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Dreaming Eagles #1-6
Dreaming Eagles
From GARTH ENNIS, the creator of the hit AMC television show PREACHER! Collecting the critically-acclaimed six issue limited series in a beautiful hardcover presentation.
Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force in WWII and whose humble beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama propelled them into the deadly skies above Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. Not only were they instrumental against the Nazi war machine, but also braved an equally great challenge, overcoming everyday bigotry amongst their fellow American soldiers as well as civilians at home. High in the heavens, they fought a battle that would change their country for all time.
Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force in WWII and whose humble beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama propelled them into the deadly skies above Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. Not only were they instrumental against the Nazi war machine, but also braved an equally great challenge, overcoming everyday bigotry amongst their fellow American soldiers as well as civilians at home. High in the heavens, they fought a battle that would change their country for all time.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2016
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,624 books3,170 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 30, 2021
From the premier writer of today's war comics comes the story of a black veteran who flew fighter planes as part of the Red Tails in World War II. His story is told through a framing sequence of the man talking with his adult son who is getting involved in Dr. King's civil rights rallies. It's a compelling story, seeing these black men risking their lives fighting for their country in World War II while facing racists remarks from their fellow soldiers and superiors. This line sums the book up best, "I went to war with the Nazis and for twenty-five years all I've been scared of is Americans."
Received a review copy from Aftershock and Edelweiss.
Received a review copy from Aftershock and Edelweiss.
September 13, 2021
Ennis has produced a large number of really good, nuanced war comics in recent years and this is one of his best (along with The Tankies). The framing story, set in the Civil Rights era, does a good job of highlighting the generational changes between the time of the Tuskeege Airmen and the 1960s, and highlights a lot of the daily crap and challenges the African American airmen had to face. And, like the best of Ennis' comics, it's a meditation of family, and fear, and how war and conflict change you (sometimes not for the better). I'll be re-reading this many times.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2018
"Being a fighter pilot is like being an athlete -- it's interesting to see the quality of the competition." -- Capt. Roscoe Brown (ret.), 100th Fighter Squadron / 332nd Fighter Group, USAAF
With respect, I believe Captain Brown could've also alluded to the stamina or endurance, both mental and physical, that was certainly required for he and his fellow aviators in their unique position. The Tuskegee Airmen, or 'Red Tails,' were a group of heroic African-American pilots - one of the first in our country's military history - serving in the (still segregated) United States Army-Air Force, and assigned various missions in the dogfighting skies over the European theatre of WWII.
In the graphic novel Dreaming Eagles, Garth Ennis presents a fictional yet plausible and respectful account of one man's war experiences, and the racism he encountered during it and afterwards. His wartime activity is also interspersed with scenes set 25 years later, in which the man finally speaks of his participation to his headstrong young adult son in an effort to bridge the generation gap.
Ennis and company have done some really nice work here, equally with the story and illustrations. They also strike the right tone - nothing too nostalgic or sentimental, but more tough and elegiac.
With respect, I believe Captain Brown could've also alluded to the stamina or endurance, both mental and physical, that was certainly required for he and his fellow aviators in their unique position. The Tuskegee Airmen, or 'Red Tails,' were a group of heroic African-American pilots - one of the first in our country's military history - serving in the (still segregated) United States Army-Air Force, and assigned various missions in the dogfighting skies over the European theatre of WWII.
In the graphic novel Dreaming Eagles, Garth Ennis presents a fictional yet plausible and respectful account of one man's war experiences, and the racism he encountered during it and afterwards. His wartime activity is also interspersed with scenes set 25 years later, in which the man finally speaks of his participation to his headstrong young adult son in an effort to bridge the generation gap.
Ennis and company have done some really nice work here, equally with the story and illustrations. They also strike the right tone - nothing too nostalgic or sentimental, but more tough and elegiac.
April 25, 2018
Probably the best writer of war comics currently working delivers a reverential tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
May 16, 2021
The Tuskegee Airman were the first all Black fighter pilot squad that was formed in World War II. At that point, the armed services were segregated.
This graphic novel is based on what it might have been like to be trained and fight in the war, and then come back to the same racism that was in the US when you left.
