Top Shelf celebrates Free Comic Book Day with 32 pages of excerpts from March Book One, Book Two, and Book Three (coming summer 2016). The first graphic novel from a sitting member of Congress, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and American icon. John Lewis rose from humble beginnings to become a national leader of the civil rights movement. This is his story, from an Alabama farm to the March on Washington and beyond, co-written by Andrew Aydin and brought to astonishing life by Nate Powell in a graphic novel trilogy.

This comic book is a powerful and evocative glimpse into the civil rights movement. At the same time this comic book provides a compelling introduction to the acclaimed “March” trilogy, capturing the essence of Congressman John Lewis’s life and his pivotal role in American history.

The narrative in this comic book is both poignant and inspiring. It offers readers a snapshot of the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement through Lewis’s eyes. The storytelling is direct and impactful, effectively conveying the gravity of the events while maintaining accessibility for readers of all ages. The dialogue is authentic, reflecting the tension and hope of the era.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its ability to distill complex historical events into a format that is engaging and educational. Lewis and Aydin succeed in highlighting key moments and figures in the movement, providing context and clarity without overwhelming us as readers. This approach makes it an excellent resource for those new to this period of history, as well as a valuable supplement for those already familiar with it.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a standout feature because it is bringing the narrative to life with expressive and dynamic illustrations. The black-and-white art style is both evocative and powerful, capturing the intensity and emotion of the civil rights struggle. The use of shading and line work enhances the mood, adding depth and texture to each panel. The visual storytelling complements the narrative, making the historical events feel immediate and impactful.

The pacing of this comic book is well-executed, managing to cover significant ground in a short format while maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative. Each scene builds on the last, creating a sense of progression and momentum that has kept me personally invested in the story. The balance between text and visuals is expertly handled, ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly and effectively.

While this comic book excels in many areas, its brevity means that some aspects of the story are only briefly touched upon. I personally found myself wanting more detail and exploration of certain events and figures. However, this is a common limitation of the format, and the special succeeds in sparking interest and encouraging further exploration of the “March” trilogy.

I Give This Book 4 / 5