Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book

//Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book// retells Nelson Mandela's autobiography, //Long Walk to Freedom//, in the graphic novel form. The illustrations created by Umlando Wezithombe help provide a visual counterpart to the constant struggle of President Mandela's life story. We begin by following the dispossession of the Mandela family at the whim of the apartheid state decree. Mandela's birth name Rolihlahla, literally "troublemaker," rings true as he educates both himself and other black South Africans about the disparity forced upon them through the practices of the dominant apartheid government. Employing the African National Congress to demonstrate through non-violent means initially, Mandela was ultimately incarcerated for 27 years because of the ANC's decision to use violent sabotage as a necessary tactic. Upon his release from Robben Island the ANC was reinstated as a political party and Mandela was elected President in 1991. The comic form of this story is an appeal to the youth education market of the U.S., as well as an attempt to gain international recognition for a story of strength, discipline, and honesty. The difficulty of this particular work is recognized in both its shortcomings and triumphs as these attributes are highlighted in a form so heavily associated with hyperbole and manipulation. Reviewed by Joe Atkins