You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
rebus's review
0.25
The author has absolutely no talent and a dull and boring childhood story (that led to his dull and boring adult mainstream Uncle Tom life).
Sad. Even sadder that he's revered for cashing in on his blackness and holds a prominent position teaching Art at a University and skewing propaganda (it almost goes without mentioning that his joining the establishment led to him spitting out a huge brood of hideously ugly children).
What a dullard.
Sad. Even sadder that he's revered for cashing in on his blackness and holds a prominent position teaching Art at a University and skewing propaganda (it almost goes without mentioning that his joining the establishment led to him spitting out a huge brood of hideously ugly children).
What a dullard.
vegjeri's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
I loved the illustrations! Great story of hope and survival.
hannahackermans's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
destdest's review
3.0
Well, it is real and rough. I liked the continual symbolism of fire throughout the story. On two occasions, the female characters are given such over-exaggerated features that it’s weird and almost ugly. I only point it out because they were such an awkward change from the usual, cute dot-eyed style.
Anyway, the story is not pretty, but the author acknowledges his growth like his relationship with women, so that is good. I am not trying to applaud the bare minimum, but it’s always good when we can be self-reflective. From seeing his childhood experiences, it is easy to make connections to why he felt he had to fight to just survive.
It is hard to rate autobiographies/biographies, but this one did a great job of coming full-circle. The story is definitely violent with harsh language and the n-word felt overused to me, but real life cannot be censored. Still, a solid read for older readers.
3.5
Anyway, the story is not pretty, but the author acknowledges his growth like his relationship with women, so that is good. I am not trying to applaud the bare minimum, but it’s always good when we can be self-reflective. From seeing his childhood experiences, it is easy to make connections to why he felt he had to fight to just survive.
It is hard to rate autobiographies/biographies, but this one did a great job of coming full-circle. The story is definitely violent with harsh language and the n-word felt overused to me, but real life cannot be censored. Still, a solid read for older readers.
3.5
blkmymorris's review
3.0
A heavy book. It fills the need for more black autobio and memoir graphic novels. It's very heavy about the fights and abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) the author suffered. I have quibbles and problems with the artistic choices, like we never see his mother's face. I also initially had trouble placing where and when of his life until his father's death. This is very much his life, but right now I'm not in the mind to read about more black trauma.
paigeisabel's review
4.0
3.5 | i really thought this was going to be a popular book when i picked it up from the library but i guess not? this book tackles many issues and the drawings are good. rtc???
timshel's review
3.0
Joel Christian Gill's Fights gravitates toward a cartoonish style, but it's done with some skill. There are lots of nice illustrative details throughout and the colors really pop.
I absolutely love the idea for this story, and at times I was very much pulled in, but the overall arch felt very disjointed. Some events in the story happen without explanation (ie, what happened to Mr. Charles?), and the pivotal moments in the protagonist's journey to overcome violence didn't carry the weight I'd hoped for. It felt like the author had more he wanted to express, but perhaps wasn't able or allowed to channel.
I absolutely love the idea for this story, and at times I was very much pulled in, but the overall arch felt very disjointed. Some events in the story happen without explanation (ie, what happened to Mr. Charles?), and the pivotal moments in the protagonist's journey to overcome violence didn't carry the weight I'd hoped for. It felt like the author had more he wanted to express, but perhaps wasn't able or allowed to channel.
weirdtea's review
4.0
I liked the main character. The art and story were both compelling and I think the approaches to memoir and memory were interesting. It’s got a strong message, too. It was often a sad story, but the frame put it in the context of hope.