Bob Marley in Comics

Gaëts (The Beatles in Comics) and Blitman interpret the life and career of reggae artist Bob Marley through milestones presented by multiple artists in this somewhat ungainly anthology-style graphic biography. Gaëts and Blitman explore Marley’s story—from his humble beginnings in the Jamaican community of Nine Miles, to his education in music on the streets of Kingston, to his ascension with The Wailers to the top of the charts—along with his family relationships, marriage, and assorted affairs. Religion, political activism, and his love of soccer are also covered. Each chapter is drawn by a different artist, with distinct visual landscapes, beginning with Olivier Desvaux’s pastels and the detailed linework of Ammo and ending with the evocative color palette of Julien Atika and a folk art–influenced portrait of Marley’s funeral by Gil. Some chapters, though, such as the one by Efix, may raise eyebrows for their depictions of Marley in potentially offensive caricatures including goofy, cartoonish emphasis of his dreadlocks and nose . Between the graphic narratives, brief textbook-style sequences reiterate what the comics present with additional facts and (sometimes blithe) commentary in the format established for other titles in this imported series. Though the quality of the narratives varies, it’s a decent surface treatment, accessible for novice Marley fans and younger readers; those wishing for more sophisticated insights might do better with one of the biographies listed as suggested reading at the back. (Jan.)