snugglekitty

Title: Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book
Author: Nelson Mandela Foundation with Umlando Wezithombe
Genre: Graphic novel, biography
Reason for Reading: This title has been popping up in reviews of good graphic novels.
Pages: 193
Copyright Date: 2009, 2008
Cover: Four image panels, with a red block in the middle for the title. The top left panel shows a boy rolling a tire. The top right panel shows a man wrapped in a blanket eating a bowl of rice as he leans against a wall. The bottom left panel shows an old man with a big smile wearing a loud shirt. The bottom right panel shows an angry young tribesman wearing native dress.
First panel: Showing a small dwelling with rolling hills and grasses. No text.
Best part: I really learned a lot about South African political history with this one.
Worst part: I could definitely feel the author bias. The story felt a bit one-sided - the subtitle could have been "Mandela and how awesome he is." I don't disagree with that but I wonder what his ex-wives think.
Imaginary Theme Song: "Diamonds of Anger" by Fred Small
Grade: C+ - I really liked this book and I'm glad I read it, but I probably wouldn't read it again.
Recommended for: Those who enjoy acquiring actual knowledge through graphic media.
Related Reads: Cartoon History of the Universe by Larry Gonick, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.