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Treasury of XXth Century Murder
The Lives of Sacco and Vanzetti
The fourth entry in Geary's chronicling of famous XXth century murders tackles the extremely controversial case of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. Geary delves into his most political case yet in this series, however, all his favorite elements are there: the murders are unsolved, the attention of the media is tremendous, there are multiple theories as to what really happened. What's unusual about this particular event is how this polarized and galvanized the world. A possibly biased judge they could never get rid of no matter how many appeals, thanks to Massachusetts law, and a prevailing attitude, especially among the ruling elite, about eradicating anarchists and communists, may have contributed to what many decried as a monkey court trial. Many pieces of evidence were inconclusive, much testimony questionable. Riots erupted all over the world. They lived in a time when class differences were at a raw edge worldwide, the US included, and this struck far too many as more evidence of repression by the ruling elite. In this volume, we are not dealing with some outlandish fait divers but a clash of classes and a justice system that may have failed to treat these men with any equanimity. The tension throughout the book is palpable as a result.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Rick Geary
191 books202 followersRICK GEARY was born in 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Wichita,
Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where his first cartoons were published in the University Daily Kansan. He worked as staff artist for two weekly papers in Wichita before moving to San Diego in 1975.
He began work in comics in 1977 and was for thirteen years a contributor to the Funny Pages of National Lampoon. His comic stories have also been published in Heavy Metal, Dark Horse Comics and the DC Comics/Paradox Press Big Books. His early comic work has been collected in Housebound with Rick Geary from Fantagraphics Books.
During a four-year stay in New York, his illustrations appeared regularly in The New York Times Book Review. His illustration work has also been seen in MAD, Spy, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and American Libraries.
He has written and illustrated three children’s books based on The Mask for Dark Horse and two Spider-Man children's books for Marvel. His children’s comic “Society of Horrors” ran in Disney Adventures magazine. He was the artist for the new series of GUMBY Comics, written by Bob Burden, for which they received the 2007 Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Publication for a Younger Audience.
His graphic novels include three adaptations for the Classics Illustrated, and the nine-volume series A Treasury of Victorian Murder for NBM Publishing. The new series A Treasury of 20th Century Murder began in 2008 with “The Lindbergh Child.” His other historically-based graphic novels include Cravan, written with Mike Richardson, and J. Edgar Hoover: A Graphic Biography.
Rick has received the Inkpot Award from the San Diego Comic Convention (1980) and the Book and Magazine Illustration Award from the National Cartoonists Society (1994).
He and his wife Deborah can be found every year at their table at San Diego’s Comic Con International. In 2007, they moved to the town of Carrizozo, New Mexico.
(from http://www.rickgeary.com/bio.html)
Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where his first cartoons were published in the University Daily Kansan. He worked as staff artist for two weekly papers in Wichita before moving to San Diego in 1975.
He began work in comics in 1977 and was for thirteen years a contributor to the Funny Pages of National Lampoon. His comic stories have also been published in Heavy Metal, Dark Horse Comics and the DC Comics/Paradox Press Big Books. His early comic work has been collected in Housebound with Rick Geary from Fantagraphics Books.
During a four-year stay in New York, his illustrations appeared regularly in The New York Times Book Review. His illustration work has also been seen in MAD, Spy, Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and American Libraries.
He has written and illustrated three children’s books based on The Mask for Dark Horse and two Spider-Man children's books for Marvel. His children’s comic “Society of Horrors” ran in Disney Adventures magazine. He was the artist for the new series of GUMBY Comics, written by Bob Burden, for which they received the 2007 Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Publication for a Younger Audience.
His graphic novels include three adaptations for the Classics Illustrated, and the nine-volume series A Treasury of Victorian Murder for NBM Publishing. The new series A Treasury of 20th Century Murder began in 2008 with “The Lindbergh Child.” His other historically-based graphic novels include Cravan, written with Mike Richardson, and J. Edgar Hoover: A Graphic Biography.
Rick has received the Inkpot Award from the San Diego Comic Convention (1980) and the Book and Magazine Illustration Award from the National Cartoonists Society (1994).
He and his wife Deborah can be found every year at their table at San Diego’s Comic Con International. In 2007, they moved to the town of Carrizozo, New Mexico.
(from http://www.rickgeary.com/bio.html)
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October 28, 2019
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Ρίχνοντας φως στην κρατική δολοφονία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι στις σελίδες ενός comic
Η τραγική ιστορία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι είναι απ’ τις πιο βαθιά ριζωμένες στη μνήμη του διεθνούς κινήματος. Δύο Ιταλοί αναρχικοί, αγωνιστές και πρωτεργάτες του εργατικού κινήματος της Αμερικής, συνελήφθησαν, δικάστηκαν και καταδικάστηκαν σε θάνατο για ένοπλη ληστεία με στημένες κατηγορίες σε μία δίκη – παρωδία, η οποία οδήγησε στην εκτέλεσή τους στις 23 Αυγούστου 1927.
Το μόνο «αδίκημα» που μπορούσε να τους καταλογιστεί ήταν αυτό της αμφισβήτησης της εξουσίας και του εκμεταλλευτικού καπιταλιστικού συστήματος, το οποίο όμως ήταν αρκετό για να οδηγηθούν στην ηλεκτρική καρέκλα δύο αθώοι που συμβόλιζαν την «κόκκινη απειλή» στη χώρα. Λίγα χρόνια νωρίτερα από τη σύλληψή τους που έγινε το 1920, η «κόκκινη απειλή» είχε πάρει σάρκα και οστά σε μία άλλη γωνιά του πλανήτη, στην μέχρι τότε Τσαρική Ρωσία, στην οποία συνέβη ένα απ’ τα συγκλονιστικότερα γεγονότα της ιστορίας της ανθρωπότητας, η Οκτωβριανή Επανάσταση. Η είδηση της επανάστασης στη Ρωσία και της ανατροπής του καπιταλιστικού καθεστώτος απ’ την εργατική τάξη και το λαό της Ρωσίας θορύβησε τους «από πάνω» του δυτικού καπιταλισμού, οι οποίοι έκαναν τα πάντα για να προστατεύσουν την εξουσία τους προλαμβάνοντας αντίστοιχες εξεγέρσεις στις δικές τους χώρες, θυσιάζοντας τις όποιες διακηρύξεις περί δήθεν «ελευθερίας» και «δημοκρατίας» της Δύσης. Μέχρι και στρατεύματα συγκέντρωσαν δεκάδες χώρες, ανάμεσα σε αυτές και η Ελλάδα, στην εκστρατεία της Ουκρανίας, που στόχο είχε να ενισχύσει στρατιωτικά τις αντεπαναστατικές δυνάμεις που στόχευαν να ανατρέψουν την πρόσφατα εγκαθιδρυμένη προλεταριακή εξουσία των Μπολσεβίκων και όλων των επαναστατικών δυνάμεων της Ρωσίας.
