Che

by Spain Rodriguez, Paul Buhle (Editor)

Since his death in 1967, Ernesto “Che” Guevara has become a universally known revolutionary icon and political figure whose image is among the most recognizable in the world. This dramatic and extensively researched book breathes new life into his story, portraying his struggle through the medium of the underground political comic—one of the most prominent countercultural art forms since the 1960s. Spain Rodriguez’s powerful artwork illuminates Che’s life and the experiences that shaped him, from his motorcycle journey through Latin America, his rise to prominence as a leader in Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement, his travels in Africa, his involvement in the insurgency that led to his death in Bolivia, and his extraordinary legacy.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics, Graphic Novels Comics

106 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Manuel "Spain" Rodríguez

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful GN that looks at the life of Che that is extremely well researched. Spain Rodriguez is one of the unsung heroes of underground comix movement (Trashman). Excellent 'starting point' if you want to look at the life of this 'revolutionaries revolutionary' and how he influenced a wide political spectrum of thought and action.

[Pink · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone like me, who knew little about Che Guevara, beyond his poster image, this was a brief but informative account of his life. I enjoy graphic biographies and I think this served the purpose, with the artwork suiting the book's format. This isn't for people who already know about Guevara, or want to learn more, but it's a good starting place.

[Mati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best birthday book present I have ever gotten since I was kid. I have certain Che mania and I read his writtings and books about him. This comics is nice addiction to my collection. The comics covers all life of the famous doctor.

[Ahmed Gohary · Rating 4 out of 5]

الصراحة شخصية تشي جيفارا بالنسبة لي شخصية عادية ولولا ان هذا الكتاب من ترجمة الدكتور لما فكرت ان اشتريها رغم حبي للكوميكس

تصور الرواية فترة شباب جيفارا حتي موتة القصة معروفة وتم تناولها في اكثر من عمل سينمائي ,احدهم كان من بطولة عمر الشريف وقد تبرأ منة لأنه علي حد
قولة كان يتناول شخصية جيفارا من منظور امريكي كارة للشخصية
يوجد أيضا للدكتور رواية من سلسلة فانتازيا اسمها تشي عن نفس الشخصية

[Angel Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rodriguez,Spain
Che: A graphic biography
Verso (London)
Copyright 2008
This entertaining yet addictive book gives us a first-hand look on the Che Guevara revolutionary life. It goes through his childhood. What he did as a child. To when he was an adult, How got involved in politics. Rodriguez ,Spain who was a cartoonist that created lots of graphic novel. Spain has created books like Che and Trashman lives. And owned his own company called underground comics. Where made lots of books that went went viral. This book takes place in the 1950s This talks about Che’s life how he grew up how he got into politics It took place when Fidel Castro was the prime minister of Cuba. Him and Che were good friends. The book Che was based on true events. It started from he was born till he died. It describe his life what he did how he got their. One thing you will learn from this book is how people made mistakes. Che when he was in control he made lots of mistakes. You can understand how not to make mistakes and understand how not to do mistakes.
Readers who enjoyed other famed Graphic novels about history will appreciate Che A graphic biography Like Persepolis and Maus. All of these book are very similar to Che A graphic biography they are all historic graphic novels. The intended audience is 16 and up. Because there is some sense that are kind of crazy. A The book was very unique. The artwork on the book was very unique and creative, the book has a very special way they used the artwork it's one of a kind which makes unique and creative. Overall was a really good book.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice Che-centric biography, covering his journey from bourgeois medical student to radical/left armed revolutionist. Most of his history is well known, of course, but the book also included coverage of his frustrating and mostly failed efforts to organize Congolese fighters in the aftermath of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba - an episode that I wasn't familiar with.

Guevara had the idea that Latin America was ripe for a continent-wide revolution against imperialism and the local elites, and that the Cuban model of guerrilla warfare was the way to ignite that revolution. Cuba's own experience - the all-out economic and military opposition directed by the US - should have been a warning that success was unlikely. Interestingly, one of the reasons for failure in Bolivia was that some form of land reform had already been instituted, thus ensuring that the peasantry was not as motivated to assist the revolution. That, plus the nonstop US / Bolivian propaganda against the rebels, turned the local population against Che and his forces, and led, ultimately, to his capture and murder.

But he remains an iconic figure (literally), in large part due to his genuine and sincere devotion to bettering the lives of the poor and oppressed, and also his courage and dedication to the cause.