The story is is told from the point of view of one of the airman, told to his son, who is upset that his father isn't doing more for civil rights.
And yes, it is a war story, but there is more than just shooting down Nazis. There is also the white people that don't care about the Black airman. And make it as hard as possible for them to do their jobs.
I don't usually like war stories, but this one was intriguing, even though you knew he was going to survive, since he was telling the story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This graphic novel is based on what it might have been like to be trained and fight in the war, and then come back to the same racism that was in the US when you left.
The story is is told from the point of view of one of the airman, told to his son, who is upset that his father isn't doing more for civil rights.
And yes, it is a war story, but there is more than just shooting down Nazis. There is also the white people that don't care about the Black airman. And make it as hard as possible for them to do their jobs.
I don't usually like war stories, but this one was intriguing, even though you knew he was going to survive, since he was telling the story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the storytelling aspect of this book. We begin in 1966 at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Lee just got roughed up by some white dudes, and his father Reggie doesn’t seem to understand why he’s been going to listen to Dr. King speak. This eventually leads to Reggie recollecting his time in the war as a fighter pilot — front porch sitting, and sharing a beer with his son. In the end, maybe they’ve reached some mutual understanding of one another.
I read this as single issues when it was initially released in 2016, and I enjoyed reading it again as a collected volume.
I read this as single issues when it was initially released in 2016, and I enjoyed reading it again as a collected volume.
September 15, 2021
Have you heard of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War Two? If not, buckle up for an adventure and also a history lesson told the art form of a graphic novel. History buffs who love comics will also enjoy this trade paperback. I am glad that a well-known comic book writer has written this story that pays tribute to not only the famous “Red Tails” squadrons of brave African-American pilots who fought the Nazis in the air, but also the effort of the 1960s Civil Right era.
The story is situated as a conversation between a father and his adult son. This is situated in the 1960s where the son wanted to go to a Martin Luther King protest and his father opposed him for fear of the trouble it might cause. The son insults the father and the mother shared how she thinks both might benefit from talking which lead the father to share his story of being one of the famed World War Two pilots. I love the story telling that went back and forth from the war and also the father and son connecting over stories in their yard talking. As the graphic novel progresses the son has greater appreciation for the father’s own battle in his time with discrimination, prejudices and racism. I don’t want to give the book away both the father and son comes to an agreement in the end.
This was a highly enjoyable read. It give readers some perspective of the two battles African American combat pilots faced during the time in World War two. The battle isn’t just only with the Nazis but also prejudices and sterotypes against them. This is true within the military and outside of the military. There’s moment of righteous anger I had while reading this of unrighteousness done against people because of skin color. At the same time being a military man myself I also marvel at the incredible danger and risks and sacrifices these pilots experienced as fighter pilots as they protected bomber squadrons on bombing missions over Europe.
The illustrators and the writer did a good job putting a human dimension to the heroic famous pilots but also situated them in the context of the struggle for equality and freedom. I recommend this book. This graphic novel might be better for teens and above, there is some minor languages and of course the theme of racism and violence.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Aftershock Comics and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
The story is situated as a conversation between a father and his adult son. This is situated in the 1960s where the son wanted to go to a Martin Luther King protest and his father opposed him for fear of the trouble it might cause. The son insults the father and the mother shared how she thinks both might benefit from talking which lead the father to share his story of being one of the famed World War Two pilots. I love the story telling that went back and forth from the war and also the father and son connecting over stories in their yard talking. As the graphic novel progresses the son has greater appreciation for the father’s own battle in his time with discrimination, prejudices and racism. I don’t want to give the book away both the father and son comes to an agreement in the end.
This was a highly enjoyable read. It give readers some perspective of the two battles African American combat pilots faced during the time in World War two. The battle isn’t just only with the Nazis but also prejudices and sterotypes against them. This is true within the military and outside of the military. There’s moment of righteous anger I had while reading this of unrighteousness done against people because of skin color. At the same time being a military man myself I also marvel at the incredible danger and risks and sacrifices these pilots experienced as fighter pilots as they protected bomber squadrons on bombing missions over Europe.
