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Two Generals
A beautifully illustrated and poignant graphic memoir that tells the story of World War II from an Everyman's perspective. In March of 1943, Scott Chantler's grandfather, Law Chantler, shipped out across the Atlantic for active service with the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, along with his best friend, Jack, a fellow officer. Not long afterward, they would find themselves making a rocky crossing of the English Channel, about to take part in one of the most pivotal and treacherous military operations of World War the Allied invasion of Normandy. Two Generals tells the story of what happened there through the eyes of these two young men -- not the celebrated military commanders or politicians we often hear about, but everyday heroes who risked their lives for the Allied cause. Meticulously researched and gorgeously illustrated, Two Generals is a harrowing story of battle and a touching story of friendship -- and a vital and vibrant record of unsung heroism.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2010
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663 people want to read
About the author
Scott Chantler
43 books103 followersScott Chantler is the acclaimed cartoonist of the graphic novels SQUIRE& KNIGHT, BIX, TWO GENERALS (which was long-listed for CBC’s CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES, named one of Chapters-Indigo’s Best Books of 2010, and selected for BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2012), NORTHWEST PASSAGE (which was nominated for Eisner, Harvey, Shuster, and Doug Wright Awards), and the THREE THIEVES series (the first book of which, TOWER OF TREASURE, won the Joe Shuster Award for Best Comic for Kids).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 26, 2012
I am feeling quartered over Two Generals. In one quarter, I dig Scott Chantler's art with reservations; in another, I am impressed by his portrayal of the Nazis, when he happens to portray them at all; in another, I am simultaneously disappointed with his propaganda of Canadian excellence and pleased that he shows Juno beach, the least talked about beach in the Normandy invasion; in another, I am disappointed that the two parts of the Two Generals are all there is.
His art: Chantler's illustrations are beautiful. There is a delicacy at odds with their perfect linear geometry that makes the illustrations surprisingly emotive. I didn't expect such emotion to be conveyed by a graphic illustrator whose style is simplicity, but I was wrong. Moreover, Chantler's use of close ups and repetition, mostly used in quiet moments, added a gravity that I appreciated. There was a problem for me, however, and that was that everything was too clean. Chantler shows limbs blown off and a foxhole full of Canadian dead, but even those moments are clean. I am not sure that Chantler's style can ever be anything but clean, which makes it a poor style, ultimately, for the portrayal of war. See, I am torn.
His view of the Nazis: The Hollywood view of Nazis as buffoons or Nazis as pure evil is both inaccurate and, I believe, dangerously reductive. Not recognizing that they were regular people, living regular lives, who engaged in terrible things (or tacitly agreed to letting terrible thigns happen) makes it much easier for us to believe we could never do such things, which makes it much easier for such things to happen. Chantler doesn't go the Hollywood route. His Nazis are, indeed, regular folks. Fervent believers, but regular folks. Until, that is, he comes to Rommel and Hitler. The former is the accepted stereotype of the good and honourable German soldier trapped by circumstance, and the latter is the magnetic cult leader of our nightmares (a little more Manson that Hitler, actually). These portrayals, though, are as they are because these historical figures only appear on a couple of pages. I'd like to see Chantler write another of these historical graphic novels about Rommel. I wonder what that would be like?
His propaganda: Living in Canada, having been raised by a Canadian Mum in amongst Canadians, having been educated by Canadians, I know how unappreciated Canadians feel for their contributions to victory in WWI and WWII. They feel very unappreciated. It makes sense then that Chantler, whose grandfather, Law Chantler (the protagonist of Two Generals) fought in the Normandy invasion, would write and draw about Canada's D-Day beachhead, Juno Beach. Furthermore, it makes sense that he would be writing to inform us all of Canada's WWII military excellence. But it bothers me just a little bit. I agree that Britain and the U.S. underappreciate the contribution of Canada (and England's other colonies for that matter), but I have a hard time with the desire seek appreciation for contributions to war. And when my reservations are coupled with Chantler's none-to-subtle suggestions that Canadians were the most poorly supplied, the biggest underdogs, and still made the most important contributions at every step of the D-Day invasion -- the crucial contributions that made victory possible -- I can't stop myself from squirming in my chair.
My disappointment: Yet I find myself, despite how I am torn by this book, wishing that it was much, much longer. I didn't want this to end. I wanted to see more of Law Chantler's time in Europe, and I wanted to see much more of the Canadian contribution (minus the bias) to the entirety of the war. I hope Chantler continues to write personal histories of people and events. He has a gift.
