A. Rivera reviewed Gonzo by William Bingley
Review of 'Gonzo' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A good graphic novel, but it is so short and quick. It really only glimpses at the life of Hunter S. Thompson, focusing mostly on his "glory" years in the 60s and 70s. It is a very good, but very superficial introduction to the man. If nothing else, this graphic novel will make the reader want to seek out more by and about Thompson. For that, the book does include a small bibliography at the end. The book also features a good foreword by Alan Rinzler that puts the graphic novel and Thompson in some context. Most people know Thompson as "that gonzo journalist," more myth than reality. This book tries to humanize him, but there is still a bit more myth than reality it seems. The book does have good black and white art that goes well with the story. Fans of Thompson will probably feel the book is …
A good graphic novel, but it is so short and quick. It really only glimpses at the life of Hunter S. Thompson, focusing mostly on his "glory" years in the 60s and 70s. It is a very good, but very superficial introduction to the man. If nothing else, this graphic novel will make the reader want to seek out more by and about Thompson. For that, the book does include a small bibliography at the end. The book also features a good foreword by Alan Rinzler that puts the graphic novel and Thompson in some context. Most people know Thompson as "that gonzo journalist," more myth than reality. This book tries to humanize him, but there is still a bit more myth than reality it seems. The book does have good black and white art that goes well with the story. Fans of Thompson will probably feel the book is not enough. Casual or new readers to Thompson's work will probably enjoy it, but they will also want to seek out more.
The graphic novel does have a pretty fast pace. I would say it is somewhat impressionistic for it moves in and out of various events in fairly quick succession, not giving much room to go in depth. Then again, it is a short book, and thus cannot do justice to the man, his work, and times. But it is a very good read. Overall, it is a good book, and one I think is worth reading. But it is also an invitation to learn more about the man and his times, and boy did he live in some tumultuous times.
