This scathingly hilarious political satire—produced from a collaboration of three of our funniest humorists—answers the burning questio...
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Jan 07, 2008
Aili
rated it: 
What happens when the voters of East St. Louis are disenfranchised and Bush steals the presidency? East St. Louis secedes from the U.S., of course. Wacky hijinks ensue.
This is solid political satire from talented guys ( Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip The Boondocks, and Reginald Hudlin, director of House Party). Kyle Baker's art is ideal for the work -- he's got an animator's heart, so he gives the characters real movement and facial expressions. The only reason this did More...
This is solid political satire from talented guys ( Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip The Boondocks, and Reginald Hudlin, director of House Party). Kyle Baker's art is ideal for the work -- he's got an animator's heart, so he gives the characters real movement and facial expressions. The only reason this did More...
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Apr 16, 2011
Mza
rated it:
If this were a movie (as Hudlin and McGruder originally intended), it'd be the most entertaining Hollywood movie I've seen since 1977; and maybe now someone will make a movie in which East St Louis secedes from the Union and renames itself Blackland and prints up currency featuring the likenesses of MLK, Malcolm X, James Brown, and Will Smith (!?) -- I didn't expect to elect a black president in '08, either. It's about time somebody made a "comic novel" -- they call it that on the cov
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Apr 19, 2008
shannon
rated it: 
with this, reached the 50 book point for the year. getting rid of cable was such a good idea..... i am so glad i did it.
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Nov 19, 2008
Robert
rated it:
Aaron McGruder and Reginald Hudlin, Birth of a Nation: A Comic Novel (Crown, 2004)
Despite having Kyle Baker artwork, which is always a “wow” factor in a graphic novel, I took one look at the synopsis for this book and had the sneaking suspicion I was going to hate it. Oh, boy, political satire in comic book form. Is it going to work any better than it does in the movies, in music, in poetry, etc.?
Can I get a hell, yeah!?
While McGruder (The Boondocks) and Hudli More...
Despite having Kyle Baker artwork, which is always a “wow” factor in a graphic novel, I took one look at the synopsis for this book and had the sneaking suspicion I was going to hate it. Oh, boy, political satire in comic book form. Is it going to work any better than it does in the movies, in music, in poetry, etc.?
Can I get a hell, yeah!?
While McGruder (The Boondocks) and Hudli More...
Dec 30, 2007
ayrdaomei
rated it: 
This book was co-written by Aaron McGruder, of The Boondocks fame. It takes place in a parallel reality, if you will, in the aftermath of an American election much like the one in 2000. Some names have been changed, but there are a lot of recognizable players (e.g., President Caldwell is clearly meant to be President Bush). The story centers on a majority-black city in Missouri where many residents are "mistakenly" kept from voting in the election. Unsatisfied by the response of g
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Nov 02, 2010
Sheehan
rated it:
Picked this up as it came across my desk at the Library; love the Boondocks and have fond memories of Bebe Kids, so I figured what the hell.
The narrative is classic, East St. Louis secedes from the Union, and makes it work, so that was kinda nice.
I laughed out loud a few times, and nodded my head a bunch, so it was worth the couple hours it took me to get through it.
High school kids would definitely enjoy this...
The narrative is classic, East St. Louis secedes from the Union, and makes it work, so that was kinda nice.
I laughed out loud a few times, and nodded my head a bunch, so it was worth the couple hours it took me to get through it.
High school kids would definitely enjoy this...
Sep 12, 2011
Kathleen
rated it:
I decided to reread this book since I hadn't in more than five years. Still hilarious, although I find it a bit sad that this is a conversation we all forgot about after 9/11 and Bush's subsequent 2004 reelection.
If I ever start a country, our national anthem might borrow a theme or two from a television show at that.
If I ever start a country, our national anthem might borrow a theme or two from a television show at that.
Dec 23, 2011
Needleroozer
rated it:
I found out about this book when reading All the Rage by Aaron McGruder.
It is more like an illustrated story than a graphic novel, full color, no word or thought bubbles over characters' heads.
