March: Book One

"March: Book One", the first book of a trilogy in the graphic novel format, is a tantalizing account of, “The United States Civil Rights Movement”, as seen through the eyes of United States Congressmen John Lewis. Written by Lewis and his co-writer Andrew Aydin, with illustrations by Nate Powell, this autobiographical memoir delivers to the reader an acute awareness of the unjust trials and tribulations forced upon Black Americans by White Americans during this not so distant era in American history. Currently, it is difficult to fathom what it was like to be a Black American living under the dark hateful and ominous cloud of segregation. Most young Americans of todays generation have little to no knowledge of this oppressive ideology and hierarchy of racial bias that was widely accepted as the norm. Even those Americans familiar with this period sometimes view these acts of injustice as memories that should be forgotten or no longer discussed. This is a faulty misconception in that a more thorough understanding of race relations in this country will never be fully attained unless we as a society actively confront this shameful time period in our history with compassion and respect. "March: Book One", can be used as a vehicle to bring about this understanding. This autobiographical memoir is an emotional visual rendering of historical significance that follows Lewis' life from his very humble farming beginnings, to his college years whereby he fought for basic human rights not given Blacks due to social segregation based on racial discrimination. It also follows his present day life as a U.S. Congressman while preparing for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. It provides the viewer a look into the pivotal role he played in abrogating the atrocities of segregation through measures of non-violent resistance, although he and many others were violently attacked by those intent on keeping things the same. These events are masterly interwoven to form a very enjoyable reading/viewing experience. Lewis and Aydin's astutely written text transports the reader back to these moments; arduously unjust moments that can only be accurately written by a person who actually lived through them. Powell's mesmerizing illustrations show Lewis and a number of heroic figures as they organized marches, protests, and student sit-ins at, “White Only”, restaurants that more often times than not led to their arrests. Powell also masterfully used varying shading techniques and brush strokes that brilliantly rendered a tension filled atmosphere befitting Lewis and Aydin's accompanying text. “March: Book One", by Lewis, Aydin, and Powell is an invaluable lesson for any society interested in achieving deep-rooted social change in the face of discrimination and segregation as based on racial biases. As a lover of American history and avid graphic novel/comic book reader with a small collection of over 3,000 titles, I found this graphic novel a joy to read and study. It is well written and beautifully illustrated. Also, the layout is easy to follow; granting those who have never read a graphic novel or comic book a perfect entry into this medium. I, as a result, emphatically suggest you purchase this award winning graphic novel as a means of learning of the sacrifices made by this legendary living icon (Congressman Lewis) as related to his fight to attain basic civil rights and equality stripped away from Blacks by the United States Government during "The American Civil Rights Movement". Let it be known, I do not view, “March: Book One”, as an attempt to demonize the United States Government or those individuals who participated in these now socially unacceptable acts of in humanity. I instead see it as a historical document of record that reveals the tremendous strides this country has consciously made the past sixty years or so to combat discrimination and segregation as based on racial biases. Although there is still more work to be done, it is clear that things have changed for the better. The fact that the events within the pages of this graphic novel occur less often, give me hope that we as American's will continue to repentantly grow in this area. This will in return ensure we do not repeat the sins of our past while attempting to usher into existence a United States of America indicative of the writings of our forefathers. My only gripe which is embarrassingly petty on my behalf has to do with the year long wait for the release of “Volume Two" of this trilogy. Most graphic novel/comic book collectors are severely impatient when it comes to obtaining the next issue of an ongoing series, a category I am admittedly a part of. I will be as I am extremely grateful to have been granted the opportunity of owning a copy of this most wonderful piece of literary genius. Respectfully, Jamusu.

