Reviews
These new volumes in the American Graphic series look at two of the most influential African American performing artists of the past few decades. Because each book features a different pairing of writer and illustrator, they need to be judged separately, though the overall bar of the series tends to be fairly high. Jay-Z: Hip-Hop Icon sets itself apart by spending very little time on stage or amid fawning crowds. Instead, using the framing conceit of an interview, Gunderson sets most of the scenes in the banal backgrounds of offices and living rooms, as Jay-Z makes deals, founds various business ventures, boycotts the Grammys, and more. The result has a unique insider feel. Kinsella's work is a bit muddy, but his likeness of Jay-Z is strong. (Beyoncé, not so much.) King of Pop: The Story of Michael Jackson is notable for what it doesn't include: no mention of the various molestation charges or any hint that his death was anything but natural. Those slights aside, this is anything but a happy-go-lucky tale. Jackson's father is an omnipresent, threatening force, and Byers' peach-hued illustrations do a fine job portraying Jackson's face as it changes throughout the eras. Both titles hit all the important historical points, setting up reluctant researchers for further inquiry., ...I think that the American Graphic biographies by Capstone Press may fill two needed niches. The first, and probably the intended purpose is to fill the need for easy reading biographies that will interest older kids. A secondary benefit, however, is that these books can bring complex historical figures to a level where they can be understood by young elementary schoolers who so often express interest in people and things way "beyond their years.", Wow! What could be better than combining a biography, a graphic novel, and the King of Pop? This book is the story of Michael Jackson through his musical career in graphic novel format. It is told from the perspective and theme of ten of his greatest hits and what was going on in his life during the period of time that the hit was on the charts. The last few pages do discuss his shocking death, but is done so in a kid-friendly manner. Highly recommended!, Graphic novels biographies are perfect in certain circumstances and I wish more people would give them a try. A reluctant reader might love Terry Collins', King of Pop: The Story of Michael Jackson, or any title from the American Graphic Biography Collection, or other similar offerings. Just because they have panels, that doesn't make them less true, less valuable, less informative.
