The Graphic Novel Shelf

Vanko, 1848
Jean Van Hamme, author
Philippe Berthet, illustrator
Cinebook
https://www.cinebook.co.uk
c/o NBN Books (distribution)
www.nbnbooks.com
9781800440609, $13.95, PB, 56pp

https://www.amazon.com/Vanko-1848-Fortune-Winczlavs-Hamme/dp/180044060X

Synopsis: 1848. In Ottoman-occupied Montenegro, young doctor Vanko Winczlav=
is one of the leaders of a popular uprising. Betrayed, wanted by the autho= rities, he flees the Balkans for the United States in the company of a Bulg= arian refugee, Veska, whom he marries to allow her to enter New York legall=
y. So begins the history of a family closely entwined with that of a still = new country going through many transformations.

Critique: An inherently interesting and entertaining 19th Century immigrant=
story told in a graphic novel format by the team of author/storyteller Jea=
n Van hamme and artist/illustrator Philippe Berthet, "Vanko, 1848" from NBM=
Publishing is a highly recommended addition to both personal and community=
library Graphic Novel collections. It should be noted that "Vanko, 1848" i=
s also available in a digital book format (Kindle/Comixology, $4.61).

Editorial Note #1: Jean Van Hamme (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Van_H= amme) is one of the most acclaimed writers of European comics. Among his ma=
ny successes, let's mention Thorgal with Rosinski, XIII with Vance and Larg=
o Winch with Francq, but also Lady S., Wayne Shelton, Authorised Happiness,=
and several volumes of Blake & Mortimer - all published by Cinebook.

Editorial Note #2: Philippe Berthet (https://www.europecomics.com/author/ph= ilippe-berthet) is a French 'ligne claire' artist. After a remarkable entra= nce onto the comics scene in Spirou Magazine with Couleur Cafe in 1980, he = created, among others, Le Prive d'Hollywood, Les Exploits de Poison Ivy as = well as Pin-up with Yann.

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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