Μία από τις πιο συγκρουσιακές στιγμές στον πόλεμο που κήρυξαν οι κυρίαρχες αστικές τάξεις στον εσωτερικό εχθρό, δηλαδή στην εργατική τάξη και τους επαναστάτες, είναι η κρατική δολοφονία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, εκεί που η αστυνομία και τα δικαστήρια λειτούργησαν αρμονικά στήνοντας μία σκευωρία που οδηγήθηκε προμελετημένα και μεθοδικά στην καταδίκη και την εκτέλεση των Ιταλών αναρχικών. Επρόκειτο για μία εξόφθαλμη σκευωρία, η οποία έχει γραφτεί με ανεξίτηλο μελάνι στις πιο μαύρες σελίδες της ιστορίας της δήθεν «ανεξάρτητης» δικαιοσύνης.
Η ιστορία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, παρά το γεγονός ότι έχει περάσει σχεδόν ένας αιώνας από την εκτέλεσή τους, παραμένει ζωντανή στις μνήμες πολλών αγωνιστών του κινήματος. Σε αυτό έχουν συμβάλλει καθοριστικά πολλοί καλλιτέχνες οι οποίοι μέσα από τα έργα τους, με χαρακτηριστικότερα τα τραγούδια του Woodie Guthrie, των Rage Against the Machine και άλλων και την ταινία του Τζουλιάνο Μονάλντο του 1971. Μετά από σχεδόν έναν αιώνα ήρθε η ώρα να συμβάλλει στη διατήρηση της μνήμης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι και η 9η Τέχνη και αυτή η συμβολή της διά χειρός Rick Geary είναι ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογη και αξιοπρόσεκτη.
Το comic του Rick Geary, το οποίο μετέφρασε στα ελληνικά η Μαρία Χρήστου για τις εκδόσεις Χαραμάδα, είναι ένας φόρος τιμής στους δύο αναρχικούς, αλλά και ένα από αυτά τα comics που είναι τόσο διαφορετικά από τα συνηθισμένα και τα εμπορικά comics. Στις σελίδες του δεν θα βρούμε σκηνές καταιγιστικής δράσης ή πολύχρωμα σχέδια που εντυπωσιάζουν στη μορφή αλλά τελικά είναι (τις περισσότερες φορές) κενά περιεχομένου. Ο Geary αναλαμβάνοντας και το σενάριο και την εικονογράφηση του comic προσπαθεί να ανασυστήσει την ιστορία της δίκης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, προσφέροντας στον αναγνώστη όλα τα πραγματικά δεδομένα, τους κύριους ισχυρισμούς και τις μαρτυρικές καταθέσεις που οδήγησαν το δικαστήριο να τους καταδικάσει σε θάνατο.
Ο Geary έχοντας μελετήσει σε βάθος την πλούσια βιβλιογραφία γύρω από την εξέλιξη της δίκης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι (την οποία παραθέτει στο τέλος του comic του για διασταύρωση και περαιτέρω έρευνα) δημιουργεί ένα comic που θα έμοιαζε περισσότερο με δικαστικό δράμα, αν δεν ήταν βασισμένο στην πραγματική ιστορία μίας από τις πιο ολοφάνερα άδικες καταδίκες στη σύγχρονη δυτική κοινωνία. Ο δημιουργός του comic, προσπαθεί να διατηρεί μία (κατά δύναμιν) αντικειμενική – αποστασιοποιημένη ματιά σε όλο το έργο, παρουσιάζοντας με ακρίβεια τα στοιχεία και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών χωρίς να παίρνει φανερά θέση υπέρ της μίας ή της άλλης. Δεν προσπαθεί να κατευθύνει τον αναγνώστη, αλλά να του δώσει μία πλήρη εικόνα για το πώς εξελίχθηκε ακριβώς η αστυνομική έρευνα και η δικαστική διαδικασία, προκειμένου στο τέλος ο ίδιος ο αναγνώστης να βγάλει τα δικά του συμπεράσματα, χωρίς να είναι ιδιαίτερα επηρεασμένος απ’ την άποψη του δημιουργού. Μάλιστα ο Geary προσπαθεί να παραθέσει τόσο αναλυτικά τα πραγματικά δεδομένα της υπόθεσης και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών, ώστε ο αναγνώστης μπορεί να χρειαστεί να επανέρχεται σε προηγούμενες σελίδες προκειμένου να μην του διαφύγουν κρίσιμα στοιχεία τα οποία ίσως δεν συγκράτησε. Όμως αυτή η διαδικασία κάθε άλλο παρά κουραστική είναι για τον αναγνώστη, ο οποίος με αυτό τον τρόπο βυθίζεται στην εξέλιξη της δίκης παρακολουθώντας όλες τις φάσεις της, παράλληλα με τις ελπίδες για δικαίωση των κρατουμένων, τις παρασκηνιακές μεθοδεύσεις του ανοιχτά αντικομμουνιστή δικαστή, αλλά και τις σημαντικές διεθνείς κινηματικές αντιδράσεις που προκάλεσε η ετυμηγορία της καταδίκης σε θάνατο των Ιταλών αναρχικών.
Μαζί με το σενάριο ο Geary έχει αναλάβει και το σχέδιο του comic, το οποίο βασίζεται στην απλότητα και τον ρεαλισμό. Μπορεί να μην εντυπωσιάζει το μάτι του αναγνώστη, αλλά ούτε τον ξενίζει σε καμία περίπτωση. Το ασπρόμαυρο σχέδιο του Geary βασίζεται στις έντονες ίσιες γραμμές, οι οποίες διακοσμούν με διάφορα μοτίβα όλα τα σκηνικά του comic. Βέβαια το σχέδιο του συγκεκριμένου comic δεν έχει στόχο να κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, αλλά κυρίως να λειτουργήσει συμπληρωματικά, βοηθώντας τον αναγνώστη να συγκρατήσει όλα τα στοιχεία της υπόθεσης κάνοντάς τα εικόνες.
Το νέο comic των εκδόσεων Χαραμάδα αποτελεί άλλη μία προσθήκη σε μία σειρά εξαιρετικών comic με πολιτική θεματολογία που έχουν κυκλοφορήσει στα ελληνικά. Αυτή η κίνηση της Χαραμάδας αποδεικνύει για άλλη μία φορά ότι υπάρχει ζήτηση και από το κοινό και θέληση και μεράκι από κάποιους εκδοτικούς οίκους για διαφορετικά comics, που αναδεικνύουν κοινωνικά και πολιτικά ζητήματα, οξύνουν την κριτική σκέψη και βάζουν τον αναγνώστη στη διαδικασία να προβληματιστεί και να ψάξει παραπάνω για ιστορικά και πολιτικά θέματα τα οποία διατηρούν την επικαιρότητα τους, ακόμα κι αν πρόκειται για μία ιστορία δικαστικής σκευωρίας που διεξήχθη σχεδόν έναν αιώνα πριν. Μακάρι να έχουμε στο μέλλον ακόμα περισσότερα comics τέτοιου είδους στα ελληνικά!
