GRAPHIC NOVELS

You Must Take Part in Revolution

Street Noise. Mar. 2025. 264p. ISBN 9781951491291. pap. $23.99. SF
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Chinese artist and political activist Badiucao and Emmy-nominated journalist Chan collaborate on a work of unabashedly political science fiction set in a near-future world on the verge of falling completely under the thrall of authoritarian regimes. When China and the United States—the latter now under the control of a proto-fascist government—enter into a potentially apocalyptic conflict, a trio of idealistic young people, dedicated to activism in the face of rising fascism, are forced to reckon with the personal cost of rebellion in an age of international aggression, total surveillance, and state-sponsored propaganda. Badiucao’s bold, angular illustrations and evocative use of color create unforgettable imagery, juxtaposing human fragility with the cold, brutal machinery of oppression. Meanwhile, Chan’s journalistic expertise provides a grounded, politically nuanced perspective, anchoring the speculative narrative with a sense of realism and a sharp understanding of global power dynamics. Though the story is often bleak, its unflinching portrayal of oppression and the vital necessity of maintaining idealism in the face of utter despair is as timely as it is deeply stirring.
VERDICT In their debut graphic novel, Badiucao and Chan deliver a provocative and visually stunning call to arms against modern authoritarianism.
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