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Right State
Just in time for the fall election, this race-against-time political thriller follows an ex Special Forces commando who goes undercover with a militia group that's plotting to assassinate the second African-American President of the U.S.In the week leading up to a major campaign speech, the Secret Service discovers that an extremist militia group is plotting to assassinate America's second African American President. The best chance to advert this crisis is to infiltrate the group using an ex-Special Forces war hero turned conservative media pundit named Ted Akers. While Aker's politics make him a hero to the right-wing fringe and no friend to the current Administration, he takes the assignment and what follows is an adrenaline fueled race against time to stop a President from dying and a country from being ripped apart. An original graphic novel by Mat Johnson (INCOGNEGRO, DARK RAIN) and Andrea Mutti.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Mat Johnson
42 books443 followersMat Johnson is an American writer of literary fiction who works in both prose and the comics format. In 2007, he was named the first USA James Baldwin Fellow by United States Artists.
Johnson was born and raised in the Germantown and Mount Airy communities in Philadelphia.
His mother is African American and his father is Irish Catholic. He attended Greene Street Friends School, West Chester University, University of Wales, Swansea, and ultimately received his B.A. from Earlham College. In 1993 he was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Johnson received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts (1999).
Johnson has taught at Rutgers University, Columbia University, Bard College, and The Callaloo Journal Writers Retreat. He is now a permanent faculty member at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Johnson lives in Houston.
Johnson was born and raised in the Germantown and Mount Airy communities in Philadelphia.
His mother is African American and his father is Irish Catholic. He attended Greene Street Friends School, West Chester University, University of Wales, Swansea, and ultimately received his B.A. from Earlham College. In 1993 he was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Johnson received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts (1999).
Johnson has taught at Rutgers University, Columbia University, Bard College, and The Callaloo Journal Writers Retreat. He is now a permanent faculty member at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Johnson lives in Houston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 9, 2015
**Buddy read with the Shallow Comic Readers, theme this week: Indies!***
In this original graphic novel for Vertigo, writer Mat Johnson and Andrea Mutti conjure up a tale set in 2020, when the second black president is up for re-election. The Secret Service, wary about an open-air speech the president is planning on giving in front of the Lincoln Memorial, decides to infiltrate a right-wing militia with an explosive personality at the helm. Recruiting a popular conservative TV talking head, the race is on to determine if this militia group is really about promoting American liberty or something more sinister.
Some of the other reviewers for this book, even those by self-identified liberal readers, think Johnson uses too many cliches and is only pushing a particular political agenda here. I don't agree. Turn on any right-wing radio or TV "personality" show on FOX, and many of the things the militia members say in this book are uttered right there for their audience. Additionally, I have heard many of these statements from people I know personally. I think Johnson is just using a slice of contemporary American political life to pen a rather gripping morality tale on legacies and political activism.
I only gave three stars to the book because I do feel that Johnson relies a bit too much on stereotypes and even borrows some ideas from the original Manchurian Candidate movie starring Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury. The art by Mutti, while good, is in black and white, and there are a few instances where faces are muddled and it's unclear who is who, and one particular character who appears to be black, but where that wouldn't make sense in the context of the story. Maybe she is, I dunno.
Still, it was an entertaining read. It's an oddly sized book, not the usual dimensions of a regular comic trade, and that makes it stand out. I think if Johnson and Mutti had just put a little more effort into this story, it could easily have been a four or even five star read.
In this original graphic novel for Vertigo, writer Mat Johnson and Andrea Mutti conjure up a tale set in 2020, when the second black president is up for re-election. The Secret Service, wary about an open-air speech the president is planning on giving in front of the Lincoln Memorial, decides to infiltrate a right-wing militia with an explosive personality at the helm. Recruiting a popular conservative TV talking head, the race is on to determine if this militia group is really about promoting American liberty or something more sinister.
Some of the other reviewers for this book, even those by self-identified liberal readers, think Johnson uses too many cliches and is only pushing a particular political agenda here. I don't agree. Turn on any right-wing radio or TV "personality" show on FOX, and many of the things the militia members say in this book are uttered right there for their audience. Additionally, I have heard many of these statements from people I know personally. I think Johnson is just using a slice of contemporary American political life to pen a rather gripping morality tale on legacies and political activism.
I only gave three stars to the book because I do feel that Johnson relies a bit too much on stereotypes and even borrows some ideas from the original Manchurian Candidate movie starring Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury. The art by Mutti, while good, is in black and white, and there are a few instances where faces are muddled and it's unclear who is who, and one particular character who appears to be black, but where that wouldn't make sense in the context of the story. Maybe she is, I dunno.
Still, it was an entertaining read. It's an oddly sized book, not the usual dimensions of a regular comic trade, and that makes it stand out. I think if Johnson and Mutti had just put a little more effort into this story, it could easily have been a four or even five star read.
September 25, 2012
I like Mat Johnson's work, especially Incognegro and his Hellblazer: Papa Midnite miniseries, so I was looking forward to Right State. It was ultimately, however, disappointing. The premise itself is fairly preposterous: a high-profile, "centrist" pundit is enlisted by the Secret Service to infiltrate a right-wing militia that is plotting an assassination. I never felt that the main character's struggle with his own growing belief in the militia's ideology was satisfactorily developed to be plausible. It could have potentially worked, but it would have required more subtlety and nuance in terms of politics than what is evident here.
As a political thriller, the story takes some predictable turns before throwing in an unlikely red herring that raises some unresolved plot questions. The plot also requires some very high profile political figures to make some very stupid decisions and expose themselves in ways that real, savvy operatives would know to avoid.
The art by Andrea Mutti is also disappointing. I like Mutti's work on The Executor, but here, some characters become indistinguishable, or are often inconsistently drawn, and clear transitions or establishing shots are missing. For example, in an early scene, two militia members are killed in a shootout, while two others survive, yet it's never clear that more than two militia members were present in the first place.
This graphic novel had the potential to be cool, timely, and resonant, transcending genre boundaries to make a strong comment about today's complex and contentious political landscape and to offer a warning for the future. Unfortunately, it doesn't live up to that potential.
As a political thriller, the story takes some predictable turns before throwing in an unlikely red herring that raises some unresolved plot questions. The plot also requires some very high profile political figures to make some very stupid decisions and expose themselves in ways that real, savvy operatives would know to avoid.
The art by Andrea Mutti is also disappointing. I like Mutti's work on The Executor, but here, some characters become indistinguishable, or are often inconsistently drawn, and clear transitions or establishing shots are missing. For example, in an early scene, two militia members are killed in a shootout, while two others survive, yet it's never clear that more than two militia members were present in the first place.
This graphic novel had the potential to be cool, timely, and resonant, transcending genre boundaries to make a strong comment about today's complex and contentious political landscape and to offer a warning for the future. Unfortunately, it doesn't live up to that potential.
December 16, 2012
When I finished this book, I really wanted to write a review but I just didn't know how. I had read reviews of it - both good and bad. I'm not sure I agree with any of them. Right State is a powerful thriller that takes an extremely political stance which would likely appeal to readers from both side of the political arena because, I'm sure this book will give you whatever you want to take away from it. It grapples with the extremes of our political system. Punditry vs. humanity. Left vs. Right. Mainstream vs. Outlier. Sounds fantastic, right? But in the end, I finished reading and felt oddly blank. I felt no more clearly defined, no more right or wrong about my political state, and no better or worse.
The illustrations were gripping, the characters felt very true. I, however, was left only with the horror of my own apathy and I had been expecting...something, anything more.
The illustrations were gripping, the characters felt very true. I, however, was left only with the horror of my own apathy and I had been expecting...something, anything more.
July 17, 2014
I wanted to read this because I absolutely love love love Johnson's graphic novel Incognegro. While I was unable to put the book down, I hardly understood the premise. The lettering and illustrations made the novel difficult to understand all by themselves. And honestly, i'm not quite sure what I think of Right State.
The book was not terrible (2.5 stars).
The book was not terrible (2.5 stars).
April 9, 2024
There was some potential here, but the characters were so flat and so much of this book relied on stereotypes that any story development or message hit like a hammer. Subtlety was thrown on the bonfire during the opening pages. It could have been an interesting thriller, but the end felt like twists out of nowhere and things just happened without any set up or reason. Gotta love that the "centrist" character just keeps dropping casual bigotry towards the one non-white person he interacts with in the book and doesn't appear to learn anything about this. The "centrist" is apparently radicalizing the militias and he's surprised because they were "just words" but the guy talks like a Hannity impersonator.
November 7, 2017
This is an excellent book and appropriate for what is happening in America right now. A Veteran turned Talk Show Conservative is asked by a former lover to infiltrate a Right Wing Militia group who is plotting to kill the 2nd African American President. He is forced to examine his past and own bigotry when he discovers that the group is planning to incite racial tensions as a part of their plan.