Ρίχνοντας φως στην κρατική δολοφονία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι στις σελίδες ενός comic
Η τραγική ιστορία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι είναι απ’ τις πιο βαθιά ριζωμένες στη μνήμη του διεθνούς κινήματος. Δύο Ιταλοί αναρχικοί, αγωνιστές και πρωτεργάτες του εργατικού κινήματος της Αμερικής, συνελήφθησαν, δικάστηκαν και καταδικάστηκαν σε θάνατο για ένοπλη ληστεία με στημένες κατηγορίες σε μία δίκη – παρωδία, η οποία οδήγησε στην εκτέλεσή τους στις 23 Αυγούστου 1927.
Το μόνο «αδίκημα» που μπορούσε να τους καταλογιστεί ήταν αυτό της αμφισβήτησης της εξουσίας και του εκμεταλλευτικού καπιταλιστικού συστήματος, το οποίο όμως ήταν αρκετό για να οδηγηθούν στην ηλεκτρική καρέκλα δύο αθώοι που συμβόλιζαν την «κόκκινη απειλή» στη χώρα. Λίγα χρόνια νωρίτερα από τη σύλληψή τους που έγινε το 1920, η «κόκκινη απειλή» είχε πάρει σάρκα και οστά σε μία άλλη γωνιά του πλανήτη, στην μέχρι τότε Τσαρική Ρωσία, στην οποία συνέβη ένα απ’ τα συγκλονιστικότερα γεγονότα της ιστορίας της ανθρωπότητας, η Οκτωβριανή Επανάσταση. Η είδηση της επανάστασης στη Ρωσία και της ανατροπής του καπιταλιστικού καθεστώτος απ’ την εργατική τάξη και το λαό της Ρωσίας θορύβησε τους «από πάνω» του δυτικού καπιταλισμού, οι οποίοι έκαναν τα πάντα για να προστατεύσουν την εξουσία τους προλαμβάνοντας αντίστοιχες εξεγέρσεις στις δικές τους χώρες, θυσιάζοντας τις όποιες διακηρύξεις περί δήθεν «ελευθερίας» και «δημοκρατίας» της Δύσης. Μέχρι και στρατεύματα συγκέντρωσαν δεκάδες χώρες, ανάμεσα σε αυτές και η Ελλάδα, στην εκστρατεία της Ουκρανίας, που στόχο είχε να ενισχύσει στρατιωτικά τις αντεπαναστατικές δυνάμεις που στόχευαν να ανατρέψουν την πρόσφατα εγκαθιδρυμένη προλεταριακή εξουσία των Μπολσεβίκων και όλων των επαναστατικών δυνάμεων της Ρωσίας.
Μία από τις πιο συγκρουσιακές στιγμές στον πόλεμο που κήρυξαν οι κυρίαρχες αστικές τάξεις στον εσωτερικό εχθρό, δηλαδή στην εργατική τάξη και τους επαναστάτες, είναι η κρατική δολοφονία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, εκεί που η αστυνομία και τα δικαστήρια λειτούργησαν αρμονικά στήνοντας μία σκευωρία που οδηγήθηκε προμελετημένα και μεθοδικά στην καταδίκη και την εκτέλεση των Ιταλών αναρχικών. Επρόκειτο για μία εξόφθαλμη σκευωρία, η οποία έχει γραφτεί με ανεξίτηλο μελάνι στις πιο μαύρες σελίδες της ιστορίας της δήθεν «ανεξάρτητης» δικαιοσύνης.
Η ιστορία των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, παρά το γεγονός ότι έχει περάσει σχεδόν ένας αιώνας από την εκτέλεσή τους, παραμένει ζωντανή στις μνήμες πολλών αγωνιστών του κινήματος. Σε αυτό έχουν συμβάλλει καθοριστικά πολλοί καλλιτέχνες οι οποίοι μέσα από τα έργα τους, με χαρακτηριστικότερα τα τραγούδια του Woodie Guthrie, των Rage Against the Machine και άλλων και την ταινία του Τζουλιάνο Μονάλντο του 1971. Μετά από σχεδόν έναν αιώνα ήρθε η ώρα να συμβάλλει στη διατήρηση της μνήμης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι και η 9η Τέχνη και αυτή η συμβολή της διά χειρός Rick Geary είναι ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογη και αξιοπρόσεκτη.
Το comic του Rick Geary, το οποίο μετέφρασε στα ελληνικά η Μαρία Χρήστου για τις εκδόσεις Χαραμάδα, είναι ένας φόρος τιμής στους δύο αναρχικούς, αλλά και ένα από αυτά τα comics που είναι τόσο διαφορετικά από τα συνηθισμένα και τα εμπορικά comics. Στις σελίδες του δεν θα βρούμε σκηνές καταιγιστικής δράσης ή πολύχρωμα σχέδια που εντυπωσιάζουν στη μορφή αλλά τελικά είναι (τις περισσότερες φορές) κενά περιεχομένου. Ο Geary αναλαμβάνοντας και το σενάριο και την εικονογράφηση του comic προσπαθεί να ανασυστήσει την ιστορία της δίκης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι, προσφέροντας στον αναγνώστη όλα τα πραγματικά δεδομένα, τους κύριους ισχυρισμούς και τις μαρτυρικές καταθέσεις που οδήγησαν το δικαστήριο να τους καταδικάσει σε θάνατο.
Ο Geary έχοντας μελετήσει σε βάθος την πλούσια βιβλιογραφία γύρω από την εξέλιξη της δίκης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι (την οποία παραθέτει στο τέλος του comic του για διασταύρωση και περαιτέρω έρευνα) δημιουργεί ένα comic που θα έμοιαζε περισσότερο με δικαστικό δράμα, αν δεν ήταν βασισμένο στην πραγματική ιστορία μίας από τις πιο ολοφάνερα άδικες καταδίκες στη σύγχρονη δυτική κοινωνία. Ο δημιουργός του comic, προσπαθεί να διατηρεί μία (κατά δύναμιν) αντικειμενική – αποστασιοποιημένη ματιά σε όλο το έργο, παρουσιάζοντας με ακρίβεια τα στοιχεία και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών χωρίς να παίρνει φανερά θέση υπέρ της μίας ή της άλλης. Δεν προσπαθεί να κατευθύνει τον αναγνώστη, αλλά να του δώσει μία πλήρη εικόνα για το πώς εξελίχθηκε ακριβώς η αστυνομική έρευνα και η δικαστική διαδικασία, προκειμένου στο τέλος ο ίδιος ο αναγνώστης να βγάλει τα δικά του συμπεράσματα, χωρίς να είναι ιδιαίτερα επηρεασμένος απ’ την άποψη του δημιουργού. Μάλιστα ο Geary προσπαθεί να παραθέσει τόσο αναλυτικά τα πραγματικά δεδομένα της υπόθεσης και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών, ώστε ο αναγνώστης μπορεί να χρειαστεί να επανέρχεται σε προηγούμενες σελίδες προκειμένου να μην του διαφύγουν κρίσιμα στοιχεία τα οποία ίσως δεν συγκράτησε. Όμως αυτή η διαδικασία κάθε άλλο παρά κουραστική είναι για τον αναγνώστη, ο οποίος με αυτό τον τρόπο βυθίζεται στην εξέλιξη της δίκης παρακολουθώντας όλες τις φάσεις της, παράλληλα με τις ελπίδες για δικαίωση των κρατουμένων, τις παρασκηνιακές μεθοδεύσεις του ανοιχτά αντικομμουνιστή δικαστή, αλλά και τις σημαντικές διεθνείς κινηματικές αντιδράσεις που προκάλεσε η ετυμηγορία της καταδίκης σε θάνατο των Ιταλών αναρχικών.
Μαζί με το σενάριο ο Geary έχει αναλάβει και το σχέδιο του comic, το οποίο βασίζεται στην απλότητα και τον ρεαλισμό. Μπορεί να μην εντυπωσιάζει το μάτι του αναγνώστη, αλλά ούτε τον ξενίζει σε καμία περίπτωση. Το ασπρόμαυρο σχέδιο του Geary βασίζεται στις έντονες ίσιες γραμμές, οι οποίες διακοσμούν με διάφορα μοτίβα όλα τα σκηνικά του comic. Βέβαια το σχέδιο του συγκεκριμένου comic δεν έχει στόχο να κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, αλλά κυρίως να λειτουργήσει συμπληρωματικά, βοηθώντας τον αναγνώστη να συγκρατήσει όλα τα στοιχεία της υπόθεσης κάνοντάς τα εικόνες.
Το νέο comic των εκδόσεων Χαραμάδα αποτελεί άλλη μία προσθήκη σε μία σειρά εξαιρετικών comic με πολιτική θεματολογία που έχουν κυκλοφορήσει στα ελληνικά. Αυτή η κίνηση της Χαραμάδας αποδεικνύει για άλλη μία φορά ότι υπάρχει ζήτηση και από το κοινό και θέληση και μεράκι από κάποιους εκδοτικούς οίκους για διαφορετικά comics, που αναδεικνύουν κοινωνικά και πολιτικά ζητήματα, οξύνουν την κριτική σκέψη και βάζουν τον αναγνώστη στη διαδικασία να προβληματιστεί και να ψάξει παραπάνω για ιστορικά και πολιτικά θέματα τα οποία διατηρούν την επικαιρότητα τους, ακόμα κι αν πρόκειται για μία ιστορία δικαστικής σκευωρίας που διεξήχθη σχεδόν έναν αιώνα πριν. Μακάρι να έχουμε στο μέλλον ακόμα περισσότερα comics τέτοιου είδους στα ελληνικά!
July 26, 2019
Ο Geary έχοντας μελετήσει σε βάθος την πλούσια βιβλιογραφία γύρω από την εξέλιξη της δίκης των Σάκο και Βαντσέτι (την οποία παραθέτει στο τέλος του comic του για διασταύρωση και περαιτέρω έρευνα) δημιουργεί ένα comic που θα έμοιαζε περισσότερο με δικαστικό δράμα, αν δεν ήταν βασισμένο στην πραγματική ιστορία μίας από τις πιο ολοφάνερα άδικες καταδίκες στη σύγχρονη δυτική κοινωνία. Ο δημιουργός του comic, προσπαθεί να διατηρεί μία (κατά δύναμιν) αντικειμενική – αποστασιοποιημένη ματιά σε όλο το έργο, παρουσιάζοντας με ακρίβεια τα στοιχεία και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών χωρίς να παίρνει φανερά θέση υπέρ της μίας ή της άλλης. Δεν προσπαθεί να κατευθύνει τον αναγνώστη, αλλά να του δώσει μία πλήρη εικόνα για το πώς εξελίχθηκε ακριβώς η αστυνομική έρευνα και η δικαστική διαδικασία, προκειμένου στο τέλος ο ίδιος ο αναγνώστης να βγάλει τα δικά του συμπεράσματα, χωρίς να είναι ιδιαίτερα επηρεασμένος απ’ την άποψη του δημιουργού. Μάλιστα ο Geary προσπαθεί να παραθέσει τόσο αναλυτικά τα πραγματικά δεδομένα της υπόθεσης και τους ισχυρισμούς των δύο πλευρών, ώστε ο αναγνώστης μπορεί να χρειαστεί να επανέρχεται σε προηγούμενες σελίδες προκειμένου να μην του διαφύγουν κρίσιμα στοιχεία τα οποία ίσως δεν συγκράτησε. Όμως αυτή η διαδικασία κάθε άλλο παρά κουραστική είναι για τον αναγνώστη, ο οποίος με αυτό τον τρόπο βυθίζεται στην εξέλιξη της δίκης παρακολουθώντας όλες τις φάσεις της, παράλληλα με τις ελπίδες για δικαίωση των κρατουμένων, τις παρασκηνιακές μεθοδεύσεις του ανοιχτά αντικομμουνιστή δικαστή, αλλά και τις σημαντικές διεθνείς κινηματικές αντιδράσεις που προκάλεσε η ετυμηγορία της καταδίκης σε θάνατο των Ιταλών αναρχικών.
Μαζί με το σενάριο ο Geary έχει αναλάβει και το σχέδιο του comic, το οποίο βασίζεται στην απλότητα και τον ρεαλισμό. Μπορεί να μην εντυπωσιάζει το μάτι του αναγνώστη, αλλά ούτε τον ξενίζει σε καμία περίπτωση. Το ασπρόμαυρο σχέδιο του Geary βασίζεται στις έντονες ίσιες γραμμές, οι οποίες διακοσμούν με διάφορα μοτίβα όλα τα σκηνικά του comic. Βέβαια το σχέδιο του συγκεκριμένου comic δεν έχει στόχο να κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, αλλά κυρίως να λειτουργήσει συμπληρωματικά, βοηθώντας τον αναγνώστη να συγκρατήσει όλα τα στοιχεία της υπόθεσης κάνοντάς τα εικόνες.