His art: Chantler's illustrations are beautiful. There is a delicacy at odds with their perfect linear geometry that makes the illustrations surprisingly emotive. I didn't expect such emotion to be conveyed by a graphic illustrator whose style is simplicity, but I was wrong. Moreover, Chantler's use of close ups and repetition, mostly used in quiet moments, added a gravity that I appreciated. There was a problem for me, however, and that was that everything was too clean. Chantler shows limbs blown off and a foxhole full of Canadian dead, but even those moments are clean. I am not sure that Chantler's style can ever be anything but clean, which makes it a poor style, ultimately, for the portrayal of war. See, I am torn.
His view of the Nazis: The Hollywood view of Nazis as buffoons or Nazis as pure evil is both inaccurate and, I believe, dangerously reductive. Not recognizing that they were regular people, living regular lives, who engaged in terrible things (or tacitly agreed to letting terrible thigns happen) makes it much easier for us to believe we could never do such things, which makes it much easier for such things to happen. Chantler doesn't go the Hollywood route. His Nazis are, indeed, regular folks. Fervent believers, but regular folks. Until, that is, he comes to Rommel and Hitler. The former is the accepted stereotype of the good and honourable German soldier trapped by circumstance, and the latter is the magnetic cult leader of our nightmares (a little more Manson that Hitler, actually). These portrayals, though, are as they are because these historical figures only appear on a couple of pages. I'd like to see Chantler write another of these historical graphic novels about Rommel. I wonder what that would be like?
His propaganda: Living in Canada, having been raised by a Canadian Mum in amongst Canadians, having been educated by Canadians, I know how unappreciated Canadians feel for their contributions to victory in WWI and WWII. They feel very unappreciated. It makes sense then that Chantler, whose grandfather, Law Chantler (the protagonist of Two Generals) fought in the Normandy invasion, would write and draw about Canada's D-Day beachhead, Juno Beach. Furthermore, it makes sense that he would be writing to inform us all of Canada's WWII military excellence. But it bothers me just a little bit. I agree that Britain and the U.S. underappreciate the contribution of Canada (and England's other colonies for that matter), but I have a hard time with the desire seek appreciation for contributions to war. And when my reservations are coupled with Chantler's none-to-subtle suggestions that Canadians were the most poorly supplied, the biggest underdogs, and still made the most important contributions at every step of the D-Day invasion -- the crucial contributions that made victory possible -- I can't stop myself from squirming in my chair.
My disappointment: Yet I find myself, despite how I am torn by this book, wishing that it was much, much longer. I didn't want this to end. I wanted to see more of Law Chantler's time in Europe, and I wanted to see much more of the Canadian contribution (minus the bias) to the entirety of the war. I hope Chantler continues to write personal histories of people and events. He has a gift.
November 5, 2012
A poor showing by Scott Chantler, who is by all accounts (if awards are to be thought of as accounts) something of an accomplished graphic novelist. This graphic novel, Two Generals, reminds me of stereotypes of Can lit as suffering from such an inferiority complex that it feels the need to do everything in a painfully dull and sincere way so as to assure readers that it can in fact be taken quite seriously because it follows as the Rules and Decorum of Serious Fiction. As a result there are panels like the one pictured above where we readers are informed by the (terribly subtle choice of red) colour scheme that something is amiss outside the building. The colour scheme throughout - green is “narrative,” black is “memory” and red is “blood and death” - is so simplistic as to be obnoxious. Similarly, the text of the novel reads as if it were borrowed wholesale from the recorded minutes of the local historical society when the very dullest and driest speaker was at work - e.g. “At 1:30Pm, with the men of the HLI back aboard, the first of the landing craft began to make their way out of the port of southhampton” (56 - and I swear to you, I turned to a page at random) and so lacks any (any) sense of character or a compelling plot. I mean the plot is the INVASION OF NORMANDY and I was bored. And I certainly didn’t care a whit about the death of one of the Generals. Perhaps because I had repeatedly been told that “this would be his last Christmas,” or “not all of them would be alive at the end of the day.” I’m not an uncaring person, but really, I feel an instinctive defense toward indifference and scorn when I’m prompted with such terribly written lines.
Maybe the silver lining here is that in identifying this work as terrible I’ll earn your trust as a reader of Can lit. So while you’d be pressed to find a bigger booster of Canadian history, or a more defensive champion of the triumphs of Can lit, you can know that when I’m praising national works I’m not doing so (just) because I’m a little nationalist, but because often times Canadian authors are busy writing truly remarkable, and often under-recognized, work. This is certainly not the case with Two Generals, which I would hope - despite it’s purported mission of helping us all remember - will quickly be forgotten and not integrated like so many other poorly crafted historical fiction (*cough* Paul Gross’s Psschendaele) into the school curriculum just because the Historica-Dominion Society thinks its a good idea. Oh wow, so turns out I have a lot of hostility toward this particular book. And so as a good Canadian, let me just say: Sorry?
