Customer Reviews

Sundiata: A Legend of Africa

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Since his creation of THE SPIRIT and his partner Ebony
White over 60 years ago, the fame and influence
of Sequential Master Will Eisner and his inspired
urban fable has frequently been accompanied by the
ongoing debate over the nature of THE SPIRIT's
gregarious sidekick. Is Ebony a blatent
stereotype, or is the durable, likeable
mug an African American maverick hampered
by -and prevailing despite- the
distortions of 1940s racial imagery?
It's an engaging question which has
lost none of its zeal over the decades.

While pondering upon this question about
the past, consider the overall worth of
all Eisner continues to bring to all literary
arenas, Sequential and otherwise. His
comprehensive storytelling genius sharper
than ever, he has recently embarked upon
the distillation of classic literature
into Comic page storybooks
for young people.
Not content with giving the old CLASSICS
ILLUSTRATED a stylistic run for its money,
Eisner has broken further ground in
interpreting one of the most revered of
all African folktales, the legend of the
Lion of Mali, SUNDIATA.

A fine way of introducing young and old
alike to this magnificent tale, this
graphic album is both signature piece
and significant milestone in a long,
distinguished career. A profound tale
of resilience, ingenuity, and fortitude
overcoming all obstacles, SUNDIATA is
both earthy and graceful, carrying
great subtlety while rolling with
flamboyance. In Eisner's hands, the
saga of the cripple who rises up to
oppose an envious sorceror's murderous
tyranny is imparted with deep dignity,
and a winning respect to interest all
ages from all persuasions.

Over 60 years and
still running it
strong.

Will Eisner.
SUNDIATA.

Come read this.

Will Eisner's telling of Sundiata is not so hot as a stand-alone, although it might be nice in an anthology.

The story has been retold by many authors, although I'm not aware of any other comic book versions. As a small child, Sundiata is unable to walk. Meanwhile, in the nearby desert, the evil warrior Sumanguru meets a magical stone which promises power to Sumanguru. Sumanguru begins his conquests and comes to conquer Sundiata's land...

The illustrations are a bit flat/bland. It looks like Will Eisner's other later work from the 80s and 90s. There is not much color - everything is in earth tones. Frames bleed into one another or are boxed off when appropriate. The layouts work but at the same time there isn't anything about this book that makes it stand out visually.

Overall, nothing made this book or telling of the story stand out to me. The entire book is only 32 pages long, and all 32 pages are forgettable. There are short stunning picture books, and short stunning comic books, and short stunning stories, but Will Eisner's Sundiata is not one of them. The problem is that there just isn't enough there. Sundiata would be great as part of an anthology of Eisner's work, but doesn't seem worth a separate book.

This is worth reading if someone hands you a copy, but not worth tracking down for pleasure reading, unless you are very into Will Eisner. If you want to read the Sundiata story, a better option might be an illustrated version. Sundiata: Lion King of Mali, by David Wisniewski looks promising but I haven't read it.