Customer Reviews

Che: A Graphic Biography

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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.

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.

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.

I loved this book because it didn't make Che out to be the handsome young hero yet gave his life the meaning he deserved. I think the graphics we amazing and would recommend this book to anyone.

Strong artistic work, absorbing read. You want this book.

Another review mentions "Appropriate for gifting high-school-age" -- yes, and younger; the violence children are exposed to in quite mainstream cartoons is way worse than this, and the writing is very accessible. I do not mean to suggest that this is a kiddie book, just that it is a uniquely digestible (and thus important) history. Rodriguez and Joe Sacco (and Chester Brown, and &c) deserve a lot more mainstream attention and praise; it is no small feat to make history and politics into something so page-turning and accessible.

I have never been able to read Spain without kinda wincing at the rough edges -- a Spain Rodriguez breast is a sight to behold -- but his bold style works well here; a Che biography with soothing visuals would not have made the same impact.

I'll wait a bit on passing down my other comix but this is a great addition to my library for homeschooling my young daughter, and I will be amazed if it does not inspire great interest in Latin American politics; I am off to find myself a history of Cuba. Che's life and work is fascinating stuff, and I feel sorry for people unable to see past their own politics far enough to realise as much. There is plenty to criticise about Che, but also much to love.

Pretty good artwork...not great but have seen far worse. Not sure were the author got some of his facts but it was okay. Delivery time was quick.

"Che - A Graphic Biography" captured the essence of the Che story. It did justice to both the man and the myth. Highly recommended.

The book was more a propaganda piece to perpetuate the unfortunate myth than anything else. Che is an interesting phenomenon. A worthy topic for a graphic novel not so much in his life (which was filled with hatred, murder and ineptitude) but as an ironic myth that was made by one million dollar photo (or make that a billion).

Ok, maybe the author doesn't see the glaring irony, but a little bit of honesty would have done some good.