Nina Simone in Comics!
The talent-rich and turbulent life of a legendary American singer is profiled in the graphic biography Nina Simone in Comics!
Born poor in North Carolina, Eunice Kathleen Waymon showed musical aptitude early on. She aspired to be a concert pianist but was denied entry to a prestigious music academy—one of many experiences that made her more conscious of race and the ongoing fight for equality in the United States. As she gained popularity as a singer under the stage name Nina Simone, she also became more aggressive in the fight against racism. Erratic personal behavior, later attributed to bipolar disorder, resulted in a series of frayed relationships until her death in 2003, but her body of work and continuing influence mark Nina Simone as a musical immortal.
The book illuminates a fascinating public figure by devoting equal time to the two driving forces in Simone’s life: musical ambition and social activism. A variety of artists contribute a pleasing array of styles to its compelling visual narrative, which is supplemented by a brief textual recapitulation at the end of each chapter, along with photographs of Simone, her album covers, and relevant people in her life.
Nina Simone in Comics! is the engrossing graphic biography of a passionate performer.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