Mat Johnson is the type of writer that is needed in America because our nation needs to examine its own racist legacy. The artwork is excellent and realistic. A must read for those who love action with a bit of social commentary.
Mat Johnson is the type of writer that is needed in America because our nation needs to examine its own racist legacy. The artwork is excellent and realistic. A must read for those who love action with a bit of social commentary.
October 19, 2017
Could have been so much better. It has an interesting protagonist, an interesting villain and even an interesting villain's wife. Yet, most of the story moves the hero from one point to another, listening to crap-talking bullies and shouting into his phone (seriously? phone? they don't have anything better in the secret service? and how come they can't trace his phone?). In the end, it also comes into a disappointing ending, with a stupid plan it is unbelievable anyone though it would have been working in the first place. What a sham
July 18, 2022
Right State is a graphic novel that imagines a then future where the second black president is running for reelection in 2020 and the FBI enlist a centrist TV pundit to infiltrate a militia that has planned an assassination attempt.
The novel showcases far FAR right characters that could be mocked by by the left but you can't help but feel like they are also there to appeal to the right leaning crowd. I did not appreciate the main character Ted's Islamophobia towards the FBI agent that recruits his and was not endeared by this.
However I did enjoy Andrea Mutti's artwork.
The novel showcases far FAR right characters that could be mocked by by the left but you can't help but feel like they are also there to appeal to the right leaning crowd. I did not appreciate the main character Ted's Islamophobia towards the FBI agent that recruits his and was not endeared by this.
However I did enjoy Andrea Mutti's artwork.
October 6, 2019
Don't know how I missed this one back in 2012, but it is an excellent extrapolation of the Tea Party and militia movements that exploded during the Obama presidency. There's even a book signed by a right-wing politician and given to a fan that reads "Let's make America Great Again."
I'm not saying Mat Johnson inspired Trump, but it is curious.....
I'm not saying Mat Johnson inspired Trump, but it is curious.....
September 28, 2017
Un thriller fantapolitico che si concentra sull'attentato al presidente degli stati uniti e sui gruppi paramilitari statunitensi. Storia nella media, disegni nella media. Godibile, non trascendentale.
December 19, 2017
Not my favourite, pretty flat story line...
June 10, 2018
Story was a nicely contorted conspiracy, the art felt average. Not great, but acceptable to pass some time.
August 30, 2024
Right State, Mat Johnson
Intense political tale. "These guys aren't a threat to the nation, they're a threat to themselves and everyone around them.."
Intense political tale. "These guys aren't a threat to the nation, they're a threat to themselves and everyone around them.."
October 12, 2012
It is difficult for me to write this review since this is 1 of only 2 graphic novels I have scored as a result of Goodreads giveaways. Despite being a comic geek to the core, I didn't like this graphic novel at all. As was stated by another reviewer, it felt very much like propaganda. Unfortunately it took away my ability to enjoy the political intrigue by essentially labeling everyone on the right wing as an extremist.
Regardless of your political leanings, the story felt contrived and far-fetched. The text of the graphic novel makes blatant political statements rather than utilizing the subtlety that would have made it a successful story.
Although the incorporation of political ideas has always been central to comics and graphic novels, and is originally what made them a success, Right State felt more like the author screaming his political views in your face rather than allowing you to see them by being entertained first. Essentially it wasn't even very successful at being propaganda.
My only praise for this book is that the illustration by Andrea Mutti was well done.
Sorry Vertigo/DC but this one wasn't a winner but please don't let that stop you from sending me more graphic novels in the future....
Regardless of your political leanings, the story felt contrived and far-fetched. The text of the graphic novel makes blatant political statements rather than utilizing the subtlety that would have made it a successful story.
Although the incorporation of political ideas has always been central to comics and graphic novels, and is originally what made them a success, Right State felt more like the author screaming his political views in your face rather than allowing you to see them by being entertained first. Essentially it wasn't even very successful at being propaganda.
My only praise for this book is that the illustration by Andrea Mutti was well done.
Sorry Vertigo/DC but this one wasn't a winner but please don't let that stop you from sending me more graphic novels in the future....
January 13, 2016
Shallow premise, hackneyed dialogue that often doesn't follow from one person's part of a conversation to the next, a date error within the first eight pages (the first page dates the story as taking place in 2020, a few pages later it's 2010), characters with unclear or absent motivation, and a predictable plot that just kind of shuffles around without anything relevant happening for long stretches of time. The right wing militants who are the book's main antagonists spout the kind of embarrassingly-generic racist bad guy dialogue that could only be written by somebody who has studiously avoided studying the way real right-wingers and racists talk or what their motivations might be. If you're going to write about militants then look to real militants and examine their views, don't simply regurgitate a bunch of cardboard villains who are racist, crazy, generically evil, or some combination thereof, as the end result is going to be transparently inauthentic.
