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A review by realbooks4ever
Showtime at the Apollo: The Epic Tale of Harlem's Legendary Theater by Ted Fox, James Otis Smith
4.0
4 stars for history
3 stars for execution
For my entire life the Apollo was this mystical place, far away on the eastern edge of the U.S. It’s where all the best rhythm ‘n blues and soul singers performed. All I could do was listen to their songs on my tiny transistor radio when I was a kid living in California.
Ted Fox, along with illustrator James Otis Smith, have pulled back the curtain and created a comprehensive history of the Apollo in graphic novel form. Through intensive research and actual interviews with many of the stars and people who worked in the background, this has to be one of the best compilations of historic insights on the subject. Originally published in 1983, the book has gone through several revisions with this edition being published in 2018.
The Apollo opened in 1934. It saw good times and bad times. The performers themselves had good times and bad. Some became superstars and some didn’t live long enough to find that fame. All their stories are here.
Now for the artwork. I’ve read many graphic novels and I know that layout is important. The story needs to flow along the page and naturally lead the reader’s eye to the next panel. This book fails in that respect. Although Smith’s unburdened portraits of the performers are spot-on, it was at times frustrating trying to figure out where I was supposed to read next.
The Apollo is no longer an enigma for me. I know it’s secrets. It’s historical value is great. This story is one not to miss!
3 stars for execution
For my entire life the Apollo was this mystical place, far away on the eastern edge of the U.S. It’s where all the best rhythm ‘n blues and soul singers performed. All I could do was listen to their songs on my tiny transistor radio when I was a kid living in California.
Ted Fox, along with illustrator James Otis Smith, have pulled back the curtain and created a comprehensive history of the Apollo in graphic novel form. Through intensive research and actual interviews with many of the stars and people who worked in the background, this has to be one of the best compilations of historic insights on the subject. Originally published in 1983, the book has gone through several revisions with this edition being published in 2018.
The Apollo opened in 1934. It saw good times and bad times. The performers themselves had good times and bad. Some became superstars and some didn’t live long enough to find that fame. All their stories are here.
Now for the artwork. I’ve read many graphic novels and I know that layout is important. The story needs to flow along the page and naturally lead the reader’s eye to the next panel. This book fails in that respect. Although Smith’s unburdened portraits of the performers are spot-on, it was at times frustrating trying to figure out where I was supposed to read next.
The Apollo is no longer an enigma for me. I know it’s secrets. It’s historical value is great. This story is one not to miss!