Cleburne: A Graphic Novel

Image via WikipediaPatrick Cleburne was an Irish born man who fought for the Confederate States during the U.S. Civil War. He was killed at the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. He was among the dead generals laid out on the back porch of the Carnton House the following morning. He became known as "The Stonewall Jackson of the West".

Cleburne had always respected the southern states, particularly Arkansas, because of their hospitality. This was one of his reasons he chose to fight for the south. It was his way of returning the favor. Cleburne was also an advocate for allowing the slaves to join the army in exchange for granting them their freedom.

All this is to say, last night I read my first graphic novel and it was about Cleburne. A friend of mine let me borrow Cleburne: A Graphic Novel by Justin S. Murphy (Author), Justin Murphy (Editor), Pencils: Justin Murphy (Illustrator), Inks: Al Milgrom (Illustrator), Colors: J. Brown (Illustrator).

I've never read comic books or graphic novels, so I can't compare this to anything else I've read. However, I did feel like a kid reading it, which isn't all bad. Anyway, the storyline focuses on Cleburne campaigning to have blacks fight in the Confederate army. Had I not already known about the Battle of Franklin along with the other events and battles leading up to November 30, 1864, I would not have picked up on any of the details in the graphic novel. Understanding more about history prior to reading this novel gave me a greater appreciation of the book and it's artwork. I enjoyed it.

If you want to know more about Patrick Cleburne, here are few links from a friend of mine containing video.

• Cleburne dies assaulting Federal works near Cotton gin


• “If we are to die, let us die like men!”