Che: A Graphic Biography [Paperback]

Spain Rodriguez (Author), Paul Buhle (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2008

A graphic biography of the most iconic revolutionary figure of the twentieth century.

Since his death in 1967, Ernesto “Che” Guevara has become a universally known revolutionary icon and political figure whose image is among the most recognizable in the world. This dramatic and extensively researched book breathes new life into his story, portraying his struggle through the medium of the underground political comic — one of the most prominent countercultural art forms since the 1960s. Spain Rodriguez’s powerful artwork illuminates Che’s life and the experiences that shaped him, from his motorcycle journey through Latin America, his rise to prominence as a leader in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement, his travels in Africa, his involvement in the insurgency that led to his death in Bolivia, and his extraordinary legacy.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There are few members of the 1960s underground comics wave whose names inspire more awe and respect than that of Rodriguez (Zap, Nightmare Alley). Unfortunately, relatively little of that class's avant-garde flash or humor shows up in his worshipful graphic biography of Ernesto Che Guevara. Rodriguez tracks Guevara's development from adventurous but asthmatic middle-class Argentinean medical student to messianic revolutionary with aplomb. Guevara's by-now legendary motorcycle and hitchhiking wanderings around South America are portrayed with some levity, while the Cuban revolution and its aftermath are covered with an impressive command of the event's sociopolitical context. By folding Guevara's biographical narrative (already well-traveled by multiple other sources) into one that draws out his growing political awareness, Rodriguez keeps Guevara's beliefs front and center throughout this eventful but thickly worded book. While Rodriguez allows hints of criticism to seep in here and there, this is for the most part unalloyed hagiography, which can seem more like something produced by revolutionary committee than an artist. His art is muscular and unfussy, though oddly square, as if Mark Trail had suddenly discovered the genius of Karl Marx and Simón Bolívar. (Oct.)
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Review

“Spain's take on Che is brilliant and radical.” (Art Spiegelman, author of Maus )

“Spain is one of the true giants of the comics medium. He is a singular artist; his work is unmistakable.” (Joe Sacco, author of Palestine )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: Verso (October 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844671682
• ISBN-13: 978-1844671687
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Che for new, thoughtful generation, January 17, 2009

By 

Linda Wenrick (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Che: A Graphic Biography (Paperback)

Alot of intensive research went into this graphic bio, which adds to its appeal, especially for a younger generation. Takes read way beyond the tee icon -- and 'cut out' revolutionary -- to his multiple accomplishments globally. Such a keen social conscience and a rare willingness to sacrifice for what he perceived as a better world.

Appropriate for gifting high-school-age grandchildren, your adult daughter and nephew. Beyond US propaganda, Spain Rodriguez's concept and drawing is exceptional--an heirloom in the making.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly in-depth and sympathetic portrayal of this complex figure, February 10, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Che: A Graphic Biography (Paperback)

Did you know that Che was asthmatic? Che: A Graphic Biography is a black-and-white graphic novel presentation of the life, death, and ideals of revolutionary icon Ernesto "Che" Guevara. From his motorcycle journey through Latin America to his rise to fame as a leader of Fidel Castro's movement to his travels through Africa to his involvement in the Bolivian insurgency that ultimately led to his death, Che: A Graphic Biography is a surprisingly in-depth and sympathetic portrayal of this complex figure. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars very insightful look into Che's life, January 15, 2012

By 

King Yin Yan (Lantau, Hong Kong) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Che: A Graphic Biography (Paperback)

The book follows Che's early life and gives us a glimpse into his psychological / personality development. On p24 Che is quoted with this observation: "The black is indolent and a dreamer; spending his meager wage on frivolity and drink. The European has a tradition of work and saving, which has pursued him as far as this corner of American and drives him to advance himself." (Read the book or you'll get it out of context.) But I think that is a very interesting comment. Later in the book you will find that Che was trying to fight along with recruits who were very incompetent and superstitious. Eventually that proved to be his undoing. Perhaps we can learn from this that it is impossible to help losers indiscriminately.