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R**S
Five Stars
This can't be graded in "stars". I give this book 5 porta john drawn cocks.
J**R
I got my copy through the Kickstarter and it was ...
I got my copy through the Kickstarter and it was well worth the wait.The art is well done. There are some interesting things done with color palette that add a little more depth in a subtle way.The story is really what it's all about though. It is written in 'Marine language' which helps you sort of get immersed in the story. For me that, with the colors and all brought back the smells and sounds of my time in Iraq in 2003. The climax of the story kinda sneaks up on you when you least expect it which adds to both the impact and the realism. The 13 years since I came home seemed to melt away and that smell of stale trash and diesel fumes was back. There is some real emotional power in this book. Every grunt should get it, especially if you were in Iraq.
A**Y
Just finished reading it. This is a story that ...
Just finished reading it.This is a story that will stay with you, and well worth the Kickstarter delays.After seeing what I donated, I almost feel as though I cheated the author and his staff.This is the first book in a long time, that actually caused me to feel something.
A**R
The real deal
Similar to Max, I enlisted in the USMC from 2006 to 2010, and deployed twice to Iraq in 2007 and 2009. I wish this book was around then, because it perfectly captures the emotions and baggage that accompanies enlisting and deployment. I wish I had this book to refer to people who asked, "Have you ever shot/killed someone??"The frustration and anger that some veterans feel is hard to describe because it's illogical, full of inconsistencies, and paradoxical. But Max does a perfect job of showing, through his art, what cannot be put into words.WARNING: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.In this book, the author has done an excellent job of depicting what a large number of Marines go through -- from the being dichotomous being treated like crap as a boot, but treated like a hero when you're back in your hometown; to the feelings of seeking self-discovery in the wrong places; to the feelings of despair and anger when you realize that nobody back home understands what a service member has gone through after their first combat deployment.Perhaps the part of the book that rang most true to me was the interactions with Abe's civilian friends and family back home. Before Abe deploys, he is praised as a hero from well-meaning citizens, but he knows that the praise is undeserved because he hasn't actually done anything noteworthy in the Marines. While on deployment, he is wracked with paranoia and anger at his romantic interest, for what he perceives to be her indifference. His life is on hold, and he is resentful that her life is not.When he returns from Iraq, Abe has noticed that he has changed, while everyone else has stayed the same. While his is resentful that his life was in limbo in Iraq, he does not realize that he has changed more than his friends and family, who all stayed essentially the same. He is angry, at himself for enlisting, at his superiors for their incompetence, at people who treat him like a hero and whose concern only extends to the dreaded question, "Have you ever killed anyone?" At the same time, Abe pushes away the people who love him and can provide that support.I just noticed that I used Max's first name throughout the book, instead of "the author." I realized later that this may be a bit presumptive of me, as I have never actually met him. But, having deployed himself, he knows what I, and countless other veterans, have gone through, better than our best friends or family do. In that way, this "stranger" knows more about me than lifelong friends.If you have a friend who is a veteran that has inexplicably changed after coming home from deployment, I implore you to read this book. I know many veterans do not like to open up, but this book may help you understand his or her feelings a bit more.
M**R
Haunting
First, let me say that I'm writing this from the perspective from someone who was an infantry soldier in Iraq at around the same time the book takes place. I was never a Marine, but the average Army infantryman and Marine grunt are a lot more similar than they are different, even if they want to believe otherwise.With that said, this book captures with 100% accuracy what being on the ground at that time was like. Abe, the main character, joins the Corps with vague ideas about "finding something", and perhaps becoming transformed through the discipline and standards of the Marines and the trials and tribulations of war. He discovers, as so many young men before and after him have done, that the Corps and war are both very, very different than they're portrayed by the media. There is far more stupidity in the Marines (and the military in general) than there is camaraderie, honesty, and discipline, and there is far, far, far more boredom in war than the firefight-filled action most men dream about when they sign up to be grunts. Abe sees all this, and quickly becomes disillusioned.He also learns how little people back home actually care about what's happening in the war zone. People welcome him back, but he quickly realizes that for most people the war is a kind of strange television show with no real plot that they can't really relate to. For the average person who's never worn a uniform, the war may as well be happening on another planet, and guys like Abe are just alien visitors who don't quite fit into regular society anymore.Abe also finds out just why some veterans have a hard time moving on with their lives once their time in uniform is over. I won't say any more than that.This is a wonderful, necessary book, because it visually tells the story of the Iraq war with an honesty you won't find anywhere else. Read it if you want to find out what being a deployed combat Marine is really like. And if you're considering enlisting in a combat job (regardless of service) read this for a preview of what your life is likely to be like, especially if you get to deploy.