Κείμενο στο Smassing Culture
Μαζί με το σενάριο ο Geary έχει αναλάβει και το σχέδιο του comic, το οποίο βασίζεται στην απλότητα και τον ρεαλισμό. Μπορεί να μην εντυπωσιάζει το μάτι του αναγνώστη, αλλά ούτε τον ξενίζει σε καμία περίπτωση. Το ασπρόμαυρο σχέδιο του Geary βασίζεται στις έντονες ίσιες γραμμές, οι οποίες διακοσμούν με διάφορα μοτίβα όλα τα σκηνικά του comic. Βέβαια το σχέδιο του συγκεκριμένου comic δεν έχει στόχο να κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, αλλά κυρίως να λειτουργήσει συμπληρωματικά, βοηθώντας τον αναγνώστη να συγκρατήσει όλα τα στοιχεία της υπόθεσης κάνοντάς τα εικόνες.
Κείμενο στο Smassing Culture
August 16, 2012
1920s America, two men murder two other men who are carrying payroll money worth $15,000 and take off with another three accomplices in a car. With no leads, the police end up arresting a pair of Italian-Americans, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, at 10pm in a streetcar who are "suspicious looking" and upon further investigation are found to be heavily armed. Thus begins a complicated court case which exposes the corruption of the American "justice" system and the prejudices of a country calling itself free.
Rick Geary combs through the past and presents another wonderful book about a famous murder case long forgotten by the modern public. Geary's style is to show all sides to the case and highlight problems within it, allowing the reader to decide for themselves on the true culprit.
"Sacco and Vanzetti" is mostly the story of a court case gone wrong from unreliable witnesses taken seriously, to evidence tampering, to a prejudicial judge, to the defence's own incompetence, though the book seems to show that Sacco and Vanzetti (if you believe are innocent as I do) were simply and tragically two men in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book is a fascinating read from start to finish with Geary telling the story of this case with clarity and eloquence, bringing to life a case over eighty years old with the ease of a master storyteller. Fans of Geary will delight in it, and rightfully so as it's a fine crime book. It might be a bit dry though for new readers to Geary looking for more action - for them I suggest Geary's other books "The Beast of Chicago" and "The Terrible Ax-Man of New Orleans".
Rick Geary combs through the past and presents another wonderful book about a famous murder case long forgotten by the modern public. Geary's style is to show all sides to the case and highlight problems within it, allowing the reader to decide for themselves on the true culprit.
"Sacco and Vanzetti" is mostly the story of a court case gone wrong from unreliable witnesses taken seriously, to evidence tampering, to a prejudicial judge, to the defence's own incompetence, though the book seems to show that Sacco and Vanzetti (if you believe are innocent as I do) were simply and tragically two men in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The book is a fascinating read from start to finish with Geary telling the story of this case with clarity and eloquence, bringing to life a case over eighty years old with the ease of a master storyteller. Fans of Geary will delight in it, and rightfully so as it's a fine crime book. It might be a bit dry though for new readers to Geary looking for more action - for them I suggest Geary's other books "The Beast of Chicago" and "The Terrible Ax-Man of New Orleans".
February 4, 2012
Anarchy in America ain't a circle with "A" in the middle, it's these two stony-faced Italians sitting in the dock. And their death masks. Only one of them -- Bartolomeo Vanzetti -- seems to be an actual martyr. For even in Rick Geary's balanced account of their trial, Sacco comes across (as he always did) as a principled, savvy operator, probably willing to sacrifice his life for anarchy (just compare his eyes to Vanzetti's below). Geary's graphic narrative -- with its noirish crosshatching and visual accuracy (esp. as guns and bullets are concerned) -- is an excellent, compact summary of an unruly case. Recommended
October 2, 2012
Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to this one *that* much as I prefer the ones about the bloody serial killers like "Beast of Chicago". I had never heard of this case and the robbery/murder, socialist/anarchist angle didn't get me that excited. Surprisingly though once I started reading I was quite taken with this case, especially the proceedings of the trial and the way the reader is left ruminating whether they were in fact guilty or innocent. It's amazing that with how this became such a worldwide controversy, with many country leaders of the 1920's and famous personages speaking out on the case that it has become so obscure today. One would think their names, at least, would have been remembered. I can only say what a pleasure it was to read Geary again, nobody (and I mean *no* body) does b/w graphic novels like Rick Geary. His artwork and presentation of these true crimes is pure joy to hold in your hands. I like the order Geary presented the story, first with the crime being committed, then going back and telling the life stories of the two individual accused and finally ending with the trial. It is quite shocking to today's standard's to see how prejudiced a 1920s courtroom could be. We have a sense today of people being racist against others because of their religion and mostly because of the colour of their skin but it is hard to comprehend the radical racism portrayed here against the Italians simply because of the country they came from. And to see these people discredited for that in the courtroom! Geary leaves us with the list for and against their innocence, the belief many professionals have today that at least Sacco was probably guilty and leaves us to ponder the question on our own. An intriguing case I would never have found myself reading about if it weren't for this book!
I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to this one *that* much as I prefer the ones about the bloody serial killers like "Beast of Chicago". I had never heard of this case and the robbery/murder, socialist/anarchist angle didn't get me that excited. Surprisingly though once I started reading I was quite taken with this case, especially the proceedings of the trial and the way the reader is left ruminating whether they were in fact guilty or innocent. It's amazing that with how this became such a worldwide controversy, with many country leaders of the 1920's and famous personages speaking out on the case that it has become so obscure today. One would think their names, at least, would have been remembered. I can only say what a pleasure it was to read Geary again, nobody (and I mean *no* body) does b/w graphic novels like Rick Geary. His artwork and presentation of these true crimes is pure joy to hold in your hands. I like the order Geary presented the story, first with the crime being committed, then going back and telling the life stories of the two individual accused and finally ending with the trial. It is quite shocking to today's standard's to see how prejudiced a 1920s courtroom could be. We have a sense today of people being racist against others because of their religion and mostly because of the colour of their skin but it is hard to comprehend the radical racism portrayed here against the Italians simply because of the country they came from. And to see these people discredited for that in the courtroom! Geary leaves us with the list for and against their innocence, the belief many professionals have today that at least Sacco was probably guilty and leaves us to ponder the question on our own. An intriguing case I would never have found myself reading about if it weren't for this book!
October 26, 2013
Im lovin these historically themed graphic novels lately.
This wa pretty cool, but really dry for a graphic novel. Its trying to at least appear very distant and objective from the case. Love the archaic drawing style. Pretty sure the author (like most people) is biased towards the two people. I also come away thinking they were innocent. Its interesting how the two men behaved differently under pressure. Its also no surprise that the stronger man had a virile moustache. Very interesting example of red scare politics, of the dangerous power of judges in our legal system, of the dangerous power of a monopolistic court system in general, and also of the tragedy and futility of being on the "right side of history". Nevertheless, as Sacco said before he was electrocuted, Viva L'anarchia.
