About the Author

Mat Johnson is an author and teacher. Following his acclaimed first novel, Drop, Johnson wrote the award-winning Hunting in Harlem and the non-fiction The Great Negro Plot. His other comics work to date is Titan's Hellblazer: Papa Midnite. Warren Pleece first found comics fame illustrating Second City Blues for 2000AD, but it was True Faith, with author Garth Ennis, that truly made his name. His other work includes Hellblazer and The Invisibles.

Reviews

"A powerful, passionate, funny adult work."

"Ingenious, enlightening and powerful." -- Paul Theroux

"[An] engrossing graphic novel, with its smart dialogue and sharp images."

"Gripping ... manages to juggle humor and optimism with action, suspense and weighty themes."

"Fuses a bluesy, gutbucket noir sensibility with post-modern notions about the pliability of personal identity."

"Mat Johnson has done it again, namely written a deep story of pain and laughter that probes the complex dynamics of white supremacy in America. Don't miss it!" -- Cornel West

"A talented writer of both fiction and creative nonfiction, Johnson's publications have established him as an important new voice in the African American tradition." -- Walter Mosley

"Mat Johnson's thoughtful writing and the moody realism of Warren Pleece's art make this nasty bit of tarnished Americana come alive like a prodded snake. An exciting, disturbing piece of work." -- George Pelecanos

"A riveting meditation on racism and self-reliance. The beautiful chiaroscuro pen-and-ink illustrations provided by veteran artist Pleece bring to vivid life one of the darkest chapters in America's racial history."

Gr 10 Up-This bleak but incredibly compelling and fast-paced historical graphic novel reads like a classic film noir. Beginning with some voice-over narration from our hero, Zane Pinchbeck, the book transports readers to the Deep South of the early 20th century, where they become witness to a lynching. The protagonist is a light-skinned African-American newsman who poses as white to infiltrate pockets of the racist South. Known as Incognegro, he reports for a Harlem newspaper about the events he witnesses. After a close call with the Ku Klux Klan, he decides to retire his alter ego, until he is given an offer he can't refuse. The ensuing story involves mistaken identity, bizarre love affairs, kidnapping, the frighteningly sad demise of a supporting character, and a thoroughly satisfying end panel. The extreme black-and-white illustrations (there is no gray) add to the noir feel. Both the depictions of violence and the use of racist language can be harsh, but honest, all in keeping with the plot and tone of the story and the time period. However, the book is not without touches of humor, particularly in Zane's tagalong playboy friend. Johnson and Pleece have combined their considerable talents to create this cinematic portrayal of one of America's most shameful time periods.-Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

"A powerful, passionate, funny adult work."
"Ingenious, enlightening and powerful." -- Paul Theroux
"[An] engrossing graphic novel, with its smart dialogue and sharp images."
"Gripping ... manages to juggle humor and optimism with action, suspense and weighty themes."
"Fuses a bluesy, gutbucket noir sensibility with post-modern notions about the pliability of personal identity."
"Mat Johnson has done it again, namely written a deep story of pain and laughter that probes the complex dynamics of white supremacy in America. Don't miss it!" -- Cornel West
"A talented writer of both fiction and creative nonfiction, Johnson's publications have established him as an important new voice in the African American tradition." -- Walter Mosley
"Mat Johnson's thoughtful writing and the moody realism of Warren Pleece's art make this nasty bit of tarnished Americana come alive like a prodded snake. An exciting, disturbing piece of work." -- George Pelecanos
"A riveting meditation on racism and self-reliance. The beautiful chiaroscuro pen-and-ink illustrations provided by veteran artist Pleece bring to vivid life one of the darkest chapters in America's racial history."