The illustrators and the writer did a good job putting a human dimension to the heroic famous pilots but also situated them in the context of the struggle for equality and freedom. I recommend this book. This graphic novel might be better for teens and above, there is some minor languages and of course the theme of racism and violence.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Aftershock Comics and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
May 18, 2021
This graphic novel by the author of “The Boys” and “Preacher,” tells a story based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, and does so as a story within a story. The framing story is set in 1960’s America and finds a World War II veteran (a pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen) trying to talk his teenaged son down from getting too entangled in the Civil Rights movement -- for reasons that are only revealed as he completes the telling of his experiences at war. Through flashbacks, the protagonist depicts not only the thrilling exploits of air-to-air combat over Europe and the visceral tragedies that occur when hot lead meets with aluminum high above the world, but it also shows the unique tribulations experienced by these particular military men – such as “leaders” who wanted to see them fail and widespread discrimination.
The story-in-story approach is an excellent one because it allows for a character arc in which the protagonist grows. Without getting into spoiling details, as the protagonist revisits his story, he comes away with a new and changed perspective (which is always a valuable feature in storytelling.) The frame also breaks up the history and helps maintain reader attentiveness by showing the influence the story has on the attentive son. (Young men not being famous for being interested in the life stories of their parents.) I don’t mean to suggest that the war story is not interesting. It’s full of action, heroism, and the tension of interpersonal conflict. However, for those who aren’t history buffs and are acclimated to Ennis’s more popular fare [i.e. full of superheroes and random acts of violence and titillation,] the story may feel a bit flat only by virtue of the fact that it is constrained by actual historical events.
I found the art to be well-crafted. The chaos of air combat is conveyed without being so chaotic that one can’t tell what is happening, and the graphics offer a great sense of setting and era.
This volume is definitely worth giving a read. It tells a compelling story of the combative exploits and the political / social travails of these groundbreaking and heroic pilots, while holding a mirror to the rank societal biases of the era.
The story-in-story approach is an excellent one because it allows for a character arc in which the protagonist grows. Without getting into spoiling details, as the protagonist revisits his story, he comes away with a new and changed perspective (which is always a valuable feature in storytelling.) The frame also breaks up the history and helps maintain reader attentiveness by showing the influence the story has on the attentive son. (Young men not being famous for being interested in the life stories of their parents.) I don’t mean to suggest that the war story is not interesting. It’s full of action, heroism, and the tension of interpersonal conflict. However, for those who aren’t history buffs and are acclimated to Ennis’s more popular fare [i.e. full of superheroes and random acts of violence and titillation,] the story may feel a bit flat only by virtue of the fact that it is constrained by actual historical events.
I found the art to be well-crafted. The chaos of air combat is conveyed without being so chaotic that one can’t tell what is happening, and the graphics offer a great sense of setting and era.
This volume is definitely worth giving a read. It tells a compelling story of the combative exploits and the political / social travails of these groundbreaking and heroic pilots, while holding a mirror to the rank societal biases of the era.
May 14, 2021
I always find Ennis' war stories to have something to offer. I enjoy how much detail goes into how equipment is handled and how a small change can make a big difference. It makes the Tuskegee pilots efforts have a lot of rewards.
But I really enjoy how despite racism being a factor in character's decisions, it's not dramatized just what feels like what would happen in real life. The idea of African Americans feeling like they need to be the best despite nobody outright saying it. Nobody even makes a big deal of race as a factor explicitly, they just state facts on their feats and achievements. Not to say that race doesn't come up, but the ones who bring it up are more often the worst of people looking for excuses to hold onto their identity. The Tuskegee pilots feared being separated from their white co-pilots because to them that seemed more like segregation, to them having something to prove adjacent to other men meant a lot.
Which comes as a total surprise when the unit of all black pilots have aircraft that make dogfights and bomber shoot-downs easier. It's a way of saying they've beaten their fair share of Nazis and have the medals to back it up.
Which is why the bigger tragedies come near the end. For all of the pilots' success, the next war comes from home. A home full of potential for equality and a chance to show that success and failure is universal, regardless of social factors. This is probably the biggest racially charged story I can get behind.