This wa pretty cool, but really dry for a graphic novel. Its trying to at least appear very distant and objective from the case. Love the archaic drawing style. Pretty sure the author (like most people) is biased towards the two people. I also come away thinking they were innocent. Its interesting how the two men behaved differently under pressure. Its also no surprise that the stronger man had a virile moustache. Very interesting example of red scare politics, of the dangerous power of judges in our legal system, of the dangerous power of a monopolistic court system in general, and also of the tragedy and futility of being on the "right side of history". Nevertheless, as Sacco said before he was electrocuted, Viva L'anarchia.
October 14, 2011
I love these Rick Geary collections! They are such a pleasure to read. They are well-researched (including a bibliography) and well-balanced, but what I really enjoy most is his highly detailed artwork. I didn't know much about the Sacco and Vanzetti murder trial before, but I learned a lot from this book; even if there is still some room for doubt about their innocence, there is no doubt at all that they did not receive a fair trial due to rampant anti-immigrant and anti-anarchist prejudice.
February 5, 2012
3.5 stars - I always enjoy this series. I remember learning about Sacco and Vanzetti in school but could not have told you any details except that there was something fishy about their case and people were upset. It was great to read this and get a refresher on that part of American history.
I think EVERY Middle and High School should have the Rick Geary series in their collections, it's a great way for anyone to familiarize themselves with historical true-crime stories and might even inspire someone to dig a little deeper into the mysteries.
I think EVERY Middle and High School should have the Rick Geary series in their collections, it's a great way for anyone to familiarize themselves with historical true-crime stories and might even inspire someone to dig a little deeper into the mysteries.
October 10, 2011
Though formulaic in his approach to graphic storytelling, I find most of his books to be super compelling and entertaining reads,
as he leads our sympathies back and forth
across facts and clues of victorian murders.
He parcels out the information, making these books very suspenseful
and of course he usually tackles controversial material or rather,
unsolved mysteries.
I consider this dude to be a real craftsman of the graphic medium.
as he leads our sympathies back and forth
across facts and clues of victorian murders.
He parcels out the information, making these books very suspenseful
and of course he usually tackles controversial material or rather,
unsolved mysteries.
I consider this dude to be a real craftsman of the graphic medium.
March 27, 2012
Another stellar addition to Rick Geary's treasury of murder series. I had always heard of Sacco and Vanzetti but never did know the history and details of the case. In typical detail Geary lays it out and reveals the many ways the system, and the politics of the day conspired against these two men getting a fair trial. It's particularly chilling when you consider what modern day forensics could have revealed.
June 25, 2013
Though I like Rick Geary's style, I wasn't as engaged with this book as his others. It was a lot of legal proceedings. I am glad to have learned about this case, but I enjoyed Geary's other books more.
February 25, 2022
Ενήλικο, με πολλές πληροφορίες (και χάρτες!), σου υπενθυμίζει πως το σύστημα δικαιοσύνης πολλές φορές δρα βάσει της πεποίθησης που έχει αυτός που κρατά την εξουσία.
Υ.Γ : υπάρχουν κάποια λάθη στην επιμέλεια-μετάφραση, όπως με τις ημερομηνίες, που θα ήταν καλό να διορθωθούν.
Υ.Γ : υπάρχουν κάποια λάθη στην επιμέλεια-μετάφραση, όπως με τις ημερομηνίες, που θα ήταν καλό να διορθωθούν.
November 18, 2019
I think the title is a little misleading because the story is mostly about their arrest and trial rather than their overall lives (although Geary does mention where the men were from in Italy, their professions there and in the U.S., etc.). Now as far as a walking us through the details of the crime, arrest, trial and appeals process, I thought this graphic novel was incredibly thorough, yet accessible.
Admittedly, before reading this, the most I knew about Sacco and Vanzetti was that they were Italian immigrants and anarchists (there is some conflation in this story between anarchists and socialists which is a bit confusing) who were wrongly convicted and executed of some crime, largely due to xenophobia and the red scare. All that is true --- AND I learned about the players, dynamics between the (multiple) defense teams and their clients, the specific evidence (and lack thereof), and the role of allies in solidarity such as Irish socialist Mary Donovan, journalist Gardner Jackson, Elizabeth Glendower Evans "Auntie Bee," and many others.
It was inspiring (and tragic) to read about the uprisings all over the world in solidarity with the condemned men and numerous bombings, petitions and protests in the U.S. that served as outcries against the verdict. History repeats itself. I found myself a few times while reading this thinking, wtf? That evidence is crap! How is it that there was a law that made it so that you appealed to the same judge who ruled in the first case?! But he's clearly biased?! --- Then I reality checked myself -- this is the judicial system we have, and if you're Black, Brown and/or and Immigrant this is still the type of "justice" you can expect to receive.
If you have ever been curious about the specifics of the Sacco and Vanzetti case, I highly recommend this graphic novel. And before I fail to mention -- the drawings themselves are incredibly detailed and add significantly to the story---very effective.
July 22, 2016
I picked this up at the local public library a few days ago. I'm a Rick Geary fan, and this was one of his many books that I had not yet read. If you are not familiar with Geary, then I should say that he has created numerous "graphic-novel"-style books which recount famous true crime stories. Geary's style is somewhat sparse: traditional, black & white pen and ink set in rectilinear panels. There's a signature "static" feel to Geary's drawing. Everything tends to look frozen. Nevertheless, Geary effectively conveys facial expressions, and he seems to delight in architectural detail.
Because Geary's books are, in a sense, books of history, I am not put off by his static and traditionalist methods. In a way, these qualities, which in other comic books would detract from the narrative, instead complement the "documentary" seriousness of Geary's special subject-matter. The rigidity of it all is quite haunting, and therefore fitting.
Although I'm sure that the story of Sacco & Vanzetti has been told to me before, I couldn't remember anything about it, except that I knew that the two men were convicted of murder after a famous and controversial trial.
In short, on April 15th, 1920, in South Braintree, MA, two paymasters were transporting a cash payroll installment of approximately $16k from one shoe factory building to another. As they proceeded down the street, they were accosted by two men and shot to death. A blue Buick then pulled up and drove off after the two men jumped in with the cash boxes. The money was never seen again.
Sacco & Vanzetti were two Italian immigrants who later came under suspicion for the killing and robbery. S & V were part of an immigrant-Italian socialist/anarchist ring that was planning a revolution back in Italy. Sacco (a shoemaker by trade) and Vanzetti (a fishmonger) had been involved in distributing leftist and anarchist literature in the U.S.
The connection between the crime and S & V arose after police were asked to assist with the deportation of Coacci, a well-known, local anarchist whose house in Bridgewater was a meeting-place for "Italians of 'shady occupation.'" Police had found the blue Buick used in the S. Braintree murder/robbery in the woods near the Coacci residence. After Coacci's apprehension, someone named Mario Buda was found living in Coacci's house. Buda was questioned, the house was searched, but police found no incriminating evidence to connect Buda to the crime. Buda incidentally mentioned that his car was at a local Bridgewater shop for repairs.
