‘The American Way: Those Above and Below’ TPB (review)

The American Way: Those Above and Below TPB
Written by John Ridley
Illustrated by Georges Jeanty and Danny Miki
Published by Vertigo
ISBN-13: 978-1401278359
Released 4/24/18 / $16.99

This is one of the best books of the last year. It’s the sequel to the original American Way series and it’s more than up to snuff. You need to pick up both and add them to your collection. It’s worth it I promise you and you’ll thank me.

It’s been a decade since the Civil Defense Corps was exposed as a fraud created by the U.S. Government for propaganda purposes.

The only hero that is left operating is the New American.

But an event happens and it causes a rift. Which side will the New American choose? And is the nation going to hell in a hand basket quickly?

What’s the event?

Well, Jason Fisher, the New American, has murdered a black criminal and now everyone seems to hate him. That gets the book rolling.

Meanwhile, Amber, is a drug addict now who is leading an anti-government group. It takes them from where we last saw these two to a new place. And it’s pretty dark.

These characters are then put through hell. The whole time, they have to make some tough choices about their values and morals. It’s fascinating.

The story by Ridley is really just great. He knows how to write a compelling narrative with strong characters. Each scene is completely necessary and well laid out.

It’s also incredibly insightful. There’s a lot of correlation between this book and the current political climate in the world.

I’m sure with a talent like Ridley at the helm that it isn’t an accident. The characters are faced with a government that doesn’t support them. More than a few Americans can relate to this theme currently.

The art is awesome too. Jeanty is one of the industry’s unsung heroes.

This series is fantastic and like it’s previous volume, Those Above and Below is a must read.

RATING: A