Anarchy in the Big Easy: A History of Revolt, Rebellion, and Resurgence

by Max Cafard

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels

96 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Hal Schrieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this broad survey of New Orleans' history as a place which governments have historically struggled to completely claim and as a place where people resist fascism and the power of bosses. On a design level, i think this is a lot more successful than many radical histories-- the elements have room to breathe, the simple linework style gives space for human faces and environmental and architectural elements (roots, rivers) with lots of gaps to focus the eye, and the organization of the story draws a not-quite-straight but traceable line from indigenous communities that preceded colonization to maroon communities to slave revolts to piracy/smuggling to worker strikes, jazz, carnival, Black Panthers, and post-Katrina mutual aid. It's a great and accessible text, with occasional bursts of individual portraiture which never last more than a couple pages but which provide a lot of rich seeds for further reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Anarchy in the Big Easy is a fascinating and informative comics introduction to an anarchistic history of New Orleans. In a chronological telling, it shares Indigenous history, the history of enslavement and rebellion, 19th century anarchist theorists/writers, the labour movement and direct action, the history of jazz in the city, Mardi Gras and Carnival, the Black Panther Party, and mutual aid during and after Hurricane Katrina and into the present. Anyone interested in anarchism, leftist ideas/action, or the city of New Orleans will find something here to be fascinated by. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and fun whirlwind tour through New Orleans history in comic book form.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a comic book! So cool. Grabbed it on a whim at a punk record store and it’s a delight. I love this city :)

[Lewis Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anarchy in the Big Easy by John Clark is an essential graphic historical account of the struggles for liberation of the lst 500 years in the Mississsippi Delta. John, bbrings us to the natural environment and how many different indigenous peoples inteacted with the environment. He quickly takes you through the history of discovery and settlement by Europeansand how these colonial powers
exploited the environment, enslaved indigenous, and African peoples and their struggle for liberation .
The recent history of communities working together to creates a resurgence of the knowlwdge oof what can happen, when gooverments fail and people begin to work together in their communities.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational comic book illustrating the various anarchal movements throughout history in the New Orleans area. Community looks out for its own!