[طارق سيد · Rating 4 out of 5]

سيرة مصورة تعريف دقيق جدا لهذا العمل. فهو يتناول حياة جيفارا الثائرة من منظور مصور مبسط. و دمج الحدث مع الصورة هو عمل موفق و جيد لأن جيفارا بالأصل رمز ايقوني أي مرئي و لا زال تأثيره حتي يومنا هذا.
للتنويه أنا امتلك فكرة ممتازة عن حياة تشي جيفارا و لو يشجعني علي العمل إلا العراب احمد خالد توفيق رحمه الله و فكرة سيرة مصورة كتجربة مختلفة و جديدة علي شخصي.
أعجبني في البداية طريقة الرسومات و التلوين . فهو ينتمي إلي المدرسة الفرانكفورتية في الرسومات و المثال الأقرب لها هو تان تان.
اختيار هذا النوع من الرسم هو الأقرب إلي الواقع فاختيار الطريقة الأمريكية في الرسومات مثل مارفل أو دي سي كان سيصبح اختيار غير موفق بسبب طبيعة الرسومات الخيالي.
أيضا أعجبني تناول شخصية جيفارا من منظور محايد.
بالاعتراف باخطائه القيادية و آثارها المترتبة.
ملاحظة أخيرة الدوك كان متأثر بشخصية تشي بشدة و عليه اختياره لهذا العمل تحديدا ليس اعتباطا.
رحمك الله يا عراب الجيل.
للمزيد من المراجعات الاحترافية علي أسس روائية سليمة محايدة و ترشيحات عن خبرة قراءة ٣٠ سنة اشترك في قناة كوكب الكتب علي يوتيوب.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1WenX...

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is, of course, unfair to compare this to Sacco. But since Sacco's blurb is on the back, it seems somewhat acceptable to hold it to those standards.

In that light, Che: A Graphic Biography does a fine job of working through Che's life in an interesting and suitable way. But honestly, that's all it does. The images fail to dramatically augment the narrative (and vice versa). Sure, biography is not poetry, but the benefit of most biography is that the details mount to create a vision of the person. Here, in a mere 100 graphical pages, you simply don't get around to that and it ends up reading like study-review material for a Latin American history class.

[Eman Hafez · Rating 3 out of 5]

الرسوم ممتازة لكن القصة كانت مختصرة نوعًا ما.. فقدت تركيزي أكثر من مرة في تسلسل الأحداث
المقالة في نهاية الكتاب "تشي جيفارا: الصورة والحقيقة" جيدة جدًا
والترجمة معقولة

[Amirtha Shri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Spain Rodriguez' Che feels like the introduction I needed to a vast amount of impending literature, beginning with Che's autobiography and Karl Marx' The Communist Manifesto. The illustration is fantastic and Spain has remarkably covered a large chunk of history in 100 pages. As I have a long way to go in the awareness of world politics and history, I felt lost for a few pages, which is why I would love to bridge it with more reads.

[Ayman Elgazzar · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب مصور يشرح قصة حياة تشي جيفارا هذا الاشتراكى الثورى الذى تظل صورته دائما احد رموز اى ثورة
ورغم ان قصة حياة جيفارا معروفة وشاهدت اكثر من فيلم يمثلها الا ان الكتاب جيد وشجعنى على قراءته اكثر انه من ترجمة دكتور احمد خالد توفيق
كتاب جيد الرسومات والترجمة معقولة جدا

[Tom Butt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit confusing at times but overall satisfactory for an introduction

[Kevin Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad Spain finished this book before he died. It's a little outside his regular oeuvre, but completely in keeping with his political leanings and revolutionary spirit. One can imagine that Che was an inspiration to Spain in the '60s, much as he was to many people in the counter-culture.

Spain's research and knowledge is impressive. Even more impressive is his ability to cram so many biographical details into such a concise overview. As with many biographies, it can cover the events of the subject's life, but has a hard time getting inside their mind. It's a little easier here, since there are so many diaries and memoirs to draw from, but outside of what Che witnessed on his famous motorcycle trip, it's hard to account for his fighting spirit.

I can't yet compare this to other "graphic biographies" of Che, but Spain brings something personal to the tale that makes it more than just a Che for Beginners-type book (though it works as that, too). Everything goes into the mix, from Spain's Latin heritage to his political views to his motorcycle riding experiences. One gets the feeling that Spain identifies with and admires Che to the point where this book could almost serve as a sort of spiritual biography of the artist himself.