But I really enjoy how despite racism being a factor in character's decisions, it's not dramatized just what feels like what would happen in real life. The idea of African Americans feeling like they need to be the best despite nobody outright saying it. Nobody even makes a big deal of race as a factor explicitly, they just state facts on their feats and achievements. Not to say that race doesn't come up, but the ones who bring it up are more often the worst of people looking for excuses to hold onto their identity. The Tuskegee pilots feared being separated from their white co-pilots because to them that seemed more like segregation, to them having something to prove adjacent to other men meant a lot.
Which comes as a total surprise when the unit of all black pilots have aircraft that make dogfights and bomber shoot-downs easier. It's a way of saying they've beaten their fair share of Nazis and have the medals to back it up.
Which is why the bigger tragedies come near the end. For all of the pilots' success, the next war comes from home. A home full of potential for equality and a chance to show that success and failure is universal, regardless of social factors. This is probably the biggest racially charged story I can get behind.
February 5, 2017
Writer Garth Ennis is best known for numerous original creations in comics literature (Preacher, The Boys, etc.). He’s also, in our opinion, the current master of the war comic. Ennis has revealed in interviews that he “grew up reading war comics the way others in the business grew up reading superheroes.” He’s a student of war, and continues to read military history and researches avidly.
DREAMING EAGLES is chock full of the carefully researched details on events, theaters of war, and the specific advantages and limitations of war planes on both sides. While Ennis does include some figures right out of history, he prefers to let the fictional characters tell the story. It’s a revealing account of the Tuskegee airmen, the squadron of black Air Force fighter pilots who earned recognition for their skills and heroism during World War II in the skies over Europe.
The story is wrapped around a framing sequence with a father-son conversation. The father, a veteran of the airmen, feels he is growing apart from his young adult son, who’s become involved in the civil rights activism of the 1960’s. Hearing his father’s tales of WWII combat for the first time, the son learns how the airmen overcame bigotry and served the United States only to experience racism once again when returning to their country.
STORY: While heavily researched and full of great military detail, Ennis imbues his characters with compassion, understanding, warmth and ardor. You will become enthralled by the story.
ART: The air battles are amazing to behold. Coleby also does an excellent job with facial expressions and body language in the dialogue panels.
DREAMING EAGLES is chock full of the carefully researched details on events, theaters of war, and the specific advantages and limitations of war planes on both sides. While Ennis does include some figures right out of history, he prefers to let the fictional characters tell the story. It’s a revealing account of the Tuskegee airmen, the squadron of black Air Force fighter pilots who earned recognition for their skills and heroism during World War II in the skies over Europe.
The story is wrapped around a framing sequence with a father-son conversation. The father, a veteran of the airmen, feels he is growing apart from his young adult son, who’s become involved in the civil rights activism of the 1960’s. Hearing his father’s tales of WWII combat for the first time, the son learns how the airmen overcame bigotry and served the United States only to experience racism once again when returning to their country.
STORY: While heavily researched and full of great military detail, Ennis imbues his characters with compassion, understanding, warmth and ardor. You will become enthralled by the story.
ART: The air battles are amazing to behold. Coleby also does an excellent job with facial expressions and body language in the dialogue panels.
Read
July 22, 2021Dreaming Eagles tells a story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots in history who took to the skies in World War II. The bigotry these men faced both before and during their service did not deter them from bravely facing down the Third Reich. Indeed, they proved instrumental in the war through countless combat missions, convoy escorts, even ground battles. A central question Ennis poses here is, why fight for a country where your freedoms are not yet guaranteed? Our protagonist says because, unlike Hitler’s Germany, America has the possibility of changing. It’s a poignant sentiment, made all the more powerful by how our protagonist, a Tuskegee veteran, voices his misgivings about the 60’s civil rights movement to his activist son.
I’ve come to expect a high level of quality from Ennis’ war comics and Dreaming Eagles does not disappoint. Well-written, real, and thought-provoking.
I’ve come to expect a high level of quality from Ennis’ war comics and Dreaming Eagles does not disappoint. Well-written, real, and thought-provoking.