Maybe the silver lining here is that in identifying this work as terrible I’ll earn your trust as a reader of Can lit. So while you’d be pressed to find a bigger booster of Canadian history, or a more defensive champion of the triumphs of Can lit, you can know that when I’m praising national works I’m not doing so (just) because I’m a little nationalist, but because often times Canadian authors are busy writing truly remarkable, and often under-recognized, work. This is certainly not the case with Two Generals, which I would hope - despite it’s purported mission of helping us all remember - will quickly be forgotten and not integrated like so many other poorly crafted historical fiction (*cough* Paul Gross’s Psschendaele) into the school curriculum just because the Historica-Dominion Society thinks its a good idea. Oh wow, so turns out I have a lot of hostility toward this particular book. And so as a good Canadian, let me just say: Sorry?
July 17, 2011
Very few comics have made me cry. This is one of them. The last handful of pages are masterful, as Scott Chantler reframes a scene we've visited several times before in the book, giving it new resonance and tying the whole narrative together in a way that packs real power. It's a brilliant example of thoughtful storytelling, emotional without being manipulative. But then, there isn't a pen stroke in this comic that isn't perfectly planned. Two Generals should be given to all prospective cartoonists as a tutorial on how to visually tell tales. Adhering to a strict layout based on a nine-panel grid, Chantler frequently relies on silence and small details to relate change, movement, and outward expression of inner thought and feeling. His pin-point eyes tell more about a character's internal conflict than most other comics artists manage when rendering a complete face. Also, his sparse use of color avoids gimmickry and instead conveys an added layer of meaning. The portentous use of the dark wine color that also adorns the cover of this handsomely designed graphic novel alerts us to deaths to come, like a more serious employment of the Star Trek red shirt. Except here, under the grim specter of war, any man is as expendable as any other.
Two Generals is based in large part on the diaries of the author's grandfather, a lieutenant in the Canadian army in World War II. Chantler's approach is, in some ways, "just the facts, ma'am," avoiding mawkish sentimentality; yet, he is not scared of nostalgia, humor, or genuine human connection. The comic also manages to honor the brave fighters without cheerleading or propaganda, in much the same way another visual medium, television, payed tribute to the soldiers in the miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific. I'm considering putting Two Generals on the same shelf as those DVD sets, even if it would fly in the face of my compulsive filing system. Someone get this novel in the hands of Tom Hanks, stat.
Two Generals is based in large part on the diaries of the author's grandfather, a lieutenant in the Canadian army in World War II. Chantler's approach is, in some ways, "just the facts, ma'am," avoiding mawkish sentimentality; yet, he is not scared of nostalgia, humor, or genuine human connection. The comic also manages to honor the brave fighters without cheerleading or propaganda, in much the same way another visual medium, television, payed tribute to the soldiers in the miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific. I'm considering putting Two Generals on the same shelf as those DVD sets, even if it would fly in the face of my compulsive filing system. Someone get this novel in the hands of Tom Hanks, stat.
October 6, 2025
3.7 (biblio)
November 28, 2012
Shelves of WWII books dominate the history section of bookstores. Yet the vastness of that conflict is reduced to just a few narrow subjects. The same paratroopers, tank commanders, and fighter aces tend to receive the greatest attention. Two Generals, a graphic novel about an officer in the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, is a refreshing contribution to WWII history. Scott Chantler's visual approach presents his grandfather's experience in a way more meaningful than simple text might allow.
The illustration style and production quality of Two Generals is excellent. The bulk of the story is told in sepia-greys, with emotional or violent panels set in red. Producing the hardcover edition in the form of a diary (with bookmark) was an especially nice touch.
Scott Chantler is a cartoonist and illustrator. He took on the historian's role by referencing his grandfather's personal diary and the official Highland Light Infantry of Canada unit history. He spoke with the current battalion historian and interviewed a veteran who served during WWII. I had the greatest fun researching my own WWII book, so I am eager to read the background to his story.
As well-researched as it is, I feel I must point out one historical inaccuracy. On two pages there is a depiction of German paratroopers dropping into the battle. Although these Fallschirmjäger were certainly present for the Normandy fighting, they did not arrive from the sky. Superior Allied air power prevented German flights and Hitler was uneasy about large scale air drops after the disaster in Crete, so the paratroopers arrived by truck and by foot. Chantler can be forgiven for this mistake, because the scene is based on the perceptions of his grandfather. I interviewed several Normandy veteran GIs who shared this misconception. In the weeks after hitting the beach there was a persistent rumor of German paratroopers dropping behind Allied lines. History proved it to be false, but to the main character of Two Generals the talk of paratroopers was real enough.
The illustration style and production quality of Two Generals is excellent. The bulk of the story is told in sepia-greys, with emotional or violent panels set in red. Producing the hardcover edition in the form of a diary (with bookmark) was an especially nice touch.
