hipher101's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
White people try not to suck challenge
shea_proulx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
schnoebs13's review against another edition
4.0
History is said to be told from the perspective of the winners which when it comes to the past of the United States, that statement is usually true. When it comes to that telling of history though...the other side is usually not around to tell their side of the tale. In this unique perspective on the Apache Wars, the tale of the Apache people is told in a new format and with a detail that might not always line up with what school textbooks always say.
For starters, I thought the illustration style in this graphic novel was beautiful and really did an excellent job of portraying the many types of emotions the Apache People were struggling with. Even though it's a fictitious retelling of what happened, I felt like I learned so much from what they faced and what actually happened during this era. I liked being able to read the forward and prologue of this book to know that what was portrayed had backing from individuals who are actually a part of this nation and to learn about the level of detail the author and illustration put in their research to properly tell this story. It was painful to watch these People want peace and the have American military come in a refuse that all the while individuals back in Washington actually wanting peace. One of the comments that caught my eye was when they said for every Apache who was killed several white men were kill and even though the Apache were clearly the most skilled and stronger group, the resources and the constant level of immigration from Europe allowed the Americans to have a never-ending supply of men and ammunition. I've always enjoyed Indigenous culture and stories, but this has me wanting to learn more about the history of how we treated them as an American society. I know the basics but clearly I have a lot more to learn.
For starters, I thought the illustration style in this graphic novel was beautiful and really did an excellent job of portraying the many types of emotions the Apache People were struggling with. Even though it's a fictitious retelling of what happened, I felt like I learned so much from what they faced and what actually happened during this era. I liked being able to read the forward and prologue of this book to know that what was portrayed had backing from individuals who are actually a part of this nation and to learn about the level of detail the author and illustration put in their research to properly tell this story. It was painful to watch these People want peace and the have American military come in a refuse that all the while individuals back in Washington actually wanting peace. One of the comments that caught my eye was when they said for every Apache who was killed several white men were kill and even though the Apache were clearly the most skilled and stronger group, the resources and the constant level of immigration from Europe allowed the Americans to have a never-ending supply of men and ammunition. I've always enjoyed Indigenous culture and stories, but this has me wanting to learn more about the history of how we treated them as an American society. I know the basics but clearly I have a lot more to learn.
motormouth95's review against another edition
3.0
The "graphic" part of this book is done well. The drawings were very immersive, though it was difficult to distinguish who was who at times. The landscape pieces were the best to me. This book relies less on words and dialogue and more on visuals to tell its story. The issue with that is the lack of explanation about the characters and the events. It jumps from one scene to another without warning, and the reader is left to their devices to understand what is going on. I have a background in history, and I struggled at times to understand what was trying to be presented in front of me. The written delivery is where this book falls short. As the proposed movie Hawke discusses at the end, I think that this would have been a much better way of showcasing this story of the Apache. This is one of the most beautifully illustrated graphic novels I've read recently. I just wish that I could've taken in more from the actual narrative. The "Further Reading" seems promising to find some more material to help with that, at least.
zoes_human's review against another edition
4.0
It's definitely refreshing to see something that shows the Apache side of things. However, Indeh is promoted as being from the Apache perspective, so my expectation was . . . well, a first person Apache POV and not so much time in the POV of the "White Eyes". With that unmet expectation aside, I think it does an excellent job of telling an even-handed story of the Apache Wars. It neither glorifies the invading forces nor romanticizes the Native Americans. It makes the dehumanizing effect of war tangible.
The artwork was impeccable; however, the story at times seemed jarring. Leaps were made so suddenly that I found repeatedly myself turning back to be certain I hadn't missed any pages.
Where it excelled is where historical fiction should excel - providing an emotional context to eras bygone. I would caution you not to read the first 50 pages in public if you're uncomfortable with public crying. I would also recommend studying up on the history of the Apache Wars prior to reading this as well. There are assumptions of knowledge being made. If you lack that information, many parts of it will read in a non-contextual and bewildering way. Then again, you really shouldn't read historical fiction on anything you don't know much about to begin with. It's far too easy to think you know things you don't if you do that.
The artwork was impeccable; however, the story at times seemed jarring. Leaps were made so suddenly that I found repeatedly myself turning back to be certain I hadn't missed any pages.
Where it excelled is where historical fiction should excel - providing an emotional context to eras bygone. I would caution you not to read the first 50 pages in public if you're uncomfortable with public crying. I would also recommend studying up on the history of the Apache Wars prior to reading this as well. There are assumptions of knowledge being made. If you lack that information, many parts of it will read in a non-contextual and bewildering way. Then again, you really shouldn't read historical fiction on anything you don't know much about to begin with. It's far too easy to think you know things you don't if you do that.
ciarancc's review against another edition
3.0
A short graphic novel written by Ethan Hawke and illustrated by Greg Ruth, this novel is heartful but brief.
The novel definitely suffers from odd pacing and a wide range of characters explored in a short amount of dialogue.
I believe what Hawke and Ruth were aiming for is truly admirable, and it makes me hope to improve my literacy about the Apache wars and indigenous peoples.
This was meant to be a movie- please make it a film! There needs to be more indigenous films.
The novel definitely suffers from odd pacing and a wide range of characters explored in a short amount of dialogue.
I believe what Hawke and Ruth were aiming for is truly admirable, and it makes me hope to improve my literacy about the Apache wars and indigenous peoples.
This was meant to be a movie- please make it a film! There needs to be more indigenous films.
lisajha's review against another edition
3.0
This book's gorgeous illustrations and storyline told from the Apache perspective made me want to go read and learn more about this time in history. I felt it assumed a basic knowledge of the time period that I didn't feel that I had, so at times it was a little tough to follow, and I sometimes had to flip back and more closely examine some of the illustrations in order to catch a plot point that I missed, but I still really enjoyed it. It's violent and difficult to read because of that, because so much of the violence is visually depicted. But I'm really glad I read it. Would give it 3.5 stars if I could.
ashponders's review against another edition
2.0
Scant, insufficient. Hawke is right that the graphic novel is a powerful tool that could be brought to bare on a profound story, but this just isn’t it. Emotion, nuance and the rippling out of history are lost in this book. Which is too bad, more qualified writers and more understanding artists could have made something better, but given the existence of this book, I suspect any future efforts will have significant obstacles to overcome.