March 2, 2025
In 1966, WW2 veteran Reggie still has nightmares about a dying enemy pilot he shot down. He fights another battle now. He worries for his son Lee who has joined the Doctor King movement to fight racism. The boy gets into a fight with white boys, which prompts his father into revealing for the first time the truth about his time in WW2. There was plenty of racism then as well, on both sides of the conflict. The Nazis were promoting their Aryan race, while the US still viewed blacks as inferior. Reggie was one of the few black men who decided to prove these beliefs wrong when he joined the first fighter squadron with all-black pilots.
December 16, 2018
This graphic novel is interesting and well-executed, but not terribly engaging. The story-telling style is reminiscent of MAUS in that a narrator tells a story of the past in a fairly matter of fact manner with the panels showing the story being to,d and occasionally giving some of the dialogue of the story, and then regular break-outs to the forming story.
Good use is made of setting to show the generational struggle against racism in America and how that struggle changes and how it stays the same. The framing story involves a young adult son who is passionate about joining Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s cause, but also chafing at not just fighting (physically) for what’s right, and his World War II veteran father who did kill Nazis during the war but is afraid for his son’s safety.
I was already very familiar with the history being presented. This might have made the story less engaging for me. I did not find any of the characters particularly well-drawn and so did not feel pulled into the novel. I’d say this worth the read if you’re interested in an introduction to the history of black fighter pilots in the United States Air Force and World War II.
Good use is made of setting to show the generational struggle against racism in America and how that struggle changes and how it stays the same. The framing story involves a young adult son who is passionate about joining Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s cause, but also chafing at not just fighting (physically) for what’s right, and his World War II veteran father who did kill Nazis during the war but is afraid for his son’s safety.
I was already very familiar with the history being presented. This might have made the story less engaging for me. I did not find any of the characters particularly well-drawn and so did not feel pulled into the novel. I’d say this worth the read if you’re interested in an introduction to the history of black fighter pilots in the United States Air Force and World War II.
May 31, 2021
This graphic novel tells the story of the Tuskegee airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force. The story opens with the son of a former airman, who has just gotten into a fight over racist slurs after seeing Dr. Martin Luther King speak. His father then recounts the fight to allow African Americans into the military, as well as his time fighting during WWII. There was a good bit of technical speak, with specifics about different planes, much of which went over my head.
This is a story that needs to be told. I thought the way the author tackled racism over two generations was very well done, and did not shy away from the harsh realities of the two time periods. It’s ridiculous that African American men had to struggle for the ability to be able to fight for America, risking their lives for this country without appreciation for their sacrifices. The art style is reminiscent of 90s comics and lended itself well to the story being told. I particularly enjoyed the way the combat scenes were illustrated.
I received an ARC of this title from AfterShock Comics via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
This is a story that needs to be told. I thought the way the author tackled racism over two generations was very well done, and did not shy away from the harsh realities of the two time periods. It’s ridiculous that African American men had to struggle for the ability to be able to fight for America, risking their lives for this country without appreciation for their sacrifices. The art style is reminiscent of 90s comics and lended itself well to the story being told. I particularly enjoyed the way the combat scenes were illustrated.
I received an ARC of this title from AfterShock Comics via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
June 1, 2021
'Dreaming Eagles' by Garth Ennis and a host of talented artists is a graphic novel telling a fictionalized account of the Tuskegee Airmen.
When his son Lee comes home from a Martin Luther King Jr. rally with a black eye, his father Reggie decides it's time to tell him about his own fight. Reggie was a fighter with the famous Red Tails in WWII. It was a struggle because of his color to be taken seriously or get support, but through determination, Reggie and the Tuskegee Airmen fought so valiantly that bomber crews requested them as escorts. From the accolades on the battlefield to the harsh realities of prejudice back home, Reggie relates his story.