W**R
but to the best of my knowledge it is the first graphic novel ...
This is not the first war memoir written, but to the best of my knowledge it is the first graphic novel written and illustrated by a veteran. This is a beautifully drawn and powerful book, written by a US Marine Corps vet with combat experience in Iraq. Maximilian Uriate's book deals with the experiences of pre-training, of deployment, and of PTSD, and the horrific impact this has. It is an absolute masterpiece, which I strongly recommend to veterans of all nationalities, and their families.
M**N
Buy it
An amazing book that should be considered a must read for military and veterans alike. I'm not American but I had to put the book down because it's themes made me emotional. Can't recommend enough.
A**N
Amazing
D. Campbell already explained why this graphic novel is a must read for any veterans and their families. I would like to add that the drawings are beautiful and menacing. As a Danish soldier I could easily relate to this character, and I would definitely recommend this book to all soldiers regardless of what flag the fight for.
S**A
Amazing!
A truly amazing novel, I couldn't put it down and just had to read it all in one go.As a fan of Max's Terminal Lance web comic, I thought this book would be more of that sort of thing. Which it was, but it was also so much more.It had me feeling all nostalgic to begin with, but by the end it really hit hard and reminded me what its all about, your friends
A**N
Outstanding, would recommend.
You don't need to have been a Marine for this book to punch you right in the gut. Some military experience might help with acronyms and what not, but it's still a great book none the less. If you do have any military experience, this book will hit home in a big way. It's not overly long, but the author deftly establishes a true emotional connection between the reader and the characters. You can truly feel their fear, anger, sadness, desperation, and their deep camaraderie. Comics/graphic novels are not a medium that one often associates with emotional depth, but this book breaks that mold in a big way, but is still entertaining and funny at times. This book tells an important story of the struggles of the modern war veteran, which often goes unknown to the public at large. I can't offer enough praise for this book, it truly is exceptional.
A**R
Great read, and a good reminder
I really enjoyed Uriarte's work in all its formats, and I found this story very well fleshed out and justly reflective of the subject matter. Highly recommended read.
M**L
I am certainly glad that I did
This was the first graphic novel I have ever read. I am certainly glad that I did. I’ve been into Terminal Lance for a couple of years after a friend got me onto it. It’s a really good read I highly recommend it. I’m worried I might be hooked on graphic novels now.
B**N
A very... human story
These days it seems that authority is faceless, soldiers and policemen all painted with the same brush. People forget that those aren’t mindless drones without feeling, mercy or remorse wearing those uniforms; like it or not, they’re people just like them.
M**O
HAHA!
Comprei numa promoção aqui na Amazon por 14 reais!! História muito bem trabalhada, arte fenomenal. Encadernado grande capa dura. Show mesmo. Fica esperto, vai que uma super promoção como a que eu peguei volta!
C**S
Awesome
Great graphic novel. I've been reading Terminal Lance for a bit now, while this is a bit darker than his normal comic strip, it's a very eye opening portrayal of a Marines experience from pre deployment to what happens after.
A**R
I have been following Terminal Lance for a few years and needless to say "The White Donkey" did not disappoint. The artwork was
I finally received my copy today and got right to reading it. I have been following Terminal Lance for a few years and needless to say "The White Donkey" did not disappoint. The artwork was great and had a very powerful story. Was hard to keep from crying at moments. Thanks Max for producing such great work over the years.
R**Z
Es un trabajo muy bien realizado!
Muy bueno! Las ilustraciones y la historia son fascinantes!
K**R
Highly recommended though not a long version of the comic
Very honest with excellent art and one of the most memorable climax I've read. I think the most resonating idea was the systemic failures of various institutions (officer Corp, Padre, etc) to deal with a critical stress incident and letting it become pstd. I highly recommend this book.
R**A
Maximilian knows
An amazing graphic novel. Maximilian portrays life in the Marine Corps out of his own experience, which makes it that much incredibly good.
D**S
The book is simply amazing. I read it in about 40 minutes
What can I say? The White Donkey is written by and illustrated by Max Uriarte, creator of Terminal Lance.The book is simply amazing. I read it in about 40 minutes, I just couldn't stop turning the page, and the ending, jesus christ that hit me right where it hurts.10/10
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