Max BrooksThe Harlem Hellfighters

We don't know what we are capable of.Woodrow Wilson knew what would happen if black soldiers returned from Europe victorious, having made the world "safe for democracy."The Harlem Hellfighters fought a double war: they fought the terrifying war against the Germans, and they fought the insinuating, sly racist oppression of their own president, Woodrow Wilson. Wilson was an uncloseted democrat racist, and his appointees understood that the black soldiers had to be sternly repressed, or else they might succeed.The book is excellent in its depiction of different social classes and accents, especially in the beginning of the bok where the recruitment is shown. At times it is difficult to figure out who is who as the people are being blown to bits, but usually the next frame calls out the name of the deceased, so you can figure it out.Black and white graphics, a lot (a LOT) of bodily fluids, and people being blown to smithereens.The book does show the sickening racism against these soldiers by dishonorable democrat politicians, like Mayor John F Floyd and Woodrow Wilson himself. And of course, it looks at the soldier's feelings of bitterness, resentment, and the desire for violent revenge that arose from their treatment. You see a race riot on page 39.The book offers good historical quotes: from WEB DuBois on page 77, from Irvin S. Cobb on page 124, and the Alan Seeger poem "I have a Rendezvous with Death." There is a great discussion on page 175 on dignity and respect, and an excellent summary of what these men overcame. The graphics offer very good sensory information, and one of the best visual tricks involves "remembering." Great presentation of the graphics. As a parent, I highly recommend this book.

This is an absolutely wonderful book. I feel like I owe the author and the artist a debt for making this book. It really moved me. As I am typing this review I can feel the emotion, energy and the weight of the story of The Harlem Hellfighters churning inside of me.These were men that were tougher than the tough times that they lived in. Their story is one of incredible courage. They lived in a world that gave them nothing but subhuman treatment and were then placed in grave danger in defense of that world. Despite being stuck between a rock and a hard place they enthusiastically jumped at the chance to fight for their country. This story may be a fictional account but I have learned enough of the real story to know that much of the book is, in fact, factual.I first learned of The Harlem Hellfighters by watching a World War I documentary. Admittedly, I never heard of them until very recently. I was astounded that I had never encountered a single story about them in my entire life. I purchased this book - as well as other literature - in order to learn as much as I possibly could about the 369th in the War to End All Wars.I love that the story is told in the Graphic Novel medium. The illustrator is quite brilliant in his ability to visually enhance the author's writing and convey the grit and raw emotion behind the words. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Some of the panels depicted scenes that would have taken many pages to describe in words.The real life picture at the end was a fantastic touch. I looked into their eyes and I could see the fire and passion that drove them.I would like to thank the author and the illustrator. This is already one of my favorite books. Thanks to your choice to use your powers and skills to educate and entertain an audience with your take on the story of The Harlem Hellfighters their victories will continue to awe and inspire This was a moving tribute to them.

**Full Disclosure** I bought this book from a second-hand dealer.I had heard about the 'Harlem Hellfighters' in other books or articles, but they were mentioned much like a footnote. I am surprised that there are not more books out there on the 369th or other units. I tripped across this graphic novel and bought it read about the history of the 369th and their battles in World War One. This graphic novel truly bought to light the courage and valor of those men and the hardships dealing with battle and insurmountable racism that was rampant in those days. I plan on researching this subject further. An awesome graphic novel that really delves deep into the history of the Harlem Hellfighters and highly recommended!

I admire Max Brooks for his perseverance in telling this story. Too often stories are left untold because Hollywood says they won't sell. This is true for the Harlem Hellfighters.Of all the times in history, I find WWI to be the most fascinating. I remember learning in my IB world history class that something as simple as an assassination could start this huge war and involve nations across the world. I remember thinking how insane that seemed, as a naive 10th grader. What I don't remember is learning anything about these decorated soldiers who came home to the same racism and hatred they faced before and during the war.Elements of the story are fictionalized but the sentiment is there. Even though the art isn't my style, it does the job of adding to the story. It's a quick little history lesson that will get you thinking.I hope you get you Medal of Honor, Henry Johnson.

It's not remotely as described "the extraordinary story of the legendary black regiment of World War I ", far from it, it's a fictional comic strip, and not very well drawn either. Save your money, buy a proper bok, not a comic.

Excellent

Extremely powerful and compelling, a must read for anyone interested in recent history and the impact of The Great War.

Un bel pezzo di storia americana ai più sconosciuto fatto di guerra, eroismo e discriminazione. Incredibile pensare che questi uomini non potevano combattere nell'esercito del loro paese per motivi razziali, tuttavia mostrarono il loro valore in battaglia. Bellissimi i disegni di White e anche i testi di Brooks meritano. Consigliatissimo agli amanti del periodo storico purché abbiano padronanza dell'inglese.Amazing WWI comic book, Harlem Hellfighters story is worth telling, a story made of war, heroism and discrimation. I can't believe they were forbidden to serve in the US Army because black, however they proved their valor on the battlefield. Highly recommended to WWI fans, White and Brooks did a great job !

You’ve probably heard this story before: Coloured men who want to fight for their country, for their freedom, who are treated as less than garbage, but persevere to become the best of the best. We’ve seen this story told many times, in many different forms, from the Tuskegee Airmen, to the The United States Colored Troops. But that doesn’t mean the that the story of men who fought and died for the freedom of a country that hated them is any less important. I loved the choice of black and white artwork. There are some brutal scenes, typical of horrific events during a war, but the stark contrast of black and white makes the scenes more powerful and vivid than full colour.