Shortly thereafter, police discover that Buda is a well-known bomb-maker who is thought to have been among the perpetrators of a series of mail bomb attacks throughout the NE and midwest during 1919. (Among the intended victims were J.P. Morgan and the U.S. Attorney General.) So police quickly return to the Coacci residence, but find that Buda has taken flight. In hopes of apprehending Buda, police contact the repair shop where Buda is scheduled to pick up his vehicle.
The repair shop owner agrees to contact police when Buda shows up.
Enter S & V. They show up at the repair shop to pick up Buda's vehicle. Buda and another man arrive separately for a joint pick-up, but the four men decide to abandon the vehicle because the plates have expired. (This, incidentally, seems like an odd reason to abandon a vehicle! I think I would have taken my chances -- I can think of a few ways to replace the plates.)
Anyway, Buda and his companion have arrived at the repair shop by motorcycle, while S & Va have arrived on foot. All four men depart by their original means of transportation. Consequently, S & V are quickly apprehended, while Buda and company make a quick getaway, and elude the police.
Thus begins the seven-year spectacle of the S & V trial, the conviction, and several appeals, all of which culminate in execution by electric chair. Whether or not S & V were involved in the S. Braintree robbery and killings (which is doubtful), they definitely did not get a fair trial. The judge was biased, the evidence was tampered with, and key witnesses for the prosecution even recanted their testimony. Although S & V became international causes celebres, nobody could save them. And they maintained their innocence down to their last breaths.
Geary does a good job of providing the historical context behind the S & V trial. And the context makes the outcome seem almost inevitable. S & V were apprehended in 1920. Just the year before, a mail-bomb plot, targeting prominent U.S. citizens, had been foiled by the U.S. Post Office. As mentioned above, the US Attorney General's residence had subsequently been bombed, the only victim being the Italian anarchist who planted the bomb. Furthermore, at noon on September 16 of 1919, a tremendous explosion rocked Wall Street, killing 38 people and injuring some 200 more. It is now believed that Mario Buda -- the very man whose vehicle led to the apprehension of S & V -- constructed the Wall Street bomb.
A Red Scare was shaking the United States during 1919 and 1920. The Bolsheviks had recently prevailed in Russia, and cells of Italian anarchists were suspected of, and almost certainly responsible for, a series of bombings and bomb plots throughout the mid-western and NE United States. Although S & V were entitled to a fair trial in spite of all this, it's easy to see why they didn't get one and why appeals to fairness fell upon deaf ears. After all, they had aligned themselves with the Italian anarchist movement and the international socialist movement.
Is the U.S. a better place today? I'm not so sure, and it scares me to see so many parallels between the times of S & V and today. Back then, if you were an Italian anarchist and you were suspected of a crime, you were doomed. Today, if you are Muslim and suspected of a crime, you are also most probably doomed. It shouldn't be this way, but I fear that it is. Procedural safeguards fall to the wayside when public sentiment is strongly against any particular group.
Because Geary's books are, in a sense, books of history, I am not put off by his static and traditionalist methods. In a way, these qualities, which in other comic books would detract from the narrative, instead complement the "documentary" seriousness of Geary's special subject-matter. The rigidity of it all is quite haunting, and therefore fitting.
Although I'm sure that the story of Sacco & Vanzetti has been told to me before, I couldn't remember anything about it, except that I knew that the two men were convicted of murder after a famous and controversial trial.
In short, on April 15th, 1920, in South Braintree, MA, two paymasters were transporting a cash payroll installment of approximately $16k from one shoe factory building to another. As they proceeded down the street, they were accosted by two men and shot to death. A blue Buick then pulled up and drove off after the two men jumped in with the cash boxes. The money was never seen again.
Sacco & Vanzetti were two Italian immigrants who later came under suspicion for the killing and robbery. S & V were part of an immigrant-Italian socialist/anarchist ring that was planning a revolution back in Italy. Sacco (a shoemaker by trade) and Vanzetti (a fishmonger) had been involved in distributing leftist and anarchist literature in the U.S.
The connection between the crime and S & V arose after police were asked to assist with the deportation of Coacci, a well-known, local anarchist whose house in Bridgewater was a meeting-place for "Italians of 'shady occupation.'" Police had found the blue Buick used in the S. Braintree murder/robbery in the woods near the Coacci residence. After Coacci's apprehension, someone named Mario Buda was found living in Coacci's house. Buda was questioned, the house was searched, but police found no incriminating evidence to connect Buda to the crime. Buda incidentally mentioned that his car was at a local Bridgewater shop for repairs.
Shortly thereafter, police discover that Buda is a well-known bomb-maker who is thought to have been among the perpetrators of a series of mail bomb attacks throughout the NE and midwest during 1919. (Among the intended victims were J.P. Morgan and the U.S. Attorney General.) So police quickly return to the Coacci residence, but find that Buda has taken flight. In hopes of apprehending Buda, police contact the repair shop where Buda is scheduled to pick up his vehicle.
The repair shop owner agrees to contact police when Buda shows up.
Enter S & V. They show up at the repair shop to pick up Buda's vehicle. Buda and another man arrive separately for a joint pick-up, but the four men decide to abandon the vehicle because the plates have expired. (This, incidentally, seems like an odd reason to abandon a vehicle! I think I would have taken my chances -- I can think of a few ways to replace the plates.)
Anyway, Buda and his companion have arrived at the repair shop by motorcycle, while S & Va have arrived on foot. All four men depart by their original means of transportation. Consequently, S & V are quickly apprehended, while Buda and company make a quick getaway, and elude the police.
Thus begins the seven-year spectacle of the S & V trial, the conviction, and several appeals, all of which culminate in execution by electric chair. Whether or not S & V were involved in the S. Braintree robbery and killings (which is doubtful), they definitely did not get a fair trial. The judge was biased, the evidence was tampered with, and key witnesses for the prosecution even recanted their testimony. Although S & V became international causes celebres, nobody could save them. And they maintained their innocence down to their last breaths.
Geary does a good job of providing the historical context behind the S & V trial. And the context makes the outcome seem almost inevitable. S & V were apprehended in 1920. Just the year before, a mail-bomb plot, targeting prominent U.S. citizens, had been foiled by the U.S. Post Office. As mentioned above, the US Attorney General's residence had subsequently been bombed, the only victim being the Italian anarchist who planted the bomb. Furthermore, at noon on September 16 of 1919, a tremendous explosion rocked Wall Street, killing 38 people and injuring some 200 more. It is now believed that Mario Buda -- the very man whose vehicle led to the apprehension of S & V -- constructed the Wall Street bomb.
A Red Scare was shaking the United States during 1919 and 1920. The Bolsheviks had recently prevailed in Russia, and cells of Italian anarchists were suspected of, and almost certainly responsible for, a series of bombings and bomb plots throughout the mid-western and NE United States. Although S & V were entitled to a fair trial in spite of all this, it's easy to see why they didn't get one and why appeals to fairness fell upon deaf ears. After all, they had aligned themselves with the Italian anarchist movement and the international socialist movement.
