I am not really a graphic novel kind of reader. As a matter of fact, the only graphic novels of any note I remember reading are Watchmen and Batman: The Killing Joke. I did enjoy more than a few Battlestar Galactica and Firefly/Serenity comic books as well as the Mouse Guard series. So for me to pick up any graphic novel these days is exceptionally rare.
You Must Take Part in Revolution, written by Melissa Chan and illustrated by Badiucao, flitted across my social media feed a week or so ago. I did not save the particular posting nor do I remember what it said but it was enough that I browsed over to Amazon and placed an order. Very glad that I did.
The story of You Must Take Part in Revolution revolves around three key characters that start off together in our Hong Kong of 2019. The story follows the three characters into an alternate 2022 in Hong Kong and then into the years 2030-2035 where the story moves to Taiwan.
There certainly are political messages in You Must Take Part in Revolution. Look no further than the name—which is a quote—and the figure behind it. That said, the politics of You Must Take Part in Revolution are driven more by the story and not by an outside writer imposing a viewpoint on the reader. I, for one, deeply appreciate that organic political framing.
[You Must Take Part in Revolution]
[The quote “You must take part in revolution” is attributed to Luis Alberto Flores (1932-1967). He was an influential figure in the revolutionary movements that aimed at social and political change in Latin America. The statement reflects the spirit of active participation in revolutionary efforts for societal improvement. Information about him can be somewhat limited, but he is recognized for his advocacy of social justice and reform, particularly in relation to the struggles against oppressive regimes. (via duck.ai)]
As to the message in You Must Take Part in Revolution; well, nobody will accuse Chan of being pro-Beijing. Chan’s views of the Hong Kong Protest Movement of (our) 2019 to 2022 and the alternate future are brought to life by Badiucoa. The use of black and white (technically grayscale, I suppose) with occasional yellow or red reinforces the…bleakness of the story. That is not to say the story is bad; just that the story itself is a tale of a bleak future told in a fashion that is gripping with realtively few words and simple—though powerful—illustrations.
While I play wargames about possible futures for Taiwan those wargames are highly impersonal. Many of those wargames explore only the narrow military aspects of Beijing’s quest for Taipai ; personal stories are relegated to the far background if they even make an appearance. You Must Take Part in Revolution is a reminder that even the grandest geopolitical challenges of our day has a very individual impact; each with their own story to tell.
Gallery images taken from various internet site. Feature image courtesy RMN.
The opinions and views expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and are presented in a personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of U.S. Navy or any other U.S. government Department, Service, Agency, Office, or employer.
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