Scott Chantler is a cartoonist and illustrator. He took on the historian's role by referencing his grandfather's personal diary and the official Highland Light Infantry of Canada unit history. He spoke with the current battalion historian and interviewed a veteran who served during WWII. I had the greatest fun researching my own WWII book, so I am eager to read the background to his story.
As well-researched as it is, I feel I must point out one historical inaccuracy. On two pages there is a depiction of German paratroopers dropping into the battle. Although these Fallschirmjäger were certainly present for the Normandy fighting, they did not arrive from the sky. Superior Allied air power prevented German flights and Hitler was uneasy about large scale air drops after the disaster in Crete, so the paratroopers arrived by truck and by foot. Chantler can be forgiven for this mistake, because the scene is based on the perceptions of his grandfather. I interviewed several Normandy veteran GIs who shared this misconception. In the weeks after hitting the beach there was a persistent rumor of German paratroopers dropping behind Allied lines. History proved it to be false, but to the main character of Two Generals the talk of paratroopers was real enough.
Read
March 6, 2011The men are sharply tailored and serious, with a dry sense of humor. The same can be said of the graphic novel that tells their story. The is this tale of Canadians on the European front fighting during World War II. It's a memoir, in effect, albeit told largely in the third person: two friends who head from Canada to Normandy to help save the world. As with most war stories, it's divided in half: prep, then battle. Prep is boredom and bicycles, love letters and training. Battle is violence and tension -- and it's also boring, in its own way, when stalemates raise the specter of WWI-style trench warfare. There are occasional fast-forwards, when we see one of the two main characters nearing death as an old man in a hospital, haunted by memories.
The whole thing is told in carefully laid out grids, each page three panels by three panels, some of those occasionally combined into wide panels, full pages, even a dramatic two-page spread. As a comic, those pages are its greatest asset: carefully designed, well-balanced. At a panel-by-panel level, though, there's a substantial amount of redundancy here. We're continually being told and shown what's happened: someone is given a candy bar, and we're told they're given a candy bar; someone is found dead, and we see them dead; someone misses his love one, and we see a picture of that loved on and are told of the sense of loneliness.
Computer-generated faux-hand lettering is often a distraction, but here it's a solid match to the firmly rendered drawings. There's also a cartoon-like quality to the faces, which at first seems at odds with the subject matter, but it slowly fades over the course of the book, as matters of mortality becomes more and more real.
The whole thing is told in carefully laid out grids, each page three panels by three panels, some of those occasionally combined into wide panels, full pages, even a dramatic two-page spread. As a comic, those pages are its greatest asset: carefully designed, well-balanced. At a panel-by-panel level, though, there's a substantial amount of redundancy here. We're continually being told and shown what's happened: someone is given a candy bar, and we're told they're given a candy bar; someone is found dead, and we see them dead; someone misses his love one, and we see a picture of that loved on and are told of the sense of loneliness.
Computer-generated faux-hand lettering is often a distraction, but here it's a solid match to the firmly rendered drawings. There's also a cartoon-like quality to the faces, which at first seems at odds with the subject matter, but it slowly fades over the course of the book, as matters of mortality becomes more and more real.
April 5, 2016
-It's really a shame that this book doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves. I haven't heard or read anywhere about it - I came upon 'Two Generals' simply by chance, even though I continuously search for new comic/graphic novel titles and I have a strong interest in WW2.
-Anyhow, 'Two Generals' reads a lot like a classic ww2 drama film- so, if you like stories such as HBO series 'Band of Brothers', 'The thin red line', 'Saving Private Ryan' e.t.c most likely you might as well enjoy 'Two Generals' - pace and narrative is along those lines.
-The art was wonderful too. It has this clear lineart and simple coloring that I've come across mostly with Franco-Belgian comics. It was also very detailed (specially when it comes to uniforms/vehicles -naturally!) but because of the art style pages never felt heavy or swarming with details. The rich and varied scenery made it even more of a lovely read.
-The fact that this story is told in graphic medium is by default a great choice for those who would consider reading a history/war story but get bored with the long descriptions and references of things they're not familiar with and cannot really depict (such as historical firearms, army terminology and tactics...) So I think Two Generals would be a great place to start and might also be an enjoyable read for those who war fiction/non- fiction is not quite their cup of tea.
-Anyhow, 'Two Generals' reads a lot like a classic ww2 drama film- so, if you like stories such as HBO series 'Band of Brothers', 'The thin red line', 'Saving Private Ryan' e.t.c most likely you might as well enjoy 'Two Generals' - pace and narrative is along those lines.