Great book, definitely a must read

Great read, Great art, Great story with insights from someone who has lived through those dark times in our nation. I read this with great admiration for Black Americans during the Civil Rights movement. They were treated like animals and their lives meant nothing to the White Americans, often beaten, unjustly jailed, or even killed simply for being black. The bravery and sacrifice of so many of these people should remind us all of the daily struggles and injustices they were subjected too for so many years. Dr. King, Mr. Lewis and others fault the fight through peaceful marches, using the power of words, the belief in a better America, a just America, and an inclusive America - they won their fight. However, today in America we still struggle with remnants of past ghosts of injustices in the inner city, police brutality, and racial profiling. The response is too often with riots, looting, and burning the community down which further perpetuates the stereo type of Black Americans as ghetto thugs and that is unfortunate. What is needed are strong young articulate leaders able to bring people together, to be change agents for their communities, cities, state, and country. Leaders that truly see the problem and have meaningful solutions that will light the spark of restoring so many broken inner city communities. Let Dr. King, Congressman Lewis and others serve as the positive role models for how to address the root of problems and how to go about to help solve them. I love this book and wholeheartedly thank those who sacrificed much. Today so many of us owe a great debt to their legacy. We take for granted what they fault for since it was before our time but we should not forget and we should continue to move forward and help make America even Greater.

It's going to happen - and "March" could well be the first such assignment. This presents a graphic-novel bio of Rep. John Lewis (D), an influential activist in the 1960s civil rights movement. The word "graphic" applies in other ways than just the graphic-novel medium, though. It graphically brings back the violence of that era (without the most disturbing imagery), violence against the Americans asking for basic rights as Americans, police letting it happen. It captures some of the realities of the era, like planning an interstate road trip so as to avoid the whites-only enclaves along the way. (Planning the trip from refuge to refuge brought to mind the Underground Railroad of an earlier era, serving an eerily similar purpose.) It also brings to life the heroism of non-violence, the bravery to stand in the way of hatred and violence without responding in kind. In one brief passage, "March" notes honorable and determined people who, on looking deep within themselves, could not find that special kind of bravery. Face the enemy, yes; face with peace, no. So much comes together to make this an exceptional record. There's Lewis himself, a recognized and honored leader of the movement, who continues to work for equality today. There's the raw drama of the time, and especially of the non-violence movement. There's that moment in living history captured before it can fade. These events occurred fifty or more years in the past, and the ones who lived it won't live forever. The time to record their stories in their words won't last that much longer. There's also Nate Powell's stunning artwork. I've valued his delicate and expressive use of the comic idiom since I first saw it , and this volume demonstrates his skill at its highest peak to date. And, I'm sure that blurb on the back cover by a living former U.S. president was not given lightly. I can't ignore the possibility that Lewis engaged in this project at least partly as a political and publicity ploy. Politicians need to get their name in front of people, and keep getting it there, and he's a politician. If that's the case, so be it. People do things for multiple reasons. "March" remains a valid, moving, first-hand historical record whatever the motivations of its creators might be. (Powell expected to get paid for his work, I'm sure, but that doesn't invalidate the mastery displayed here.) This has my highest recommendation. -- wiredweird

It light of recent events in Charlottetown last week, someone mentioned to me this book. Not since Maus have I read something this moving. It's not often we get comics that are so revealing of historic events from the very people that were there. In this we see in pictures something it can be hard to image with words alone. It only saddens me that it seems that somethings are still the same.

As a history teacher currently teaching the Civil Rights Movement, this book is absolutely invaluable both for my own understanding and the students. It is 100% accessible and presents the struggles of the non-violent movement in a brilliantly clear and real way. By following Johns individual story it makes the CRM so real for the students. It also works to show the hard work that went into the movement and how much is owed to those people. I would very much recommend.

March is a story that is both beautifully illustrated and told. John Lewis and his persistence for the application of non-violence is inspiring. Whether young or old, knowledgable of the civil-rights movement or not, this book is a must read. Heartbreaking, moving, and a testament to faith and justice.

Wonderful story that gives you an insight into the fight of young African American students against segregation. This can be read by children and adults of all ages and I think it's a worthy inclusion into everyone's read list. The book quality is great but if you don't want to spend 400rs for a small book you might want to give it a miss. If you are a graphic novel fan go right ahead and buy it.

Excelente novela gráfica sobre la lucha de los derechos de los afroamericanos.