nerfherder86 's review for:

Boxers by Gene Luen Yang

3.0

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Interesting graphic novel about the Boxer Rebellion in China, 1900, when Chinese tried to throw out all of the foreigners in their country. This volume tells the story of a Chinese boy who ends up joining the rebellion and helping to spread it, training others to join the "Society of the Right and Harmonious Fist." They rebel against the Christian missionaries as well as the imperial troops who support them. It was really interesting, as I knew nothing about this period of history. I found it interesting that there is a fantasy element to it--the Boxers undergo a ritual before every fight and in the comic, they turn into various Chinese gods; literally. It's more that they're just channeling the thought of being a god, but it makes for good art to have fantastical warrior gods beating up people with supernatural strength! It's a sad story in the end, but definitely worth reading for a look at Chinese history and culture; plus, lots of battle scenes for those who like that. Comnpanion volume Saints probably should be read second; I read them in reverse order and I was a little more confused.