-The art was wonderful too. It has this clear lineart and simple coloring that I've come across mostly with Franco-Belgian comics. It was also very detailed (specially when it comes to uniforms/vehicles -naturally!) but because of the art style pages never felt heavy or swarming with details. The rich and varied scenery made it even more of a lovely read.
-The fact that this story is told in graphic medium is by default a great choice for those who would consider reading a history/war story but get bored with the long descriptions and references of things they're not familiar with and cannot really depict (such as historical firearms, army terminology and tactics...) So I think Two Generals would be a great place to start and might also be an enjoyable read for those who war fiction/non- fiction is not quite their cup of tea.
July 3, 2022
I love, love, love this medium for memoirs and history. There’s so much you can do in a graphic novel that you can’t in your average narrative based novel. I loved the use of colour here, especially red. Such an effective way to end the novel the way did it with the finality of death and the poppy.
September 1, 2022
Este é o primeiro lançamento em quadrinhos do selo Tortuga/MeMy. Também é o primeiro deles que adquiro através de campanha no Catarse. Fui ler a HQ sem saber muito sobre o que se tratava, para não estragar minhas surpresas. Gostei bastante. Em primeiro lugar gostei das ilustrações, da grade de layout de nove quadros por páginas ultilizado pelo autor e da paleta de cores minimalista, com intervenções "sanguinolentas" quando se trata de ir mais à fundo nos efeitos da guerra em si. Dois Generais trata de uma amizida feita em tempos da Segunda Guerra Mundial em que os dois amigos de alta patente tiveram destinos diferentes por causa de seu envolvimento no grande conflito do século XX. O traço mais cartunesco de Scott Chantler, que algumas vezes lembra Darwyn Cooke, é um contraponto interessante para as cruezas da guerra. Diria até que este traço atenua algumas das passagens mais terríveis deste quadrinho, assim como as escolhas narrativas que são feitas pelo autor, do que mostrar e do que não, do que naarar e do que deixar subentendido. Um quadrinho de guerra diferente do que costuma se pensar sobre esse tipo de produção.
March 7, 2021
Scott Chantler researches his grandfather's role as Lieutenant of a Canadian infantry division who fought on the beaches of Normandy in WWII, and writes a graphic novel of it. He had to search out the story in history books and original records, as he explains that his grandfather was "a kindly old gentleman who rarely spoke of his war record, and who would have been mortified to have a book written about him" (Chantler 132). How remarkable how generations have changed - today we blast out our personal stories on daily news feeds, while most WWI and WWII war veterans keep thier experiences and traumas to themselves and tend to dimiss attention to honour their sacrifices. The graphic novel focuses on miltary operations and tactics, which I found less intriguing than the moments spent on personal relationships developed on the front. It felt very Canadian - both in Chantler's motive to trace his past, and to pass on the important contribution that Canadians played in freeing occupied France.
November 10, 2025
TW: war, death
I read this for this month's book club book, and I can confidently say that I would have never picked it up if it wasn't for book club. It kind of reminded me of Maus, although I'm not sure if it was due to anything other than the fact that they're both WW2 graphic novels.
I found this book a little hard to follow at times, especially when it jumped around in timelines because I wasn't paying as close attention as I should have been to the colours. Despite this, it kept me engaged and I didn't find it too confusing. I think it would be an interesting one for a high school English class some day.
[High school-university] PG-13
I read this for this month's book club book, and I can confidently say that I would have never picked it up if it wasn't for book club. It kind of reminded me of Maus, although I'm not sure if it was due to anything other than the fact that they're both WW2 graphic novels.
I found this book a little hard to follow at times, especially when it jumped around in timelines because I wasn't paying as close attention as I should have been to the colours. Despite this, it kept me engaged and I didn't find it too confusing. I think it would be an interesting one for a high school English class some day.
[High school-university] PG-13
September 17, 2020
This was very specific, and pretty dry - like "war is war, it's neither the end of the world nor glorious", but it was surprisingly effective in it's quiet personal-ness.
December 5, 2024
I think it really makes people realize what a real war is and it's a good thing since movies have romanticized and glorified it so much.
September 7, 2012
Beautifully handled and emotionally charged, this is a graphic novel that should make it's way into school lessons. World War II stories based on true situations are never easy to read. The reality of the situation is sometimes too much to bear and seems impossible to actually have transpired, but are always worth that pain.
I loved how this story spans past and present and brings up the valour that was given so long ago so we can enjoy the peace in our country today. It's wonderfully illustrated and doesn't mince any of the horror that happened back then. It also brings that past back so we can appreciate what transpired and give thanks for what those brave men and women endured.
Highest recommendation on this book.
I loved how this story spans past and present and brings up the valour that was given so long ago so we can enjoy the peace in our country today. It's wonderfully illustrated and doesn't mince any of the horror that happened back then. It also brings that past back so we can appreciate what transpired and give thanks for what those brave men and women endured.
