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I’m pulling out all the books, or rather graphic novels that I have received via snail mailed from my friends. I love trading stuff to people via snail mail. My homegirl Digital Femme received an Adult Swim sweatshirt from me and in return she issued me the above book illustrated by comic book artist Randy DuBurke.

The autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley might be the most important book I have ever read next to Shel Silverstein’s ‘The Giving Tree’ and Anthony Burgess’ ‘A Clockwork Orange’. I think this graphic novel will bring a new audience to the story of Malcolm X, who was the last great Black superhero. It’s fitting that Malcolm’s life was adapted into a graphic novel by artist Randy DuBurke because he has a history of illustrating the heroes we are familiar with under the DC Comics banner.

DuBurke’s minimalist style reminds me of Bill Sienkewicz and his drawings which are quite trippy and impressionistic. DuBurke underlays archival photographs so that his embellishment gives a realistic appearance. This graphic novel isn’t meant to look like a comic book even tho’ it is laid out like one panelwise. Malcolm X’s story is that real and I love looking at DuBurke’s treatment of this everlasting African American king.

‘Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography‘ illustrated by Randy DuBurke