It's the thinly disguised story of George W. Bush being handed the presidency despite the fact that so many people (mostly people of color) were not allowed to vote. In this version of the story, the mostly African American city of East St. Louis, Illinois secedes from the union and More...
It is more like an illustrated story than a graphic novel, full color, no word or thought bubbles over characters' heads.
It's the thinly disguised story of George W. Bush being handed the presidency despite the fact that so many people (mostly people of color) were not allowed to vote. In this version of the story, the mostly African American city of East St. Louis, Illinois secedes from the union and More...
Aug 01, 2009
It's a screenplay that could never, ever, ever get made into a movie - yeah, Hollywood's not going to leap right on a movie about East St. Louis seceding from the U.S. - so they made a comic out of it. Not the most feminist comic in the world, but hilarious and awesome anyway.
Jul 29, 2011
Martine
rated it: 
OMG!!! Loved this book, he needs a sequel. I learned the truth about what happened in the 2001 elections from this satire!! But the state that seceded was the best part!!!
Feb 03, 2009
Andrew
rated it:
The Boondocks guy gives us one of the best pieces of satire I've read in years. I just love the whole idea. One of the most ballsy graphic novels I've ever read.
Dec 04, 2010
It wasn't as comedic or inspiring as the boondocks and the ending could've been much more vindicating but it had it's moments.
Aug 03, 2009
John
rated it:
Interesting satire but the gapping holes in the plot line were a major distraction.
Sep 12, 2011
Molly
rated it:
An excellent political satire. Someone please option the movie rights. Thanks.
Mar 03, 2008
BrainBackBend
rated it:
This is a great book, but it is not suitable for middle school students due to language.
In addition to the stellar art work, the complex story line mashes political themes, African American culture, disenfranchisement, economics, and more.
Here are some links:
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/sna...
http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Nation-Comic...
In addition to the stellar art work, the complex story line mashes political themes, African American culture, disenfranchisement, economics, and more.
Here are some links:
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/sna...
http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Nation-Comic...
Jan 28, 2008
Bryan
rated it:
This is an adaptation of an unproduced film script. It feels rushed and cheap. Occasionally stage direction from the script is simply left in as a caption. I deducted one star for that.
Dr. Strangelove this is not but it is amusing. Incredibly dated for a piece that is only 4 years old. I wish Kyle Baker had a hand in the writing as he operates with greater depth in his own work.
Dr. Strangelove this is not but it is amusing. Incredibly dated for a piece that is only 4 years old. I wish Kyle Baker had a hand in the writing as he operates with greater depth in his own work.
Dec 17, 2009
mika
rated it:
birth of a nation at first caught my eye because of the white supremacist movie of the same title featuring the KKK in the origination myth of the klan. very funny. I got a little bored of the layout – sometimes the lack of speech-bubbles got tedious. I have to repeat though, very funny! very clever! amazing piece of satire.
Mar 26, 2008
Matteo
rated it:
it's rare to read a comic-book work of fiction which deals with serious issues, gets all of the geopolitics right, and is FUNNY AS HELL.
this is theonly such book i've ever read.
this is theonly such book i've ever read.
Mar 04, 2008
Joel
rated it:
kyle baker is pretty funny. why i hate saturn & you are here are great but this takes the cake. south saint louis seceded after the 2000 election & that's just the 1st few pages...
Feb 19, 2008
Michael
rated it:
I'm from St. Louis and it makes me look at the eastside in a whole new light (not that I knew much about it in the first place).
Jan 17, 2008
Patrick
rated it:
East St. Louis secedes and renames itself "Blackland." Not as good as "The Boondocks."
Dec 16, 2009
oriana
rated it:
Great idea, but kind of a weak execution. And why didn't Aaron McGruder do the drawings?
Mar 16, 2010
Cassandra
rated it:
just goes to show the world will be saved by the tech geeks and environmental freaks.
Dec 19, 2007
Laurie
rated it:
so, so funny. and apt. exactly the satire i needed while missing colbert.
Feb 08, 2012
