Synopsis
Forget everything you thought you knew about America's early days-history packs a punch in this full-color, two-fisted, edge-of-your-seat adventure!
Graphic novels are a revolution in literature, and The Sons of Liberty is a graphic novel like no other. Visual and visceral, fusing historical fiction and superhero action, this is a tale with broad appeal-for younger readers who enjoy an exciting war story, for teenagers asking hard questions about American history, for adult fans of comic books, for anyone seeking stories of African American interest, and for reluctant readers young and old.
In Colonial America, Graham and Brody are slaves on the run-until they gain extraordinary powers. At first they keep a low profile. But their mentor has another idea-one that involves the African martial art dambe . . . and masks.
With its vile villains, electrifying action, and riveting suspense, The Sons of Liberty casts new light on the faces and events of pre-Revolution America, including Ben Franklin and the French and Indian War. American history has rarely been this compelling-and it's never looked this good.
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Reviews
*Starred Review* The superhero, once the embarrassing social outcast of American culture, has lately been recognized as a potent metaphor adaptable to an array of themes and, now, historical eras. Two young slaves on the run, pursued by a bounty hunter and his ferocious pack of dogs, are experimented on by Ben Franklin's heinous son William and wind up with electrically charged superpowers. Overseen by Ben himself as well as true-life abolitionist Benjamin Lay, the slaves bring some hurtin' back to their tormentors. History offers few villains as vile as slaveholders, but this graphic novel is far from being a simple revenge thriller. The use of historical figures and well-researched (but embellished) history, and a willingness to flesh out characters and set up situations to pay off in future installments, makes for an uncommonly complex, literate, and satisfying adventure. The slick art, with wiry figures reminiscent of Mark Bagley's Ultimate Spider-Man work, feels more modern than the story suggests and will be inviting to teen readers. In the style of Robert Morales and Kyle Baker's Captain America: Truth (2004), this first installment of a series respects history (with some dramatic liberties taken) and uses superpowers effectively as an empowerment allegory. Grades 8-12. --Jesse Karp
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