Highest recommendation on this book.
July 7, 2011
recommended by Dante. A good graphic novel with a startlingly touching coda.
November 17, 2013
My "first ever" graphic novel. I was touched by the beauty of its simplicity.
August 19, 2017
Nice graphic novel depiction of a true war story. I had never heard of this company from Canada. Awesome read.
August 5, 2024
Well I've spent a day thinking about this, and the best I can give this book is 3☆'s. 2 ☆'s for the artwork, 1 ☆ for the story, or lack there of.
The art work is fine though not all that original. A review I read said it was in line with the Drawn & Quarterly house style which is too too true. It lacks originality and spark. A poor man's imitation of Seth, except Seth's work is far superior. And ditto goes for the colour pallette. Another poor man's imitation. And using reds as an indication of "danger!" was o.k. I guess.....just, well cheesy.
I admit I liked some of the two page spreads which were great but the rest of it felt like a lot of detailed work in the service of a poor script unfortunately.
And being a Canadian white guy, I just want to say all the Canadian white guys in the book looked exactly the same to me. I could never figure out who was who. The two main characters looked liked twins (C & C), there was a 'Captain' who looked like one of the twins, and another guy who wasn't the Captain, wasn't one of the twin C's, but still looked exactly like all the other three C's. And he was also a Commander. Four C's! Confusing!.
There was one point when I thought Chantler(C-1) was teaching Chrysler(C-2) how to ride a bike. Until Chantler called the guy Private(P-1). Turns out he was someone else who looked like everybody else. He just didn't have a mustache(M-0).
Oh! And there was another Private who was a main character and his name was Cole. C-5. Five C's!!! Arrrrgh!
As for the script, well dull. Part one, the first 60 pages was dull and boring. I put the book away and went for a walk. Coming home, if I hadn't forced myself to pick the book back up again and start reading, it still would be sitting on the shelf waiting for me to finish it. Not a good sign.
Part 2 was much better but still didn't get exciting, despite the fact they were in the middle of a invasion, till page 84. Finally at page 104 I got interested. And this book is only 120 pages long, so again, not a good sign. I'm a history buff and have read extensively about WWII. But I wasn't grabbed by the book. Once again, not a good sign.
As for the buddy/buddy friendship between C-1 and C-2, it was practically non-existent. At no point did I ever feel like the two C's bonded. There was no special moments between the two, nothing. It all felt thin and flat.
The only thing I remeber is C-2 was always in the background lighting a cigerette while C-1 did something in the foreground. Most of the rest of the time C-1 was doing things with other people while C-2 two was no where in sight.
I know the last page where C-1's wife(W-1) closes the curtain was supposed to be touching and poignent, but I felt nothing. Just flatness. I felt there was nothing there to have any feelings about. Oh well.
But I will admit I liked it when the one armed German threw a second gernade after his arm got blown off. Best scene in the book. A-1!
Anyways, 3☆'s it is mostly for its historical interest and I would only recomend it for other war buffs. And yeah, for Canadian war buffs too.
The art work is fine though not all that original. A review I read said it was in line with the Drawn & Quarterly house style which is too too true. It lacks originality and spark. A poor man's imitation of Seth, except Seth's work is far superior. And ditto goes for the colour pallette. Another poor man's imitation. And using reds as an indication of "danger!" was o.k. I guess.....just, well cheesy.
I admit I liked some of the two page spreads which were great but the rest of it felt like a lot of detailed work in the service of a poor script unfortunately.
And being a Canadian white guy, I just want to say all the Canadian white guys in the book looked exactly the same to me. I could never figure out who was who. The two main characters looked liked twins (C & C), there was a 'Captain' who looked like one of the twins, and another guy who wasn't the Captain, wasn't one of the twin C's, but still looked exactly like all the other three C's. And he was also a Commander. Four C's! Confusing!.
There was one point when I thought Chantler(C-1) was teaching Chrysler(C-2) how to ride a bike. Until Chantler called the guy Private(P-1). Turns out he was someone else who looked like everybody else. He just didn't have a mustache(M-0).
Oh! And there was another Private who was a main character and his name was Cole. C-5. Five C's!!! Arrrrgh!
As for the script, well dull. Part one, the first 60 pages was dull and boring. I put the book away and went for a walk. Coming home, if I hadn't forced myself to pick the book back up again and start reading, it still would be sitting on the shelf waiting for me to finish it. Not a good sign.
Part 2 was much better but still didn't get exciting, despite the fact they were in the middle of a invasion, till page 84. Finally at page 104 I got interested. And this book is only 120 pages long, so again, not a good sign. I'm a history buff and have read extensively about WWII. But I wasn't grabbed by the book. Once again, not a good sign.
