Black and White and Graphic All Over: A 1930s Tale of Race, Passing and Pain

[Story]

I'm at a loss for where to post this, but the idea behind this graphic novel seems to be perfect fodder for a movie.


A black journalist preparing to pass as white in “Incognegro,” written by Mat Johnson and illustrated by Warren Pleece.

By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES
Published: March 3, 2008

Zane Pinchback, a reporter for The New Holland Herald of New York, is a black man who can pass for white. Zane uses this ability to go undercover to investigate lynchings in the 1930s South. “Identity is open-ended,” he proclaims. “Why have just one?” That belief is a theme that comes up in unexpected ways in this engrossing graphic novel, with its smart dialogue and sharp images.

Complete review at
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/books/03gust.html?em&ex=1204693200&en=d2e430696bf0c725&ei=5087

 

[LizzieMaine]

Fascinatng stuff! As hinted at in the review, this story has a basis in reality -- Walter White, an African-American able to pass for white, did exactly this in 1919, going undercover for the Chicago Daily News to investigate a series of race riots in Arkansas. White would go on to become the National Secretary of the NAACP.

Walter F. White

 

[Lady Day]

Oh cool.

This topic has always fascinated me and Im curious to see its graphic novel treatment.

I may have to pick up a copy.

LD