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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Boxers begins the two-part story of the Boxer Rebellion, which took place in China at the end of the 19th century. Fed up by increasing presence of foreign missionaries and soldiers, a boy named Little Bao begins training in the traditional art of Kung Fu along with several others from the village. As foreign influence spreads, so too does the general sense of discontent among many of the Chinese commoners. Bao and his friends believe that they have taken on the power of their own gods; gods who help them win their battles against the "foreign devils" that appear to be taking over China. They travel from town to town, training more men (and even some women) to join the fight. As the violence reaches its apex, Bao finds his band of men winning over and over. Even still, there is a heavy price to pay as many of Bao's own countrymen and women are being identified as "secondary devils" (Chinese converted to Christianity) and are slaughtered for it. Is this what the gods wanted?
The first half of this story is gripping and action-packed. It is difficult, however, to review this book without referencing the second, so I'll save my thoughts on the work as a whole for my review of Saints.
The first half of this story is gripping and action-packed. It is difficult, however, to review this book without referencing the second, so I'll save my thoughts on the work as a whole for my review of Saints.
I really liked this. I had heard of the story of the so-called Boxer Rebellion (so-called by the West who claimed imperial ownership) but had not really read much about it. This book and the companion book providing 2 viewpoints from the Chinese perspective.
I really also enjoyed the story without racialized drawings, meaning that in a few other cartoons, such as Hergé's 'Tintin' comics, it was typical for Western Cartoonists to draw stereotypes based on common racist attitudes, attitudes often put forward by their own imperialist countries to justify taking the country without permission. (Just to say, while Hergé has a few books lazily depicting stereotypes, for The Blue Lotus story, he took the time to meet people from China & speak with them about their culture & perspective. His story ended up being much more than a comic story and became an internationally well-known historical fictional work.)
Yang, author of American Born Chinese, doesn't deal directly with stereotypes but rather with basic concept of men (a people) defending themselves. Very different from how the West has understood it or portrayed it, as far as my experience, anyway.
I really also enjoyed the story without racialized drawings, meaning that in a few other cartoons, such as Hergé's 'Tintin' comics, it was typical for Western Cartoonists to draw stereotypes based on common racist attitudes, attitudes often put forward by their own imperialist countries to justify taking the country without permission. (Just to say, while Hergé has a few books lazily depicting stereotypes, for The Blue Lotus story, he took the time to meet people from China & speak with them about their culture & perspective. His story ended up being much more than a comic story and became an internationally well-known historical fictional work.)
Yang, author of American Born Chinese, doesn't deal directly with stereotypes but rather with basic concept of men (a people) defending themselves. Very different from how the West has understood it or portrayed it, as far as my experience, anyway.
Downer ending (until you read Saints), but extremely interesting. About the Boxer Rebellion in China, which I knew nothing about prior to reading.
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tragic and intense story of China's Boxer Rebellion of 1900. Little Bao witnesses the injustices of the foreigners who have been bullying the common folk of China, and he begins the practice of Kung Fu, as the conflicts escalate. Soon, Bao is being led into a crusade against the invaders by the Opera Gods, who inspire Bao and the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fist. As the violence of the conflict escalates, Bao finds himself caught up in a conflict that he no longer has the power to control.
The working of Chinese mythology into the story provided some beautiful visual elements, but the story and the art do not shy away from the horrors of the conflict, and the mythical elements do not overshadow the human drama of the story.
I look forward to reading the companion volume, Saints, which tells the story from the other side of the conflict.
The working of Chinese mythology into the story provided some beautiful visual elements, but the story and the art do not shy away from the horrors of the conflict, and the mythical elements do not overshadow the human drama of the story.
I look forward to reading the companion volume, Saints, which tells the story from the other side of the conflict.
Amazing
This artist is so talented. With the art to the dynamic and complex characters. Good thing I have the second book on my self to read.
This artist is so talented. With the art to the dynamic and complex characters. Good thing I have the second book on my self to read.
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
#37: An identity book - a book about a different culture, religion or sexual orientation
“What is China but a people and their stories?”
I'll have a more thorough outlook on the Boxer Rebellion once I read Saints but I learnt so much of the movement through this book which I really didn't expect to. I studied about Imperialism in grade 10 and lightly touched the topic of the Boxer Rebellion. However, we were scarce on details and I always wanted to learn more. I can finally say that this book has reignited my interest.
Little Bao and the other characters would essentially be seen as "terrorists" but Yang depicted them as common villagers from Shandong Province, leading leaders to question the "good" or "bad" side of the rebellion. Of course, ultimately the rebellion wasn't good of anyone. Seeing this played out in the book really is thought provoking. It gave me chills at times!
I'm really excited to read Saints .
“What is China but a people and their stories?”
I'll have a more thorough outlook on the Boxer Rebellion once I read Saints but I learnt so much of the movement through this book which I really didn't expect to. I studied about Imperialism in grade 10 and lightly touched the topic of the Boxer Rebellion. However, we were scarce on details and I always wanted to learn more. I can finally say that this book has reignited my interest.
Little Bao and the other characters would essentially be seen as "terrorists" but Yang depicted them as common villagers from Shandong Province, leading leaders to question the "good" or "bad" side of the rebellion. Of course, ultimately the rebellion wasn't good of anyone. Seeing this played out in the book really is thought provoking. It gave me chills at times!
I'm really excited to read Saints .
Gene Luen Yang’s depiction of the Boxer Rebellion perfectly encapsulates the anger of the
oppressed while also expressing their humanness. The story starts with the affinity Lui Bei has
for spring. Spring is a time of renewal and a time to reconnect with the God’s of the past and to
honor them. The entrance of a foreign entity is unwarranted and unwanted. This is an intensely
readable book. Mr. Yang uses the elements of humor to draw the reader into a little know part
of history
oppressed while also expressing their humanness. The story starts with the affinity Lui Bei has
for spring. Spring is a time of renewal and a time to reconnect with the God’s of the past and to
honor them. The entrance of a foreign entity is unwarranted and unwanted. This is an intensely
readable book. Mr. Yang uses the elements of humor to draw the reader into a little know part
of history