The crisp, stylized artwork engages directly with the iconography of Che Guevara, which has taken on a life of its own since his death. Spain, I think, is taking it back from those who have appropriated Che's image for commercial gain. Also, Spain's battle scenes are reminiscent of Russ Heath's war comics from the '60s (which were themselves appropriated by Roy Lichtenstein for some of his most famous pop art paintings). Coming from an OG underground cartoonist like Spain, there's a lot to unpack concerning the cultural, social and political impact of imagery and how those in power use it to control the narrative.

[Grady Ormsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed comic books when I was a kid. My favorites were Superman and Blackhawk. When I stumbled across Che: A Graphic Biography by Spain Rodriguez, I jumped at it. Ernesto Guevara has become a universally recognized icon adorning t-shirts around the world, even though many of the t-shirt wearers have no idea who he was. Reading the graphic biography reminded me of the Classics Illustrated comic book series from the fifties and sixties. Thoroughly researched, Rodriguez's book presents the early life of Che from his childhood in Argentina, his early interest in politics, his second division soccer career and his medical studies. His motorcycle journeys through Latin America with his pal Alberto Granado were the life-changing experiences that shaped his destiny. He was deeply affected by the poverty, sickness and injustice that he found at every turn. After joining Fidel Castro's July 26 Movement his organizational talents, intelligence, courage and passion established him as a truly significant revolutionary leader. Rodriguez's illustrations add power and pathos one of the most controversial figures of the Twentieth Century. I only wish the book had been done in color.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough biography of one of the most influential people in the 20th century. He was Fidel Castro's second hand man before, during and after the Cuban Revolution. As an internationalist, Che was not satisfied with staying in Cuba after Batista was overthrown. He began to rebuild Cuba's infrastructure to create an industrial base to allow Cuba to function as an independent nation. In order to do that he needed outside support. He met with the the Soviets, the Chinese, Koreans, and African leaders. After his assassination by CIA-backed government forces in Bolivia, Che became even more influential as an icon of protest and change. Rodriquez's graphic novel expertly intertwines biographical details, political subtleties, opposing perspectives, and facts to create a multifaceted view of this larger than life man.

[Annette Boehm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no history buff, so I can't say much about the accuracy of Rodriguez's retelling of Che Guevara's life story, but the book itself is easy to read, the illustrations (black and white line drawings) are well-crafted and appropriate for a comic for grown-up readers, and reading this I certainly got the impression the author knew his stuff. At times it gets a little confusing when there's a jump backwards in time in a new locale which then catches up again to the action so far, but it's manageable. The book shows Che and -- at least initially -- Fidel Castro in a positive light and questions the legitimacy / motivation of US interventions in Cuba and other nations in the name of democracy and economic stability.

A political comic biography suitable for teenage and adult readers.

[Brandon White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate this book for providing concise yet thorough history within 100 pages, and it's credible accessibility to Che's story, but I wasn't too impressed with its artistic stylings. With generous cosignings from Spiegelman and Sacco, o thought I was in for a captivating story about the man. Instead, only the facts held my interests, not the narration. This graphic biography would have easily received 3/5 stars if it didn't do so good with providing a well-chosen details about Che's life saga. In my opinion, it is a must read for anybody who wants to know who that guy on everybody's shirt is, but not go on a major research mission.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. However, I will say that it would be best for two types of people: 1) those who only have a passing interest in Guevara's life, or 2) Those who already have an extensive knowledge of Che and are looking for a new depiction of it.

The novel itself is entertaining, but the biographical information in it only seemed to touch the surface. Not much else can be expected in a 100-page graphic novel, though. Overall it did its job, and Spain Rodriguez entertained.

So, if you are looking for a simple, not-too-in-depth story of Che, this graphic novel is great (and a relatively quick read)!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day. It's amazing how quickly I can move when there's lots of pictures. It's fast paced at the beginning and sets up a very vague historical background (Rodriguez assumes that you already know the history? Unfortunately, I don't... That's why I wanted to read the book.) But it goes deep into the Cuban Revolution and the end there's a whole section on how the image of Che has been used to inspire. Also, I believe this is the first Graphic Novel I've ever finished! Kootoes to Spain Rodriguez, you win!

[Benjamin Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In other words, the US is incapable of seeing Cuba as a sovereign nation. But US contempt was not confined to Cuba. In the next decade the US would help overthrow elected governments while paying lip service to democracy. By now Che's martyrdom had become a potent rallying cry for all those who would stand up to imperialism, even in the United States."