Garth Ennis tells this kind of story better than any modern writer. Although it is fictionalized, the story rings true with facts. The story is moving and stirring. The art is amazing. The colors are fantastic and I loved the series covers by Francesco Francavilla.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from AfterShock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
When his son Lee comes home from a Martin Luther King Jr. rally with a black eye, his father Reggie decides it's time to tell him about his own fight. Reggie was a fighter with the famous Red Tails in WWII. It was a struggle because of his color to be taken seriously or get support, but through determination, Reggie and the Tuskegee Airmen fought so valiantly that bomber crews requested them as escorts. From the accolades on the battlefield to the harsh realities of prejudice back home, Reggie relates his story.
Garth Ennis tells this kind of story better than any modern writer. Although it is fictionalized, the story rings true with facts. The story is moving and stirring. The art is amazing. The colors are fantastic and I loved the series covers by Francesco Francavilla.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from AfterShock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
January 1, 2021
If there's one thing I like more than history, it's graphic novels so I had to read this. WWII is not one of my sweet spots when it comes to historical research (I'm more into Ancient Rome or Latin American history), but I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. Ennis really did his research on the fighter planes and the piloting tactics that were used by the character's squadron. You really get the sense that the character knows what he's taking about when he describes how to pull out of a tailspin or how to take out the faster Axis planes with the slower p-40 planes the narrator flies. The characters are rich and the action sequences work well. The action and gore never take over the story but are dispersed well to give emotional impacts.
Also, there’s a sub-plot of a father (the main character/narrator) trying to relate to his son that seems timeless and heart touching.
With well-researched historical content, great characters that the reader cares about, and well-written storytelling I would say this one is a win.
Also, there’s a sub-plot of a father (the main character/narrator) trying to relate to his son that seems timeless and heart touching.
With well-researched historical content, great characters that the reader cares about, and well-written storytelling I would say this one is a win.
May 15, 2021
I don't know much about the Tuskegee Airmen, but having read the notes at the end of the story, what differentiates this from many comics is that many of the characters within were real people, and the story incorporates several things from their recollection.
The story itself is one of valour and courage, both against the Nazi's and in the face of the people they had gone to fight for, most of whom would never accept them, no matter what they had done to make America a safer place. The artwork is good and clear, it's easy to see what's going on (much though you might not want to consider it in various places), and the story remains on point throughout, there are some moments where the commentary given feels like it would have been something that one of those brave men would have said, but we'll never know if it was, or if it was poetic licence and perhaps that's the only reason why this doesn't get marked higher. I'd have loved to see something from one of the people that Garth Ennis spoke to in the back of this book, but I do feel that their sentiment is carried well.
The story itself is one of valour and courage, both against the Nazi's and in the face of the people they had gone to fight for, most of whom would never accept them, no matter what they had done to make America a safer place. The artwork is good and clear, it's easy to see what's going on (much though you might not want to consider it in various places), and the story remains on point throughout, there are some moments where the commentary given feels like it would have been something that one of those brave men would have said, but we'll never know if it was, or if it was poetic licence and perhaps that's the only reason why this doesn't get marked higher. I'd have loved to see something from one of the people that Garth Ennis spoke to in the back of this book, but I do feel that their sentiment is carried well.
May 4, 2021
Mid-'60s USA, and a frustrated young man is het up on the word of Dr King, and on getting the taint of racism out of his country. What makes him more frustrated is that his father was part of the air forces that helped kill off Hitler's brand of racism – yet he seems to be curling into a ball and not responding to the current chance for change. It's up to the older fella to tell his son – and us – what it was like being an unwanted trailblazer in a segregated US military, and just what it is that might take the fight out of a man. What we get is a six-parter air warfare book, of the kind Ennis can do quite routinely, it feels. He wears an awful lot of research lightly, he gets a team that can draw planes from any angle, and he creates something that will be well liked by fans of combat comics – and leave the rest of us rather cold. That said, the race side of things makes for something that feels more unique this time round.
May 21, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley & Diamond Book Distributors for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dreaming Eagles follows a son who is in the middle of King's Civil Rights Movement and his father who was part of the Tuskegee Airmen, sees history repeating itself. He then sits his son down and explains his story with the Airmen and how often they had to deal with racism and how they handled it.
A beautifully illustrated story, I really enjoyed the bold colors used throughout the story that help it stand out from other graphic novels. This is almost historical fiction/non-fiction blended into one, it's a great retelling with down-to-earth characters that feel alive and real.
