Hashman

by Alex Grand, Joshua S. Berman, Charbak Dipta (Illustrator)

Criminal-turned-psychologist Joey Berkowitz has a complicated past, extending through East Coast mobs, the psychedelic 60s, the New York celebrity drug culture, Berkeley Peace movement, the Paris riots, Altamont, Woodstock, laundering money in Southeast Asia, and sitting meditation courses in Tibet. Join Joey as he manages to escape prosecution time and time again by the seat of his pants, ultimately becoming a noteworthy shrink in Seattle where he manages to find himself as a central figure in the worldwide cannabis legalization scene as its most notorious authorizing doc, dispensary financier, and industry stalwart. Will he make it thru? Or will the law finally catch up with him?

Genres: Graphic Novels

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2023

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hashman by Alex Grand and Josh Berman is a gripping graphic novel depicting the high times of Joey Berkowitz. Despite enduring a childhood of abuse, Berkowitz uses his wits and mediation skills to skirt the law and find his calling, moving from a modest neighborhood in Brooklyn as a young Jewish boy to one of the biggest movers and shakers in the city’s drug scene. Based on a true story, Hashman follows Berkowitz through his accounts of early life in the drug culture through the rebellious 60s, 70s, and so on. The book takes the reader through the gritty reality of historic and life-changing events, including cartel shakeups, mob connections, and the struggle for cannabis legalization.

Hashman is a refreshing, exciting read written by two talented authors, Alex Grand, and Josh Berman. The incredible artwork is created by Charbak Dipta and offers a psychedelic, gonzo style that fits the themes. The story gives a sense that all names have been changed to protect or conceal the actual characters on which the book is based. While the writers claim Hashman is both a work of fiction fused with true elements, most of the events cited throughout the story are historically accurate, which offers the perfect blend for a realistic, gripping tale. All these attributes contribute credibility to the real life of Berkowitz and his wild tales.

I thought the book was highly entertaining and a well-narrated account of the intriguing but dangerous world of the mid to late-twentieth-century drug culture. The legalization efforts in Washington and other historical references throughout the book were fascinating and worked well with the raw visuals and excellent storytelling.

Hashman by Alex Grand and Josh Berman is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in graphic novels and the world of cannabis culture.

[Ellen Schoener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing I usually read, but this was an interesting read non-the-less.
It is the real life story of Joel Berman, who was abused as a kid and suffered from that abuse and childhood trauma all his life, becoming an aggressive thrill-seeker who is unable to live in a stable relationship, neglecting his family and frequently colliding with authority and the law.
It is an interesting glimpse into the world of drug-dealing, organized crime and finding loop-holes in the system, for example for abusing the medical system.
It reminded me a bit of "Maus", in that it shows all the stark, uncomfortable and crass reality without looking away. There are explicit scenes of sex and violence.
It is left for you to decide if he did more harm than good or vice versa.

[Tomaya Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what I was in for and turns out, the story of Joey Berkowitz and his time in this crazy field of selling escape was a ride full of unexpected turns. From Hendrix to the mob to the legalized marijuana industry of the north west, wow! Reminded me of the movie Blow, but more unpredictable. Well done!

[Sasha's Book Stash · Rating 5 out of 5]

HASHMAN is based on a true story. it is a the depection of the protagonists partnership with Howie Huchs, the so-called Drug Czar that was busted in 1973. Its a wild fun, full color visual and fun worded journey!

[Natalie Grand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the marijuana history! This is an outrageous edgy, full color art journey in this newly released graphic novel set in Seattle, Washington, USA.

[Brittani Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This full color, edgy art was an outrageous, fun journey graphic novel set in Seattle, Washington to Paris. I learned alot about marijuana history. I loved it!

[Riley Gonsalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy life this guy had, kind of like Dustin Hoffman’s Little Big Man of the weed world. So clever and well composed, really so much fun.