Mingus

by Flavio Massaruto, Squaz (Illustrator), Nanette McGuiness (Translator)

“I play what I am. I play Mingus.” This comics biography tells the troubled life, the battles against racism, the brilliant music of a master who has left an indelible mark on the jazz scene, and beyond. From his beginnings in Los Angeles in the 1940s to his heartbreaking end in Mexico, the story of a man of indomitable and rebellious talent who crossed styles while always remaining himself, in perpetual struggle against a society that wanted him marginalized and subordinated.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Music, Biography, Comics, History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was elated to win a copy of Mingus from Goodreads.
Also, the artist is not credited here: great job Squaz (Pasquale Todisco)!
*Nor is the English translator: Nanette McGuiness!

As an artifact, this translation of the original Italian is beautiful: the paper is thick, and the ink used highlights the artistry and contours of the illustrations: it not being glossy is an asset.

As far as the story itself: I know only a bit about the history of Jazz, and have exactly two Charles Mingus CDs that used to be on regular rotation on my car radio. The story here is deeply fragmented: slices and cuts from across Mr. Mingus' life, the echoes of politics in the 1950s and 60s, the civil rights movement as a beating rhythm behind the story. There are times where the exchanges between individuals in the book are on the point of poetry, but whether it is the translation in the way or something else, they too often miss the beat. I felt at times like I was watching a conversation happening that I wasn't entirely welcome in on. And by the time I was catching on, the next turn of a page would take me to another moment in the history of 20th century America, or a clip of Mingus' life. The rhythm is perhaps jazz-like, but even in improvisation there is still a bit more continuity.

I love the reinterpreted album covers (and inspired drawings based on Mingus and his bands' music), but I feel like a reader would need to be profoundly familiar with this music to get something more out of the book. I would also have liked to have more rationale for the artistic choices of these interpretations: in my limited Mingus knowledge, Pithecanthropus Erectus is primary, but the artist's visual rendering of the album (monkey battle royale) made me feel out of sorts: like hearing someone describe the colour blue, and then showing you pink.

The art stands on its own, and definite recommendation for anyone with an intimate knowledge of Charles Mingus's life. As an introduction, however, much better to listen to Ah Um.

[Adam M · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can find my full review for No Flying No Tights here. The TL:DR of it all is that this was a little disappointing. The art is great and I really appreciate what the book was going for, but it's awfully disjointed. As an American reader it also smacks of a European author in love with an American jazz icon and tries too hard to be a piece of art as well.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of Mingus by Flavio Massarutto from Goodreads.

Mingus, written by Flavio Massarutto and illustrated by Squaz, ignites the reader's imagination as it offers moments in the life of Charles Mingus as he created his music and himself. Arranged like the tracks on an album, the vignettes of milestones, interactions, and thoughts presented in this hardbound graphic novel will delight any Jazz lover, and is the perfect gift for an enthusiast fan of Charles Mingus.

[Mark Schiffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Functions more as a tonal poem/distillation of some of Mingus's key experiences and musical works than an actual biography. That's cool, but it made for somewhat cryptic reading for me. Super abstract/difficult to parse at times which I suppose is in line with the subject matter. Respect to Massaruto for not putting out your standard "story of an artist" but this won't be for everybody.

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading biographies, but I'm sad about how this one showed topless women. This is an important story that I wanted to share with my high school students, but the unnecessary 4 images of topless women makes it impossible. While language is acceptable in a high school setting, full nudity isn't.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out the graphic novel Mingus for someone, who is interested in the music of Charles Mingus. The embattled life of Mingus is told by Flavior Massaruto, translated by Nanette McGuiness. The illustrations by Squaz dramatize Mingus' struggles and enhance the story. It was a quick read, introducing a man with much talent and many demons. Recommended for a quick overview and/or YA read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of scenes from the life of an amazing musician. I really liked that "Track 5: Fables of Faubus" contained an illustrated version of the recording session of one of my favorite Mingus songs.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep Mingus’ album “Ah Um” in my car at all times. One of my favorite jazz albums.
I loved the art style in this graphic novel.

[Al McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to like the art, but it misses the mark once too often.