe and to eventual combat and the travails of racism they encountered all along the way. Brooks moves from scene to scene weaving the narration of history and personal stories so that nary a thread is lost. Being a graphic novel, there is not a lot of room for exposition so there are sudden shifts from scene to scene to move the story along but the destination of each jump never feels random. There is no romantic hue or gloss but instead feels as immediate as the next room you might walk into and each scene stings as if from a fresh slap. Helping to convey this and perhaps surpassing the text is White's evocative artwork. The beauty of muscular youth is contrasted with hateful faces and the brutality of war. Every angle is the right one whether to highlight an expression or the overhead shot of a hospital or killing field. Of special note is the wide array of distinct African-American faces--certainly unique in my experience with graphic novels or even literature at large -- avoiding caricature and remaining human. The art and text work so well together that there is no sense that one is in the service of the other. Each could stand alone quite well but are marvelous when walking along together. Marvelous.
bigbear73's review against another edition
3.0
Max Brooks’ Harlem Hellfighters was a worthwhile and entertaining jaunt into WWI.
Max, who is rightfully well known for his excellent World War Z novel, put together this graphic novel based on accounts of several African Americans who served our country during the Great War. While this is a fictionalized telling, the story does a great job of driving home the impact of the pain and suffering this amazing group of men went through, all for a nation that was at the time going out of it’s way to avoid thanking them or even recognizing their efforts.
The story is well written and excellently drawn, and I felt like I was actually part of the action. I had trouble putting it down and made it through the book in two sittings, in spite of my busy schedule.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
Max, who is rightfully well known for his excellent World War Z novel, put together this graphic novel based on accounts of several African Americans who served our country during the Great War. While this is a fictionalized telling, the story does a great job of driving home the impact of the pain and suffering this amazing group of men went through, all for a nation that was at the time going out of it’s way to avoid thanking them or even recognizing their efforts.
The story is well written and excellently drawn, and I felt like I was actually part of the action. I had trouble putting it down and made it through the book in two sittings, in spite of my busy schedule.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
oneangrylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This is a powerful and moving story of one of the most decorated and unsung regiments in our military. It is a must read and I am ashamed that these men are so forgotten in our history lessons. I simply loved it.