Drafted
An Illustrated Memoir of a Veteran's Service During the War in Vietnam
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
"An ode to comic book storytelling while also being a satirical take on the military industrial complex from the soldier’s perspective. Honest and insightful." (The Beat; A Best Comic of the Year)
From noted cartoonist Rick Parker comes a powerful graphic novel memoir about his time in the United States Army, when he was drafted to serve during the Vietnam War.
Drafted is a powerful graphic novel memoir by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War.
The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army.
Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir, perfect for fans of Joe Sacco and Derf Backderf, and is sure to appeal to Parker’s dedicated followers and new fans alike—already proven by the response to the award-winning short film Rick Parker, I’m Afraid.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Parker (the Beavis & Butthead comics) mixes dark humor and genuine pathos in this cockeyed account of his Vietnam-era tour of duty. Drafted in 1966, Parker admits he was "not cut out for a career in the army." He details his stint from boot camp and basic training through his promotion to second lieutenant and service in the Army's nuclear missile battalion. Though he never sees duty in Vietnam (the closest he comes is a sadistic training camp in Oklahoma meant to simulate POW captivity), it's not an easy ride. He recalls graphic deaths during training (one fellow soldier is killed in a crash while out celebrating the birth of his baby) and overseeing 13 military funerals for those who died overseas (during one, a little girl calls endlessly for her dead father), as well as the everyday tyranny of ranking officers. Parker reels off anecdotes in a casual narrative style reminiscent of his frequent collaborator, Harvey Pekar, with cartoony, slapstick art. He lucidly details technical aspects of military service and jargon, from the finer points of shining combat boots to the proper mess hall procedure to pass the potatoes. Parker's wartime stories tickle the funny bone and jab at the heart.
Customer Reviews
Absolutely Fantastic story !
Next to Maus, this is the best graphic novel I’ve ever read . Please do a part 2 on how Ricks life turned out!