requiredreading's review
informative
sad
medium-paced
2.5
A quick read, and while probably informative to some, it focuses mostly on the relationship between Malcolm and the Nation of Islam, rather than Malcolm’s wider political views and philosophical impact. A slant perhaps where there was more source material to draw from, but a limiting one nonetheless.
archaicgambit's review
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.25
While the pacing was accessible the art was often warped in a way that felt not-deliberate?
I also feel like I wanted this book to be able to fit a little bit more in on the nuance of his life (eg, his misogyny, potential queerness.)
I also feel like I wanted this book to be able to fit a little bit more in on the nuance of his life (eg, his misogyny, potential queerness.)
teamstarburger's review
4.0
Excellent pairing of story and images. A nice way to learn about Malcolm X's life, especially if you aren't interested in a long book.
*borrowed from Sidney Memorial Public Library
*borrowed from Sidney Memorial Public Library
noskills's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
2.5
A graphic biography seems ideal for those unfamiliar with the life of this prominent black activist. However, it heavily emphasizes Malcolm's traumas, as opposed to his thoughts and actions. The latter half of the book leans heavily on his relationship and subsequent fall-out with Elijah Muhammad, so the uninitiated will likely not have a clear understanding of how and why Malcolm achieved such importance in various Black communities (and why so many white power-holders saw him as a threat). More focus could have been given on his speeches, actions, and networking, as well as his reception across the country.
The art is nice, tho.
The art is nice, tho.
bzzlarabzz's review
4.0
I'll admit, before reading this book, I knew only the bare-bones biography of Malcolm X. This graphic biography gave me a much more complete view and understanding of his life, from birth to death. The high contrast black and white drawings imparted surprising subtlety into the expression of the story. At the same time, the artist does not hesitate to graphically portray various acts of violence, beginning with Malcolm's father's death, continuing through police violence and other crimes, culminating in Malcolm's assassination. This is a tale of human rights denied and fought for, but it is also the story of a very human man with very human relationships and motivations. I'm also horrified by how relevant and immediate these issues still are 50 years later. I wonder what his legacy would be if his life hadn't been cut short. It seems like the world still needed him after he was gone.
eliwray's review
4.0
I can't speak to how this view of Malcolm's life compares to other accounts, having read no others yet. I would guess this is at the least a compassionate lens, and rather complex for the length of the story. It is beautifully rendered, and a great starting point to get past the thin stereotypes of him in mainstream American mythos. It leaves me wanting to know more about the man.