Is the U.S. a better place today? I'm not so sure, and it scares me to see so many parallels between the times of S & V and today. Back then, if you were an Italian anarchist and you were suspected of a crime, you were doomed. Today, if you are Muslim and suspected of a crime, you are also most probably doomed. It shouldn't be this way, but I fear that it is. Procedural safeguards fall to the wayside when public sentiment is strongly against any particular group.
May 19, 2018
I had never heard of the case against Sacco and Vanzetti, which shows just how deeply prejudices are rooted and that because of such hate a fair trial was never going to happen. Sigh, America sometimes really sucks.
February 4, 2024
I’ve heard the Sacco and Vanzetti story many times, but this was the first time not in a political context, but as a historical “murder mystery.”
The illustrations are very good. Somehow I never know that their ashes were mixed and then interred separately back in Italy.
The illustrations are very good. Somehow I never know that their ashes were mixed and then interred separately back in Italy.
June 23, 2020
I love Geary's thing. Meticulous research, packaged up and presented in graphic novel form.
More of this please always. Particularly centering people who are not white.
More of this please always. Particularly centering people who are not white.
April 18, 2017
Rick Geary does it again with another graphic true crime non-fiction book! I'd heard of Sacco and Vanzetti before, but knew nothing about what they did (or were accused of doing). I found this narrative to be a bit confusing, principally because it's a convoluted series of events. Sacco and Vanzetti were two Italian immigrants accused of murdering and robbing two men who were delivering two boxes of pay envelopes to a nearby factory in eastern Massachusetts in 1920. It's really not clear whether they were guilty or innocent, and Geary presents theories supporting both views. If only they had had modern forensics back then! As usual, I found Geary's artwork perfect for the subject, even adding a touch of humor. Also as usual, he included a bibliography in the front of the book so that interested readers could explore the case in more depth. I know I have a fairly recent adult book on the case, which I now have to dig up and read. Teens with any kind of interest in true crime should love this series. Highly recommended!
January 18, 2016
A dry, but intriguing, look into the lives of one of the most infamous instances of injustice in American society. Were Sacco and Vanzetti guilty? With retrospect, it's easy to argue that neither were guilty or that one was and the other simply bit the bullet. However, it's also easy to see that this case was handled very poorly and in an unfair matter simply because of their race and political beliefs.
That said, the book doesn't really wring its hands trying to present the two of them as saints or of completely bedeviling those who did them wrong. It's simple, but detailed drawings and near legalistic writing makes it a simple and easy to read accounting of the experience. It goes into pertinent details, lays out facts, and only really dwells in the unknown to illustrate the complexity of the situation.
Not a book that everyone will love: it's dry and historical tone will bore many. But for anyone with an interest in learning about history in an engaging way, this is a fun read.
That said, the book doesn't really wring its hands trying to present the two of them as saints or of completely bedeviling those who did them wrong. It's simple, but detailed drawings and near legalistic writing makes it a simple and easy to read accounting of the experience. It goes into pertinent details, lays out facts, and only really dwells in the unknown to illustrate the complexity of the situation.
Not a book that everyone will love: it's dry and historical tone will bore many. But for anyone with an interest in learning about history in an engaging way, this is a fun read.
November 20, 2012
I don't know what it is about this series, but I LOOOOVE them all. I take that back -- maybe I *DO* know what it is. I love true crime. Check. I love well-done, non-fiction graphic novels (cartoons? Not so much.) Check. I like materials that strive to project unbiased, fair coverage. Check. And, I love young adult/juvenile titles. Check. I truly can't go wrong with this series. I can't say that this was my favorite in Geary's series, nor can I say anything negative about it. My 5 star ranking may be a bit biased, bearing in mind all my aforementioned interests. But, this IS goood.
April 4, 2012
And interesting case that contains a lot of what ifs. However, I don't feel Geary's cramming information into every available space style fit this particular book. I missed a lot of the story because so much of the blocked in dialog was too small to see. There was also too much going on in the story that I would have liked to have seen it go on for a few more pages. Overall, an interesting book with a few flaws that boys will devour.
October 10, 2012
I love Rick Geary's graphic novels because of his artistic illustrations which are clean, directed and not visually over-the-top; his text and panel descriptions are easy to understand and worded in a way that without even thinking about it, the reader is thinking about what s/he has just read. I found myself getting disgusted with the judge, the prosecution and defense teams and, the investigation without consideration that it was being offered to me in comic-format!
September 19, 2014
Concise graphics and dialogue questioning the guilty verdict of the two immigrant anarchists accused of killing two men in Massachusetts in April 1920. Witnesses and evidence overwhelmingly exonerate the men, but this was at the height of the Red Scare and the Palmer Raids. Judge of the case was determined to find them guilty and evidence was tampered. Seven years of appeals and a global outcry did not save them. Great illustrations to compliment the story.
May 27, 2015
I thought that this graphic novel was an awesome read. Being that is took place in the 1900's in the New England region, and the two main characters were Italian immigrants. It intrigued me like no other, the discrimination and unfair testament blows minds how it could ever take place. Over all I gave "The Lives of Sacco and Vanzetti" five out of five stars for its overall greatness and pleasure to read. I would most definitely recommend this graphic novel to friends.
May 19, 2018
This story was really interesting! Rick Geary does a great job (in all of his books) of laying out the facts clearly and concisely, which allows the reader to form their own judgments of the cases. I didn't know about Sacco and Vanzetti before reading this. After reading it, I felt enough information was covered that I understood this part of history very well. But it was so intriguing, I wanted to continue reading more about it!
May 1, 2016
Not my favorite of the Rick Geary books. Perhaps that's due to the wholly unsatisfying ending, although that's not really Geary's fault. I do prefer the stories with a little more intrigue about the crime itself (Lizzie Borden, the Bloody Benders) but this one focused more on the trial and the appeals and protests, which was not so interesting to me.
January 24, 2012
I am almost certain sacco & vanzetti were innocent - but this book does a great job of detailing point-by-point the crime, case & punishment against of the two men and ultimately leaves it up to the reader to decide what the truth is.
April 14, 2012
Another fantastic true story told by the inimitable Rick Geary. My husband was familiar with the case but I was not. An absolute travesty of justice-whatever happened to "beyond any reasonable doubt"? Read a great graphic novel, learn important history: Win, win!!
June 1, 2012
Good graphic novel interpretation of the Sacco and Vanzetti case. The most important aspect of the story was the unfair trial the two got. Book does not answer the question of whether or not the two were guilty, but raise questions on both sides.
June 19, 2012
I was glued from page one to this account of the controversial trial of Sacco and Vanzetti. While the artwork didn't blow me away, the graphic format lends itself well to clearly portraying the facts of the case.
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