As for the buddy/buddy friendship between C-1 and C-2, it was practically non-existent. At no point did I ever feel like the two C's bonded. There was no special moments between the two, nothing. It all felt thin and flat.
The only thing I remeber is C-2 was always in the background lighting a cigerette while C-1 did something in the foreground. Most of the rest of the time C-1 was doing things with other people while C-2 two was no where in sight.
I know the last page where C-1's wife(W-1) closes the curtain was supposed to be touching and poignent, but I felt nothing. Just flatness. I felt there was nothing there to have any feelings about. Oh well.
But I will admit I liked it when the one armed German threw a second gernade after his arm got blown off. Best scene in the book. A-1!
Anyways, 3☆'s it is mostly for its historical interest and I would only recomend it for other war buffs. And yeah, for Canadian war buffs too.
December 4, 2022
Graphic novels are a genre that I'm trying to read more regularly. So far, I've only read junior graphic novels but wanted to branch out into the adult novels. I picked up Two Generals for two reasons: 1) someone recommended it on bookstagram (sorry, I can't remember who recommended it) and 2) I liked that this was a personal story that follows two young Canadian military personnel from their training through to fighting on the front lines.
This is an endearing dedication to the author's grandfather who fought on the beaches of Normandy in WWII. Chantler purposely uses colour to show different emotions throughout, but I struggled to connect emotionally to the characters, or the plot and I think the format didn't help matters. The focus felt to be on military tactics, successes/failures and the daily lives of our servicepeople on the frontlines. These scenes were eye-opening, but I was expecting more of an emotional tribute.
I appreciate how Chantler shows Canada's impact and contributions to the war effort. Many historical fiction books focus on American efforts and it's refreshing to see Canadian pride in these pages since our troops were fighting years before the Americans set foot in battle.
Chantler provides descriptions of what life was like on the front lines, the relationships made, and the sacrifices given for country and freedom. For me, the graphic novel format isn't my preferred format to read about stories of WWII so bear that in mind when you read this review.
July 31, 2020
Two Generals is a biographical graphic novel written and illustrated by Scott Chantler. It centers on the Allied invasion of Normandy focusing on two Canadian soldiers: Law Chantler and Jack Chryslter, his best friend.
Focusing on the little-known battle of Buron, during the Normandy Invasion during 1971, this graphic novel is depicted from the perspective of two Canadian soldiers in the Highland Light Infantry: Law Chantler, the author's grandfather, and Law's best friend, Jack Chrysler. It is a graphic novel focusing not on the Generals of the war, but two ordinary men – general men, who fought those bloody battles.
Two Generals is written and constructed rather well. Chantler employs bold, straightforward lines reminiscent of mid-20th century comic strips and commercial illustration, while the palette of whites and muddy browns with muted red highlights effectively separates the workaday drudgery of army life from the drama of combat. Chantler used two sources in his narrative his grandfather's diary and letters from Jack Chrystler to his wife.
All in all, Two Generals is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a largely ignored part of Canadian military history.
Focusing on the little-known battle of Buron, during the Normandy Invasion during 1971, this graphic novel is depicted from the perspective of two Canadian soldiers in the Highland Light Infantry: Law Chantler, the author's grandfather, and Law's best friend, Jack Chrysler. It is a graphic novel focusing not on the Generals of the war, but two ordinary men – general men, who fought those bloody battles.
Two Generals is written and constructed rather well. Chantler employs bold, straightforward lines reminiscent of mid-20th century comic strips and commercial illustration, while the palette of whites and muddy browns with muted red highlights effectively separates the workaday drudgery of army life from the drama of combat. Chantler used two sources in his narrative his grandfather's diary and letters from Jack Chrystler to his wife.
All in all, Two Generals is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a largely ignored part of Canadian military history.
December 30, 2017
This is a personal tale of two officers (Lieutenants, but they are in fact the Two Generals of the piece) of the Highland Light Infantry and their experience in World War II, leading up to the brutal battle for Buron during the allied invasion of Normandy. This is a quiet and low key account of the war with only a few scenes of action or blood, but arguably this pulls you in further to the tensions and anxieties of the infantry engaged in these campaigns. The twists and turns of the story are engagingly told. The artwork is slightly stylized and mostly black and white with a few colours for highlight, very much in the style of Chantler's other works. Chantler's personal connection to the work, one of the two officers was his grandfather, shows in the attention to detail and engagement with the story.
October 19, 2017
The graphic novel covers the Canadian war experience through two major sections. The training and conflict. In the first part, the reader is introduced to the main protagonist, Law Chantler,and follows him through his life during the Great Depression, in Ontario. When WWII starts he enlists in the Canadian military in order to combat the Nazis.Along the Way he meets Jack Chrysler and the develop a close friendship throughout the war.
