The Sons of Liberty

May 3, 2010
Colonial America in the wake of the Revolution is completely reimagined in this action-filled and sometimes violent graphic novel, which uses history as a backdrop for a fantastic superhero adventure. Slaves Brody and Graham flee their plantation, later meeting up with the likes of historical figures Benjamin Franklin and abolitionist Benjamin Lay. Brody and Graham develop what seem to be supernatural fighting powers and learn about an African form of combat called dambe from Lay. As seen on the cover, they appear almost like gruff superheroes of the 18th century, unafraid of all the bayonets pointing at them. Anyone wanting a real account of history would find little from reading this, but more lenient readers should appreciate the fast pace and creativity. The art is often exaggerated, with some characters shown with pointed nails, and light cast on faces to make them look somewhat evil. Real violence is shown in a few instances, such as when a man has part of his scalp torn away by a Hessian. Definitely aimed at older elementary school students and up. Ages 10–up.

July 1, 2010
Gr 5 Up—-olonial America isn't your usual locale for superheroes, but such is the case here. Graham and Brody are runaway slaves, fleeing a cruel master and his slave hunter. Before they left, they were instructed to find the abolitionist Benjamin Lay, but first they encounter none other than Benjamin Franklin. Unfortunately, his son, William, has been using his father's discoveries in electricity to play Dr. Frankenstein and subjects the two boys to electrical experiments. After they recover, they find out that they have gained an inexplicable and ill-defined set of superpowers. Under the tutelage of the Yodalike Benjamin Lay, the boys learn about their heritage, their abilities, and the African martial art dambe, of which Lay is a master. While this unique story certainly has possibilities, its flaws far outweigh its successes. Not only does the plot verge on the nonsensical, but it also meanders, changing direction and tone, and characters come and go without resolution. The colorful computer-aided artwork is at times dramatic, but it is also often clumsy and lacking any real emotional import. Other problems include the font chosen for Benjamin Franklin's writing, which is illegible at times. Poor execution makes this a secondary purchase at best.—"Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2011

While historical fantasy mashups with zombies and vampires have recently dominated comics playlists, this series builds a compelling, socially relevant swashbuckler out of other material. In pre-Revolutionary America, runaway slaves Graham and Brody head north toward abolitionist Benjamin Lay but get pressed into service as lab rats for the electrical experiments of Benjamin Franklin's wild-eyed son, William. Somehow they end up with superpowers instead of epitaphs, willing and able to ruin their former slave master and support the colonists' rebellion against the British. There's something terribly satisfying in seeing slaves turn on their oppressors with such zest and scare the britches off the Redcoats in the process. George Washington's ownership of slaves has not been widely publicized until recently, and this story expands knowledge of how long slavery persisted in North America before the Civil War. VERDICT A YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, The Sons of Liberty has wide audience potential and will appeal to many fantasy/superhero fans across ages. The glowing painted art is well designed and suits the story. An online educator's guide explains the historical context. Volume 2 comes in July.--M.C.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2010
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* The superhero, once the embarrassing social outcast of American culture, has lately been recognized as a potent metaphor adaptable to an array of themes and, now, historical eras. Two young slaves on the run, pursued by a bounty hunter and his ferocious pack of dogs, are experimented on by Ben Franklins heinous son William and wind up with electrically charged superpowers. Overseen by Ben himself as well as true-life abolitionist Benjamin Lay, the slaves bring some hurtin back to their tormentors. History offers few villains as vile as slaveholders, but this graphic novel is far from being a simple revenge thriller. The use of historical figures and well-researched (but embellished) history, and a willingness to flesh out characters and set up situations to pay off in future installments, makes for an uncommonly complex, literate, and satisfying adventure. The slick art, with wiry figures reminiscent of Mark Bagleys Ultimate Spider-Man work, feels more modern than the story suggests and will be inviting to teen readers. In the style of Robert Morales and Kyle Bakers Captain America: Truth (2004), this first installment of a series respects history (with some dramatic liberties taken) and uses superpowers effectively as an empowerment allegory.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)