NAPI - The Trixster: A Blackfoot Graphic Novel

by Jason Eaglespeaker

A groundbreaking graphic novel that teaches you to harness traditional Indigenous values to create career & life success. WHO IS NAPI ? (pronounced “NAW-PEA”) He’s a trickster, a troublemaker, a downright foolish being. NAPI’s example teaches us what not to do. The Blackfoot (a powerful North American plains Indian tribe) have used the stories of NAPI to educate, and motivate, their people since prehistoric times. Countless generations have survived, and thrived, from the knowledge NAPI provides. The “NAPI” graphic novel will introduce you to those same valuable lessons, and help you achieve integrity-based results. Respect, humility, truth, love, bravery, honesty and wisdom ... traditional values are a roadmap to career & life success.

Genres: Indigenous

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read another of this author’s books, Uneducation, which was great. This one, not so much. It tells short, disjointed stories about Napi, the trickster, and the the author tries to pull a Tony Robbins and write about what the lessons from it are, and how they should be applied. It just doesn’t work well. It comes off as both simplistic and preachy. Read Uneducation. Skip this one.

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a big book in this little book. Blackfoot legends taught life values for Jason Eaglespeaker. He share graphic retellings, then a quick explanation of the lessons of the story.

"Everyday is a kaleidosciope, where many of the challenges we face in life (racism, sexism, colonialism, calssism, egotism, capitalism, favoritism, nepotism, eleitism, ageism, gangster-ism, and just every other -ism) are conveniently located, all under one roof -- so take advantage of this unique situation and strengthen your values. The daily struggles you face are a test, the lifelong strengths you acquire are a validation" -- Jason Eaglespeaker

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book with 7 black & white comics (most are brief at only 2 pages), followed by a page of advice/discussion of different traditional values (Respect has 3 pages of discussion).
Written by a local Seattle author.

[Gwynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uneven, but not without a seed of where this artist and storyteller might grow from here.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to be introduced to these Blackfeet legends. I didn’t think the illustrations added much to the stories, however. They would probably be better told orally.

[Lindsay]

Placeholder for Tim Fox, Napi kii Imitaa: Napi and the Dogs, since that doesn't seem to exist on GoodReads.

[Obscure Luminous Nine Wave Heal Hurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not satisfied with the length of the stories. I did enjoy the illustrations. I did appreciation the author explaining the moral concept and his journey with the moral concept.