The graphic novel is a very impactful graphic memoir that allows the reader to experience life as a soldier during WWII and the struggles of the two men in the center of the story. The story is told through the perspective of the every-man which allows the readers to connect and experience more.
The graphic novel is a very impactful graphic memoir that allows the reader to experience life as a soldier during WWII and the struggles of the two men in the center of the story. The story is told through the perspective of the every-man which allows the readers to connect and experience more.
July 25, 2018
2.5* Enjoyed learning about the Canadian involvement in D-Day but the story wasn't very compelling. Too much time was spent connecting scenes, and the scenes were too short and lacked impact. There were a few lovely moments where the character reacts to something he sees but we never get enough into it to make an impact - almost as if the author is afraid to delve too far into his grandfather's psyche, which is understandable since he's a real person.
The art is great, I love the limited color palette and excellent use of the contrasting coloration. The simple grid fits well with the time period discussed. I didn't have a good enough sense of what the second main character looked like that I couldn't tell who he was at the end.
The art is great, I love the limited color palette and excellent use of the contrasting coloration. The simple grid fits well with the time period discussed. I didn't have a good enough sense of what the second main character looked like that I couldn't tell who he was at the end.
September 13, 2017
I got a sense of the characters without reading a word. I felt the intensity of the conflict with the choice of red and the close up of Chantler's face always looking behind him, as if almost a double-take; his expression showing the shock and the stillness of the frame showing his back, cigarette in hand. The scene where we see from the window in successive frames of him sitting down in his chair, head bowed in grief as his wife pulls the blinds. The text had the matter of fact-ness. The art held true emotion.
Call me tacky, but I thought it was a beautiful remembrance and special memento from a grandson to his passed grandfather.
Call me tacky, but I thought it was a beautiful remembrance and special memento from a grandson to his passed grandfather.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2017
Une oeuvre bien menée sur le débarquement des Canadiens en Normandie pendant la seconde guerre mondiale. Ce débarquement permis aux forces alliées de rentrer en grand nombre sur le territoire et d’anéantir les forces allemandes.
Un ouvrage de référence bien détaillé et bien documenté. C’est une façon accessible pour nos jeunes d’en apprendre plus sur notre histoire et accomplir notre devoir de mémoire envers tous ces hommes qui se sont battus pour la liberté. On a besoin de plus d’ouvrages comme celui-ci.
Un ouvrage de référence bien détaillé et bien documenté. C’est une façon accessible pour nos jeunes d’en apprendre plus sur notre histoire et accomplir notre devoir de mémoire envers tous ces hommes qui se sont battus pour la liberté. On a besoin de plus d’ouvrages comme celui-ci.
January 5, 2018
A strong work of military history but also a compelling personal narrative by the grandson of a WWII hero. The graphic novel follows the Highland Light Infantry of Canada into battle, culminating with the invasion of France. Two best friends & fellow officers, Law & Jack, wrap the historical narrative in their personal story. A loving tribute by Law’s grandson, this book is a shining example of illustration supporting war time narrative - taking it into emotional and artistic territory words alone can not approach.
November 4, 2019
Two Generals is a great World War Two book. My only disappointment is that it did not meet expectations. I thought that Two Generals would be more personal and follow the lives of these two men more closely. Instead, I found it to be much more historical. It focus on D-Day and the battle to Caen, France. Most of the book focused on one general (Chantler) over the other to the point I forgot which character was the other general. I like that it is about a real person who had these experiences. A great read and one I will recommend to anyone looking to read war literature. Also, I love that it is a graphic novel.
September 14, 2024
Can storied urn or animated bust
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?
Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust,
Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?
Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid
Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire;
Hands, that the rod of empire might have sway'd,
Or wak'd to ecstasy the living lyre.
I enjoyed the art style and the more humanist elements, but I think the story was less powerful when it over-focused on dates. Solid nevertheless, but less moving than it could have been.
December 21, 2017
When I first saw this book, I thought that it would be a fictional book about the war and that it wouldn't be about anyone, but the book actually ended up being about Scott Chantler's Grandfather (Law Chantler) and how he was in the war and how he had to his friends die. He even had near death experiences himself, such as almost being bombed. It's sad to see how tragic this book ended up being, but Scott Chantler told the story really strong, and was able to get the full story down.
September 11, 2017
It was OK. Artwork was fine, does give an on-the-ground perspective on some of the battles we've heard about in history class. Definitely seems like author's tribute to his grandfather (which is a fine thing, I wish I could make a graphic novel to tell MY grandparents' pretty amazing story!)
Anyway, just not really interested in stories about the war, so that doesn't work out so well.
Anyway, just not really interested in stories about the war, so that doesn't work out so well.
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