"Spain's take on Che is brilliant and radical."
Art Spiegelman

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spain Rodriguez' telling of the life of Che Guevara is poignant and effective. While it is clear that Rodriguez admires Guevara, he works actively to depict him honestly, with his flaws showing.

[Rulfhi Alimudin Pratama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Film Motorcycle Diaries yang mengenalkan saya pada Che. Dalam film tersebut saya melihat Che sebagai sosok yang ramah, hangat dan romantis. Lalu ketika membaca biografi grafis Che (komik), saya mendapatkan gambaran yang lebih utuh mengenai Che. Terutama ketika ia melakukan perjalanan dan berjuang untuk revolusi. Sangat disayangkan jika hanya mengenal Che sebagai tokoh revolusioner saja tanpa menyelami pikiran-pikiran Che.

[Ziad Elmorshdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

وأخيرا اكسر صيامي عن القراءة ولكن بكتاب مخيف للآمال السيرة المصورة الموجزة المنقوصة التي لم تف باقل القليل عن وصف حياة تشي فقد اعتمدت علي معلومات القارئ فستشعر في وسط القصة بالضياع فمن هذا ومتي وماذا حدث ولكن الترجمة جيدة و الرسومات لا بأس بها و المقال في الاخير جيد في ربط صورة تشي بالواقع الذي ادي لانتشارها و محاولة فهم تحوله لأيقونة ومن ثم تحولها لسلعة استهلاكية وهي ما حارب تشي عمره ضده
فيالسخرية القدر
رحمة الله علي تشي و علي الثورة في كل مكان

[Mariam Gawwad · Rating 5 out of 5]

غالبا هأدمن الكوميكس ...

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting, even if you are familiar with the stories of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, Fidel Castro or the Cuban Revolution. I learned a few new things and the facts here do check out. But it is very selective of those facts and is particularly rose-tinted towards the revolution. There are many omissions and baiting, often at the same time, and I can't call this historically objective.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always known the name of Che Guevera, and in a vague way that he was linked to Cuba, and a freedom fighter, and of course I have been very familiar with the use of his image over the years, but that was about the size and scope of my knowledge, so this book was very informative and educational as well as being very interesting to read.

[Tonette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this turned out to be disappointing. I'll have to disagree with Art Spiegelman's quote on the cover endorsing it as "Spain's take on Che is brilliant and radical." Unless I find why he thinks so, cause I don't see it. I support a graphic biography of Che Guevara, but this book lacked flow.

The cover blurbs boast "this dramatic and extensively researched book breathes new life into his story and struggle." Supposedly due to the powerful artwork, which one image at a time looks fine, but the sequences are abrupt and frequently confusing and the story structure is flat as well. Tacked onto the end of the book is a 4 1/2 page text (with no graphics at all) dissertation on the power of Che as an iconic image and how images of him have been used/exploited, etc., but even that text doesn't illustrate how or what is compelling about Spain's Graphic Biography of Che.

Sorry, I wanted to like it, but it fell flat.

[Rasha El-Ghitani · Rating 4 out of 5]

الكوميكس أو القصص المصورة مرتبطة أغلب الوقت بالطفولة والمراهقة ولكنني اعتبرها نوعا من الراحة للبالغين ما بين كتاب أو رواية دسمين نحتاج إلى الراحة نحتاج أن ترى أعيننا صورًا بدلًا من السطور
وتخيل أن تكون القصة عن حياة جيفارا وأن من قام بترجمتها دكتور أحمد خالد توفيق رحمه الله ستشعر براحة ونوبة من الحنين إلى كل شيء نسيته يومًا وستتذكر الثورة والمقاومة وأنت مستلقي تمامًا وفي النهاية ستشعر بنوع من الحماسة وتكمل مسيرتك
مع حبي لروح الرائع أحمد خالد توفيق الكاتب والمترجم والأب والمعلم

[Bunga Mawar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cerita yang lumayan komprehensif. Sayangnya kesan terpotong-potong kelihatan banget. Kalo Mas Ronny sampe ngomongin terjemahannya, saya luput, hehe..

Masih kalah dengan Palestine-nya Joe Sacco. Gambarnya kaku, ga hidup. Agak mirip Petruk-Gareng van Tumaritis-nya Tatang S. :p

[Frederic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes,it is a hagiography and a comic book and the text too often falls to the level of agitprop and yet it's more than worthwhile as an introduction to Che...in the years since his death he has been misused by the Left almost as often as he has been traduced by the Right...