Walsh: JFK assassination gets graphic novel treatment
Ray Walsh
"The Warren Commission Report: A Graphic Investigation" (Abrams Comicarts) is an exceptionally creative graphic novel written by East Lansing author Dan Mishkin.
It's illustrated by highly acclaimed, long-time comic book veteran Ernie Colon and Ann Arbor comic book artist Jerzy Drozo.
Available in paperback for $17.95 or hardback at $29.95, the well-illustrated graphic novel deals with a highly controversial subject — the Warren Commission Report on the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
The release is timed for the 50th Anniversary of the report, which examined evidence related to the fateful event that took place in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.
This is not just a simple oversized comic book — it's a carefully co-ordinated effort to offer a realistic view of a major historical event and its treatment by the seven members of the Warren Commission. It focuses on a variety of different aspects of the report, including information later revealed that had never been supplied to the commission.
Delving into the assassination of the president and the wounding of Texas Gov. John Connelly, the graphic novel opens with a resounding "P-Kow!", the sound of the gunshot that changed American history.
It examines the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, who's strikingly represented in a black and white, uncolored, almost ghostly image throughout the thought-provoking book.
Exploring a wide assortment of conspiracy theories, Mishkin and the talented crew of artists cover a lot of territory, ranging from the grassy knoll theory, multiple assassins, FBI cover-ups, medical misinformation and possible foreign government involvement.
It also offers contextual insights into the societal changes.
A brief forward is provided by biographer Richard Reeves. Mishkin adds a short afterword and a selected bibliography.
This is a step in a different creative direction of non-fiction for Mishkin, who has written in the comic book industry for over 30 years. He scripted "Wonder Woman for three years" and is the co-creator (with Colon) of the comic book series "Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld."
Colon was the illustrator for the best-selling book "The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation."
While the full truth about the Kennedy assassination will never be known, this mesmerizing book offers a remarkably unique perspective.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books regularly since 1987.
• Dan Mishkin and Jerzy Drozo will be presenting a slide show and signing copies of their new release on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Schuler Books, Eastwood Mall.