Um. Wow. Jeremy Love is an amazing artist. And a fantastic writer. I have never come across this comic (webcomic) before, and was truly entranced. A young black girl (Lee) and a young white girl (Lily) are friends in Mississippi in the 1930s. Jeremy Love gives you a look at a side of the south we tend to want to forget, with a touch of fantasy thrown in the mix. I can't decide what I liked better: the riveting story, or the beautiful art. Plus: a history lesson. I had never heard of Fort Gadsden and the horrible destruction that took place there. But I did a bit of research, and couldn't believe what happened. More history we don't spend time on in high school. Heartily recommended. And now I have to get volume 2 to find out what happens. Though the art is well drawn and the beginning of the story was very interesting, I found to my regret that this is a very graphic book. I had to read this comic book for a children/adolescent's literature class and was absolutely horrified at how nightmarish it was (such as a child being eaten whole and other disturbing pictures). Parents, if you are thinking about getting this book for your child do not! An alternative if you are looking for books with a similar theme (friendship, overcoming impossible obstacles to rescue your best friend)I recommend the American Girl stories Addy (meant for children who are in elementary school).
What do You think about Bayou Vol. 1 (2009)?
Surreal, nightmarish mix of southern folklore and violent racism set in Jim Crow-era Mississippi.
—jeannie
