Book #77
Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-top-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz.Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles--dead or alive.
What a joy it was to read a graphic novel after far too long. I can’t pretend to be a devotee - they are so expensive for what usually turns out to be a relatively quick read - but when I do treat myself it’s always an experience.
Django isn’t just a film adaptation; it’s the first draft of the script written in a graphic novel format. We’re given far more scenes and backstories than the film permitted; I was particularly engrossed by Broomhilda’s experiences after being separated from Django at the auction. I always found her to be an unexplored character, so I devoured this storyline.
The artwork is excellent and does well to convey the moods of the scene, whether this is a sombre reflection on the audacities of slavery, or a chaotic depiction of the ultra-violence Tarantino is so fond of. Something jumped out of every panel for me; it was intoxicating.
It’s now quite clear to me that it’s time to gather some pennies together and dive back into this gorgeous format of storytelling properly.