Maroon Comix

September 1, 2018

Throughout the centuries, when slavery was legal in the United States, thousands of men and women who escaped their owners formed hidden settlements in forests, mountains, and swamps. They became known as maroons. Similarly in South America and the Caribbean, escaped slaves have fought their oppressors and made lives within their own, new communities. Saul (Truth and Dare) pulls together accounts of the past, profiles of maroon heroes and heroines, and updates about recent groups such as Chicago's Freedom Square that reflect the maroon heritage. The concluding plea for "mosaic" and "alloy" cultures invites a more inclusive, peaceful world future, and the closing "Maroon Library" collects an extensive range of bibliographic resources. Of the black-and-white art, Mac McGill's fine-line curves forming portraits of heroes are especially striking, and Seth Tobocman's woodcut-illustrated essay about the advantages of decentralized, diverse leadership stands out as painfully relevant to today's governments. VERDICT While the underground railroad has become well known to most Americans, the maroon tradition has remained more a subject for scholars and dogged researchers. This passionate collection will appeal to those interested in history, cultural studies, and the international cancer of slavery. [Previewed in Jody Osicki's "Graphically Speaking," LJ 6/15/18.]--Martha Cornog, Philadelphia

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