Vertigo used to produce great stories, but Right State is one of a number of obvious attempts to churn out a backdoor movie script through the once-sterling publisher.
Vertigo used to produce great stories, but Right State is one of a number of obvious attempts to churn out a backdoor movie script through the once-sterling publisher.
December 7, 2012
Twenty five years ago artists such as Timothy Truman,Scott McCloud,Matt Wagner and Alan Moore were expanding the limits of what could be done in the realm of comic books and graphic novels but if 'Right State' is an example of where the genre finds itself now,things have taken a turn for the banal...silly stereotypes(the redneck peckerwoods who speak in Hate Radio cliche's are the worst offenders),tedious plotting,hackneyed dialogue and drawing that is unable to differentiate between characters make this a painful read...but,at least,it's short...
March 18, 2013
If you ever wanted to see an extreme exaggeration of left and right wing politics in graphic novel form, this is for you. If you like good writing this is not for you. Sadly, that harsh statement is true. Author Mat Johnson shows just how ugly politics to the extreme could be but in such a comically ridiculous way that its impossible to take the story serious. Every character was a stereotype and it was appallingly bad. The art by Andrea Mutti was good but there was nothing that could save the dreadful story. Skip it.
October 15, 2012
As I was reading this Errol leaned over and said "isn't that a boy comic?" and I said huh, I suppose so. I really really enjoyed Incognegro so I jumped on this one -- the plot is not as well-fleshed-out or satisfying but I still kind of enjoyed it as a political assasination militia flavored thrill ride. Will they save the president? What is America, really? Etc. Kind of fluffy, maybe unintentionally so, but still a page-turner, and that counts for something.
January 15, 2013
I'm not a huge fan of political thrillers at any time, but I found this one particularly disappointing. I had a hard time following the story (not only because of the lettering that made all the As look like Rs... I kept thinking I was reading about "militirs"), and I didn't connect to any of the characters or their motives, except maybe Asif.
June 20, 2020
Shrill exploration of extreme right wing politics centering around a militia movement and its charismatic leader. The conservatives all come off as crazy, and the liberal administration is portrayed as a scheming political machine--we don't see enough of the President to judge his sincerity. The story works well enough as a thriller, like an episode of "24."
August 18, 2016
A political thriller in graphic novel form, about a conservative talking head who gets tangled up with a violent anti-government domestic terrorism group. Johnson has a forthright, fast-paced style that manages to include a wide range of povs and more than a few plot twists. Not really my cup of tea, in terms of its topic, but I'm always interested to see what this author is up to.
February 5, 2013
I found this book to be different from the types of books that I read, even so, I enjoyed this book very much. I passed it around my group of friends and they all enjoyed it was well. Different but good.
Read
December 12, 2012Briskly plotted graphic novel about the infiltration of a right wing militia before an assassination attempt.
Clever, but the political stuff is less than nuanced. The art is very good although as a black and white comic about race, one of the skin tones, especially of the women, were confusing.
Clever, but the political stuff is less than nuanced. The art is very good although as a black and white comic about race, one of the skin tones, especially of the women, were confusing.
January 8, 2013
Having been bummed out about reading the last of DMZ by Brian Wood this one struck me as part in the same genre (although nothing can came close to DMZ). It's a short read but worth it. I like the setting (PA and DC) and there is some carefully placed humor as well.
April 2, 2013
What makes this book terrifying is its ability to feel prescient without being precious. Armed militia going up against a minority president? not so far-fetched. Not the best graphic novel I've read, but not awful.
August 17, 2016
Difficult and shallow premise which - despite being speculative is rather easily dated. That said I still enjoyed it enough given where we're at currently w/ the American election -also it's just expertly drawn, exquisite in fact. So not without its charms. But no classic.
December 21, 2022
Excellent book!!!
Want to read
August 15, 2012I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Hope to read it soon. Thanks.
Want to read
August 15, 2012I won this book from First Reads Giveaway. Waiting to read it when I receive it. Thanks.
November 17, 2014
(goodreads says that people who enjoyed this also enjoyed the sweet valley high graphic novel. so maybe i should read babymouse now)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews