The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks

  The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks (World War Z) is perhaps the most graphic portrayal of the horrors of World War I since the 1930 theatrical release of 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' Added to the bloodshed and rank insanity of trench warfare, Hellfighters also exposes the bigotry and prejudice placed on the all-black unit.

    The 369th Regiment fought more man hours under fire than any unit during the Great War. Amongst their members was the first African American (and first American period) to win the French Croix de Guerre, the highest military honor the French government can bestow any soldier. By the end of the war, the Hellfighters would also contain the most recipients of the prestigious award than any other unit.

   On the book's cover, filmmaker Spike Lee praises Brooks' tireless work to bring the Hellfighters' story to some sort of a visual medium. (Brooks has spent over 8 years trying to get this story to film before finally turning it into a graphic novel.) I normally don't agree with much the 'Do the Right Thing' director has to say. But this is one time that I am concur 100%.

  The men who made up the Harlem Hellfighters volunteered to make the world safe for democracy. It was their choice and yet our nation rejected them. During training in South Carolina, members were lynched and beaten. The unit was shipped overseas in a rusty tin can that had to be towed back to base twice. Then when the men started to prove themselves on the field of battle, they were placed in the most dangerous missions because of their skill  but because very own field commander, General Black Jack Pershing was fearful how the populace would react to colored war vets being given a hero's welcome.

    This book was powerful stuff and it was gory. From the beatings in the South to the entrail shredding power of the German artillery shells called 'Jack Johnson' this book pulls no punches. However, though I think the struggles and might of the Hellfighters should be taught in schools, this book is not for those under 13. This graphic novel was at times well, um...graphic.

     A masterful retelling of a forgotten war. It's an instant classic that I envision will one day finally achieve Max Brooks' goal of hitting the silver screen. I just hope they continue to honor the awesome artwork of Canaan White and possibly issue this book as an animated feature.

Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars