Cleburne: A Graphic Novel - Softcover

Justin Murphy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0979957907 ISBN 13: 9780979957901

Publisher: Rampart Press, 2008

Synopsis

Some stories have yet to be told. CLEBURNE is the true story of Irish immigrant and Confederate General Patrick Cleburne and his plan to enlist slaves to fight for the South during the American Civil War. According to Cleburne's proposal, all African Americans who served the Confederacy as soldiers would receive their freedom upon enlistment. This was a revolutionary concept for its day and sent Cleburne's life spiraling down a perilous road. Set during the critical year of 1864, and culminating in the bloody Battle of Franklin, CLEBURNE is a tale of unbeatable courage in the face of racism, conspiracy and war. This fully illustrated, full color graphic novel features story and pencils by Justin Murphy, inks by Al Milgrom and colors by J. Brown.

About this title

About the Author

Justin Murphy first created the small press comic book series SOUTHERN BLOOD in 1992 while still in High School. After five years of independent publishing during the black and white comics boom, he left publishing to complete his BFA at Jacksonville University and produce plays for the stage. He wrote and produced the epic musical EAGLE SONG starring Jamie-Lynn Sigler, as well as the 2006 New York International Fringe Festival Award Winner FALLEN ANGEL; both with composer Roger Butterley. CLEBURNE is his first graphic novel and has recently been honored with the 2008 Xeric Award.

Reviews

Grade 10 Up—Patrick Cleburne was an Irish immigrant and Confederate soldier who quickly rose to the rank of Major General. He is best known for his 1864 proposal that emancipated slaves should be allowed to join the Confederate Army, an act that marred his military reputation. He died soon after in battle. Cleburne's story is well written as Murphy merges struggles on the battlefield with Cleburne's courtship of Susan Tarleton, exploring their budding relationship and examining the war from her standpoint. The artwork is well defined and realistic, and the use of overlapping images in the skirmishes gives a chaotic feel to the battle scenes. The author brings a fresh perspective to the war, examining a part of it that is often overlooked. This graphic novel has high crossover appeal for any Civil War history buff and will help teens consider the many angles from which our past may be seen.—Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH
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This important and affecting graphic novel chronicles the events during the last year of the life of Confederate Major General Patrick J. Cleburne (1828–64), one of the best military strategists of the Confederacy. An Irish immigrant, Cleburne was loyal to the Confederacy but not to the cause of slavery, and proposed freeing any slaves willing to join the army. One response to Cleburne’s proposal was derision and ridicule. Another was to strip him of any further military decision-making and promotions, possibly costing the South several battles in Tennessee. Ironically, shortly after Cleburne died at the Battle of Franklin, Jefferson Davis signed into law a bill freeing slaves who joined the Confederate forces. Winner of the Xeric award and well researched, Cleburne looks slightly blocky, but that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story. The use of color is particularly effective. The writing is sure and quotes Cleburne occasionally. A bibliography of further reading is included. --Stephen Weiner

Edition details

• Publisher: Rampart Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0979957907
• ISBN 13: 9780979957901
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Illustrator: Justin Murphy
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208