Bessie Coleman: Daring Stunt Pilot

by Trina Robbins, Ken Steacy (Illustrator)

In graphic novel format, tells the story of Bessie Coleman, the daring stunt pilot.

Genres: Biography, Comics, Graphic Novels, History, Childrens, Nonfiction, African American

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Trina Robbins is an American comics artist and writer. She was an early and influential participant in the underground comix movement, and one of the few female artists in underground comix when she started. Her first comics were printed in the East Village Other. She later joined the staff of a feminist underground newspaper It Ain't Me, Babe, with whom she produced the first all-woman comic book titled It Ain't Me Babe. She became increasingly involved in creating outlets for and promoting female comics artists, through projects such as the comics anthology Wimmen's Comix. She was also the penciller on Wonder Woman for a time in the '80s.

Trina has worked on an adaptation of Sax Rohmer's Dope for Eclipse Comics and GoGirl with artist Anne Timmons for Image Comics.

Trina designed Vampirella's costume for Forrest Ackerman and Jim Warren.

In addition to her comics work, Robbins is an author of non-fiction books, including several with an emphasis on the history of women in cartooning.

She is the first of the three "Ladies of the Canyon" in Joni Mitchell's classic song from the album of the same name.

Trina Robbins won a Special Achievement Award from the San Diego Comic Con in 1989 for her work on Strip AIDS U.S.A., a benefit book that she co-edited with Bill Sienkiewicz and Robert Triptow.

Reviews

[Jennybeast]

Great short biography of a truly inspiring woman.

[Brent]

I just learned something about someone fascinating, thanks to (longtime favorite) Trina Robbins and (longtime favorite) artist Ken Steacy, who give young readers just enough life story in a well-done graphic biography in short form.
I was reminded of Bessie Coleman by a radio panel discussion of women flight attendants on our local WABE-FM, because in discussing flight, they discussed the pioneer Bessie Coleman. She studied flying in France to escape race prejudice in the USA, making herself the first black woman stunt pilot. Her accidental demise is treated with appropriate drama and discretion in this version for young readers. This would be a good reference for school reports during Black History Month or for pleasure anytime.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Atlanta-Fulton Public Library for the loan.

[Ms. Arca]

She was so motivated and so brave. I love reading about her because she inspires me. I did think some of the cartoons were a bit silly but this is informative for people who have never heard of her.

[Amanda Murphy]

I had never heard of Bessie Coleman. I wish I were a pilot just so I could drop a wreath on her grave!

[Jim]

i'd never heard of Coleman, amazing drive she had!

[Margaret]

Very informative graphic novel