- Paperback: 160 pages
- Publisher: Three Rivers Press (1 May 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0307405117
- ISBN-13: 978-0307405111
- Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 1 x 23.1 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,351,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
08: A Graphic Diary of the Campaign Trail
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Product Description
Product Description
A Graphic Retelling Of The Most Historic Election Of Our Time
Beyond the pandering focus groups, the billion-dollar fund-raising machinery, and the relentless myopia of the 24-hour news cycle, it was clear that something deep in the American psyche was stirring as the rumblings of the 2008 election first began. 08’ follows the epic 2008 presidential campaign and its dramatic cast of characters: the inevitable former first lady with a terrible plan to win, the freshman African-American Senator who skyrockets onto the national stage, and a former POW’s hangdog campaign that overcomes both a Mormon Governor and a thrice-married (occasionally cross-dressing) Mayor.
Taking its cur from campaign classics like Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 and The Making of the President Series, 08 brings politico journalism into the graphic novel form. Reflect on all the single-issue candidates, the pundits, the meltdowns, the awkward missteps, and the ruthless maneuvers of the scorched-earth campaign trail as they knit themselves into a political tale of the present-day battle for the future of America.
Beyond the pandering focus groups, the billion-dollar fund-raising machinery, and the relentless myopia of the 24-hour news cycle, it was clear that something deep in the American psyche was stirring as the rumblings of the 2008 election first began. 08’ follows the epic 2008 presidential campaign and its dramatic cast of characters: the inevitable former first lady with a terrible plan to win, the freshman African-American Senator who skyrockets onto the national stage, and a former POW’s hangdog campaign that overcomes both a Mormon Governor and a thrice-married (occasionally cross-dressing) Mayor.
Taking its cur from campaign classics like Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 and The Making of the President Series, 08 brings politico journalism into the graphic novel form. Reflect on all the single-issue candidates, the pundits, the meltdowns, the awkward missteps, and the ruthless maneuvers of the scorched-earth campaign trail as they knit themselves into a political tale of the present-day battle for the future of America.
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14 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Great for wonks; fair for others
10 Feb 2009
Format:Paperback
08's self-description as a "graphic diary" is to let the reader know what he'll get is not a comic book-style retelling of the campaign, but an illustrated, slide-show style recap of the campaign, with occasional commentary by two fictional beat reporters.
On those merits, the book is great for those who were on the blogs every minute; every twist and turn is recounted in beautiful black and white pop art. Nothing new will be revealed by the book, but it has a very entertaining nostalgia factor.
One criticism, however, is that about halfway through, the narrative stops explaining things. Someone new to the campaign, or ten years from now, will have trouble understanding the context or the figures (e.g., Gov. Bill Richardson does not get a caption despite being drawn in such a way that his beard makes him look fundamentally different from his primary race depiction; also, no caption for Sen. Edward Kennedy, who while famous to policy wonks, is not that recognizable). The implosion of the Clinton campaign, which was the subject of a fascinating review in The Atlantic, is reduced to cable television-worthy sound bites; similarly, Joe the Plumber is reduced to his celebrity and not the arguments over fiscal policy that dominated the last month of the campaign.
I would recommend this product to anyone who has the Shepard Fairey Obama poster; it's got a similar iconic and sentimental value, and is definitely worth it for those reasons.
On those merits, the book is great for those who were on the blogs every minute; every twist and turn is recounted in beautiful black and white pop art. Nothing new will be revealed by the book, but it has a very entertaining nostalgia factor.
One criticism, however, is that about halfway through, the narrative stops explaining things. Someone new to the campaign, or ten years from now, will have trouble understanding the context or the figures (e.g., Gov. Bill Richardson does not get a caption despite being drawn in such a way that his beard makes him look fundamentally different from his primary race depiction; also, no caption for Sen. Edward Kennedy, who while famous to policy wonks, is not that recognizable). The implosion of the Clinton campaign, which was the subject of a fascinating review in The Atlantic, is reduced to cable television-worthy sound bites; similarly, Joe the Plumber is reduced to his celebrity and not the arguments over fiscal policy that dominated the last month of the campaign.
I would recommend this product to anyone who has the Shepard Fairey Obama poster; it's got a similar iconic and sentimental value, and is definitely worth it for those reasons.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Excellent account of a historical election
30 Jan 2009
Format:Paperback
"08" is a fast-paced, intelligent romp through the presidential election as experienced through media coverage.
Writer Micheal Crowley maintains his journalistic integrity by avoiding hyperbolic snark and potshots at either party while keeping a subtle wit. In the telling of campaign plays and surprises that sometimes took months to unravel, Crowley keeps the book from dragging with a rapid-fire play-by-play of a tight ballgame. Dialogue from candidates and pundits are quoted, rather than satirized and Crowley's careful editing keeps a balanced arc of the lows and highs of key players.
Likewise, Dan Goldman's graphic portrayals are unmistakably recognizable, yet never delve into political caricature. His careful control shows a pathos in his characters even at their most ruthless. As in "Shooting War", Goldman lets his panels drift into television and internet media contexts, often incorporating high contrast photo and video stills. "08" showcases Goldman's sharp design skills in weaving the narrative, key words (often used texturally) and campaign/media logos.
"08" will no doubt remain a thrilling account of the race for the 44th president long after we have settled into out new administration.
Writer Micheal Crowley maintains his journalistic integrity by avoiding hyperbolic snark and potshots at either party while keeping a subtle wit. In the telling of campaign plays and surprises that sometimes took months to unravel, Crowley keeps the book from dragging with a rapid-fire play-by-play of a tight ballgame. Dialogue from candidates and pundits are quoted, rather than satirized and Crowley's careful editing keeps a balanced arc of the lows and highs of key players.
Likewise, Dan Goldman's graphic portrayals are unmistakably recognizable, yet never delve into political caricature. His careful control shows a pathos in his characters even at their most ruthless. As in "Shooting War", Goldman lets his panels drift into television and internet media contexts, often incorporating high contrast photo and video stills. "08" showcases Goldman's sharp design skills in weaving the narrative, key words (often used texturally) and campaign/media logos.
"08" will no doubt remain a thrilling account of the race for the 44th president long after we have settled into out new administration.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
A treasure for political buffs and a great graphic novel on it's own.
29 Jan 2009
Format:Paperback
A brilliant book for the majority of the country that's still celebrating. 08 is a true blow-by-blow trip down memory lane. A must have for those still suffering from election fever (like me) who want to relive a very exciting year in American history. The art is top notch, and I was surprised to find how powerful the story could be in graphic novel form. All the highs (and lows) of the campaign trail are here. As a fan of both political science and the graphic novel this is a very rare and special thing.
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