What: A.D.: New Orelans After the Deluge, graphic novel book release
Where: The Book Cellar, 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
When: Friday, August 28, 7pm
How Much: Free

Our lateness in posting about this event in no way indicates our excitement level about it (which is high). In A.D., graphic novelist Josh Neufeld pretty much proves the value of graphic novels as a form of journalism, with his stunning illustrations and poignant prose. Neufeld was a Red Cross volunteer right after Katrina hit and the blog entries he kept about that experience led to this book. At tomorrow’s event, Neufeld (who’s a longtime artist for Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor), will present a visual presentation on his graphic novel “A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge.” A few reviews follow and you will note they are not lukewarm, and neither are the frenzied emails from my coolest Chicago friends demanding my attendance at this event.

“Josh Neufeld follows a half dozen denizens of the Big Easy as they choose between fleeing the impending hurricane and hunkering down to wait out the storm. Acts of folly and bravery are depicted, and Neufeld makes a striking political point without tipping over into didacticism.” —San Francisco Chronicle “Best in Comics”, July 10, 2009

“A.D. is one of the best-ever examples of comics reportage, and one of the clearest portraits of post-Katrina New Orleans yet published. An essential addition to the ongoing conversation about what Katrina means, and what New Orleans means.” —Dave Eggers, author of Zeitoun and What Is the What