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jentidders's review against another edition
3.0
Until reading this graphic novel memoir (written by Jared Reinmuth and Frank “Big Black” Smith himself, adapted and illustrated by Ameziane) I knew nothing about the four-day revolt at Attica State Prison in 1971.
Fed up of abuse and rampant racism, the prisoners took jailers as hostages and made demands to the warden and state governer for demands for humane conditions. Big Black was one of the prisoners and found himself at the centre of the situation, trying to protect the hostages, prisoners and negotiators alike. When the military stormed in, the until-then mainly peaceful protest became one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history. Jailers succumbed to friendly fire, but their deaths were blamed on prisoners, and prisoners, including Big Black were horrifically tortured. It took years for the cases to be heard, and even then justice has not been adequately served.
While this book covers a hugely important event, it is a bit confusing in places - at times it is not clear what order to read panels in, little background information is given about characters or events leading up to the revolt, and sometimes there are non-sequiturs in the dialogue. However, I loved the art style and it has piqued my interest to lookup more about the history of Attica.
Fed up of abuse and rampant racism, the prisoners took jailers as hostages and made demands to the warden and state governer for demands for humane conditions. Big Black was one of the prisoners and found himself at the centre of the situation, trying to protect the hostages, prisoners and negotiators alike. When the military stormed in, the until-then mainly peaceful protest became one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history. Jailers succumbed to friendly fire, but their deaths were blamed on prisoners, and prisoners, including Big Black were horrifically tortured. It took years for the cases to be heard, and even then justice has not been adequately served.
While this book covers a hugely important event, it is a bit confusing in places - at times it is not clear what order to read panels in, little background information is given about characters or events leading up to the revolt, and sometimes there are non-sequiturs in the dialogue. However, I loved the art style and it has piqued my interest to lookup more about the history of Attica.
veganheathen's review against another edition
5.0
Reading about the 1971 protest in Attica was made all the more poignant by the accompanying illustrations. This graphic novel was powerful and made me feel so many things. It saddens me that our society still hasn't progressed far from the 70s in its treatment of the incarcerated and people of colour.
farmv8's review against another edition
5.0
An incredibly and creatively told life changing story. The emotion was impeccably expressed via the detailed illustrations along with the beautifully written narrative. Big Black bravely communicated his story honestly. This book will stick with me.
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'Big Black: Stand at Attica' by Frank "Big Black" Smith & Jared Reinmuth with art by Ameziane is a graphic novel memoir from someone who was in Attica.
Prison conditions in Attica State Prison in 1971 were bad. The prisoners were abused by racist guards and injustices were occurring. The prisoners wanted some demands met, so they started a riot. After the stand off, the authorities ended things violently. Frank "Big Black" Smith as a leader, and someone who was trying to keep the peace, was tortured by prison guards. It took years for him to get justice.
This is a pretty harsh story, but it's a good one and exposes problems as they were in the early 1970s. The art has a kind of retro comic book look and a color pallette that I really liked. I really enjoyed reading this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Prison conditions in Attica State Prison in 1971 were bad. The prisoners were abused by racist guards and injustices were occurring. The prisoners wanted some demands met, so they started a riot. After the stand off, the authorities ended things violently. Frank "Big Black" Smith as a leader, and someone who was trying to keep the peace, was tortured by prison guards. It took years for him to get justice.
This is a pretty harsh story, but it's a good one and exposes problems as they were in the early 1970s. The art has a kind of retro comic book look and a color pallette that I really liked. I really enjoyed reading this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.