Me and the Devil Blues 2: The Unreal Life of Robert Johnson [Paperback]

Akira Hiramoto (Author)

Book Description

Series: Me and the Devil Blues | Publication Date: December 30, 2008

STRANGE FRUIT

In Me and the Devil Blues, bluesman Robert Johnson, an American legend, has been completely reimagined. This fictionalized biography takes us deep into the heart of some of the darkest chapters in American history. RJ was a simple farmhand who dreamed of becoming a great bluesman. When RJ made a deal with the devil, he lost his wife and his mortal soul. Now he may lose his last remaining possession: his life.

Kidnapped by thugs, RJ is locked in a tiny cell to await mob justice. His only hope lies with gangster Clyde Barrow. Clyde, however, has problems of his own. Masquerading as a newspaper reporter, Clyde befriends Stanley McDonald, the most powerful man in town. Clyde is all set to help free RJ, but while staying in McDonald’s mansion he discovers a chilling secret that could mean death for an innocent boy. Now Clyde must decide whom to save: the innocent child or his mysterious friend RJ?

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 16 and up
  
• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345501373
• ISBN-13: 978-0345501370
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.4 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Me and the Devil Blues, Volume 2, February 12, 2009

By 

Tim Lasiuta "Comic Fan 42" (Red Deer, Alberta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Me and the Devil Blues 2: The Unreal Life of Robert Johnson (Paperback)

Akira Hiramoto has taken the life of an American Blues legend and created a compelling story, imbued with a mysterious aura of its' own, and gifted it through Del Rey to readers across America. "Me and the Devil Blues" follows the life of Robert Johnson, RJ to his friends, and Clyde Burrows as they encounter a town with a secret.

Jailed for a crime he did not commit, RJ is jailed and being held for hanging on Sunday. His cell mate, who has seen the devil hand, insists that RJ has 10 fingers. Coupled with a set up by the Sheriff, and a prominent towns person, Stanley O McDonald, his life seems forfeit. Clyde Burrows, wanting to help, befriends Mr McDonald, and finds a dark secret that has a chilling answer. A young boy, Toby, may lose his life to this strange obsession, if Clyde aids RJ, and if the secret gets out, a town may divide. To make things more difficult, McDonald and the towns folk are determined to hang both men once the Hell Hounds are done with them.

Exactly what is the story of Robert Johnson? Did he really sell his soul to the devil to learn the blues? Or is that a piece of fiction? Akira has expanded on that theme and made even the Devil part of his `life', and likely death too.

As a piece of manga fiction, I have been entranced by the dramatic storytelling and artwork. There are times this seems to be more of a story board rather than a novel though. It almost muddles up the book, but at the same time, the cinematic approach demands your attention.
All you need to enjoy this properly is a little BB King, some John Lee Hooker, some classic Bing, and a soundtrack to experience a life gone to the hounds...

www.delreymanga.com
Tim Lasiuta