08: A Graphic Diary of the Campaign Trail [Paperback]

Michael Crowley (Author), Dan Goldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2009

A Graphic Retelling Of The Most Historic Election Of Our Time

Beyond the pandering focus groups, the billion-dollar fund-raising machinery, and the relentless myopia of the 24-hour news cycle, it was clear that something deep in the American psyche was stirring as the rumblings of the 2008 election first began. 08’ follows the epic 2008 presidential campaign and its dramatic cast of characters: the inevitable former first lady with a terrible plan to win, the freshman African-American Senator who skyrockets onto the national stage, and a former POW’s hangdog campaign that overcomes both a Mormon Governor and a thrice-married (occasionally cross-dressing) Mayor.

Taking its cur from campaign classics like Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 and The Making of the President Series, 08 brings politico journalism into the graphic novel form. Reflect on all the single-issue candidates, the pundits, the meltdowns, the awkward missteps, and the ruthless maneuvers of the scorched-earth campaign trail as they knit themselves into a political tale of the present-day battle for the future of America.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MICHAEL CROWLEY is a Senior Editor at The New Republic and a frequent political commentator of MSNBC.

DAN GOLDMAN is the artist of the critically acclaimed graphic novel Shooting War.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (January 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307405117
• ISBN-13: 978-0307405111
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.4 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #566,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for wonks; fair for others, February 10, 2009

By 

B. J. Cooper (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 08: A Graphic Diary of the Campaign Trail (Paperback)

08's self-description as a "graphic diary" is to let the reader know what he'll get is not a comic book-style retelling of the campaign, but an illustrated, slide-show style recap of the campaign, with occasional commentary by two fictional beat reporters.

On those merits, the book is great for those who were on the blogs every minute; every twist and turn is recounted in beautiful black and white pop art. Nothing new will be revealed by the book, but it has a very entertaining nostalgia factor.

One criticism, however, is that about halfway through, the narrative stops explaining things. Someone new to the campaign, or ten years from now, will have trouble understanding the context or the figures (e.g., Gov. Bill Richardson does not get a caption despite being drawn in such a way that his beard makes him look fundamentally different from his primary race depiction; also, no caption for Sen. Edward Kennedy, who while famous to policy wonks, is not that recognizable). The implosion of the Clinton campaign, which was the subject of a fascinating review in The Atlantic, is reduced to cable television-worthy sound bites; similarly, Joe the Plumber is reduced to his celebrity and not the arguments over fiscal policy that dominated the last month of the campaign.

I would recommend this product to anyone who has the Shepard Fairey Obama poster; it's got a similar iconic and sentimental value, and is definitely worth it for those reasons.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent account of a historical election, January 30, 2009

By 

Stacey Garratt (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 08: A Graphic Diary of the Campaign Trail (Paperback)

"08" is a fast-paced, intelligent romp through the presidential election as experienced through media coverage.

Writer Micheal Crowley maintains his journalistic integrity by avoiding hyperbolic snark and potshots at either party while keeping a subtle wit. In the telling of campaign plays and surprises that sometimes took months to unravel, Crowley keeps the book from dragging with a rapid-fire play-by-play of a tight ballgame. Dialogue from candidates and pundits are quoted, rather than satirized and Crowley's careful editing keeps a balanced arc of the lows and highs of key players.


Likewise, Dan Goldman's graphic portrayals are unmistakably recognizable, yet never delve into political caricature. His careful control shows a pathos in his characters even at their most ruthless. As in "Shooting War", Goldman lets his panels drift into television and internet media contexts, often incorporating high contrast photo and video stills. "08" showcases Goldman's sharp design skills in weaving the narrative, key words (often used texturally) and campaign/media logos.

"08" will no doubt remain a thrilling account of the race for the 44th president long after we have settled into out new administration.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure for political buffs and a great graphic novel on it's own., January 29, 2009

By 

A. Reid - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 08: A Graphic Diary of the Campaign Trail (Paperback)

A brilliant book for the majority of the country that's still celebrating. 08 is a true blow-by-blow trip down memory lane. A must have for those still suffering from election fever (like me) who want to relive a very exciting year in American history. The art is top notch, and I was surprised to find how powerful the story could be in graphic novel form. All the highs (and lows) of the campaign trail are here. As a fan of both political science and the graphic novel this is a very rare and special thing.