by Emil Favila, Reporter
From Penguin Press comes the definitive tale of Che Guevara. This is the most important book about Che. Jon Lee Anderson had full disclosure to archives by Che’s late wife. Anderson is solely responsible for finding the hidden location of of Guevara’s burial. From there, Che’s remains were exhumed in 1997 and returned to Cuba. Che: A Revolutionary Life has gone through numerous print runs, but for the first time with the help of Jose Hernandez, is now a graphic novel.
I could tell Che would be an enjoyable read. From the quality of the paper to the fantastic artwork from Hernandez. One of the complaints of the novel was that it was too wordy. Anderson does a fine job of taking pieces of the main dialogue in his novel and making the book almost cinematic in story. Chapters in the book are divided into different acts like a movie from his time as a doctor to his time in the military.
Che was not the most liked political figure in history. He was quite controversial in fact. What makes this story endearing is the letters to his mother. Unfortunately her death came out of guilt by association. The story arcs involving her mother help the reader better understand her influence on Che. He learned of her death while in the Congo and Jose Hernandez does an excellent job illustrating Guevara’s grief in wordless pictures.
As someone who is not particularly familiar with Che and the Cuban Revolution, I found the book to be illuminating. You could tell Jon lee Anderson really did his homework as far telling the tale of Che and in sections. The first act dealt with his love for literature, his journey to be a doctor, and his time in Latin America. It also touched upon his issues with asthma which was a bane on his existence. Act 2 focused on the Cuban Revolution and his part in the rise of Fidel Castro. Anderson did not shy away from Che’s time as a ruthless leader who ordered the execution of comrades and enemies. The final act involves Che’s involvement in the Cuban government moving them from capitalism to socialism. If there is one thing to take away from Che is that he loved Cuba.
If you enjoy history and are curious about the life of Che Guevara or the Cuban Revolution, then Che: A Revolutionary Life is a must read. Jon Lee Anderson’s exhaustive research and writing paired with Jose Hernandez;s beautiful artwork is a match made in heaven. Be sure to pick up your copy of Che: A Revolutionary Life off of Amazon today!
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Che: A Revolutionary Life 5 of 5 missiles
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