A great story of an often forgotten part of American history brought alive!
Dreaming Eagles follows a son who is in the middle of King's Civil Rights Movement and his father who was part of the Tuskegee Airmen, sees history repeating itself. He then sits his son down and explains his story with the Airmen and how often they had to deal with racism and how they handled it.
A beautifully illustrated story, I really enjoyed the bold colors used throughout the story that help it stand out from other graphic novels. This is almost historical fiction/non-fiction blended into one, it's a great retelling with down-to-earth characters that feel alive and real.
A great story of an often forgotten part of American history brought alive!
May 27, 2021
Garth Ennis has done it again! He and his team have given the reader another glimpse into World War II combat. But this time he frames the tale through the older and wiser father telling his son his experiences in the war. He had been a pilot in the 99th Fighter Squadron in the 332nd Fighter Group known as the Tuskegee Airman who were known for the red-tailed Mustangs they flew over Germany escorting American bombers over Germany. The volume does a nice job of highlighting what the Airmen accomplished and the adversities they encounter learning to fly and the bigotry that their heroism engendered. This volume is a fitting reminder to us all of what anyone can do if they are given the chance.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this title!
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this title!
June 20, 2021
This is a graphic novel about the African American fighter pilots of World War 2. The script sets the WW2 action within a framing story of a veteran speaking with his 20-ish year old son during the Civil Rights movement of the 60s. The writing is solid, but not exceptional, and the art is decent. Stronger on the machines than the men, I think.
I found it a little disappointing that, based on their photos, the creative team appears to be all white.
I found it a little disappointing that, based on their photos, the creative team appears to be all white.
May 5, 2022
Another good historical book, telling a story that hasn't been told often enough about the Tuskegee airmen, what it took to get to their planes, to fly, to fight for their country and still be treated as if they hadn't. But the record is there, and it has to set right from time to time, so I hope people continue to tell the story of these men who fought two wars at the same time every time they flew.
June 1, 2022
The artwork is stunning and effectively brutal. An incredible story poignantly told by Garth Ennis, whose mastery of writing dialogue continues to marinade the reader in the worlds he’s painting, whether in this historical fiction or the colorful world of The Boys. There is no ham-fisting of modern politics in this piece, merely an honest portrait of the past. I cannot recommend this graphic novel enough!
June 27, 2021
Un'altra storia di guerra a firma Garth Ennis, e nuovamente si tratta non solo di un'opera documentatissima dal punto di vista storico e militare, ma implacabile dal punto di vista della resa psicologica dei personaggi e della loro evoluzione.
Solitamente non sono una grande fan d Ennis, ma queste graphic novel sono notevoli, da leggere e collezionare.
Solitamente non sono una grande fan d Ennis, ma queste graphic novel sono notevoli, da leggere e collezionare.
September 24, 2023
Garth Ennis’s war comics bring out his best tendencies, and while Dreaming Eagles is not a mind-blowing look into the racism in America from World War II to the Civil Rights Movement, it is poignant and clearly well researched. Simon Coleby’s art is great on the both the battle sequences and the smaller, more character-driven moments.
April 21, 2023
Even if some of it is real, it is handled indelicately. It reads as trite and hackneyed, a rare disappointment from Garth Ennis, who's war books almost always ring true, even when they are pure fiction.
August 11, 2024
Garth Ennis is the best military comic author alive today. When he chooses to write serious stories, they mean something. Read The War in Heaven, Stringbags, War Stories to name a few. And certainly read this. It's a story about the 99th Pursuit Squadron as told by a father to his son and, as a veteran, it was touching as well as informative. One of Ennis best.
August 22, 2025
If there's one thing Garth Ennis excels at, it's war stories. He gets right into the heart of the people who are in the midst of it all, whether it be soldiers or civilians. When a person dies, you feel it.
Dreaming Eagles is another first class Ennis story, with excellent art by Simon Coleby.
Dreaming Eagles is another first class Ennis story, with excellent art by Simon Coleby.
July 16, 2017
Nicely done historically-based war comic about African American fighter pilots.
Want to read
May 13, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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