The Battle of Iwo Jima: Guerilla Warfare in the Pacific (Graphic Battles of World War II) - Softcover

Larry Hama is a writer, penciller, editor, and actor who has worked in comics, television, and film. He is best known for his work as the writer of Marvel s GI Joe and Wolverine comics, in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively. He has also written, edited, or drawn for The Avengers, Nth Man, The Nam, Conan, Batman, Wonder Woman, Bizarre Adventures, X-Men, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and dozens more. His illustrations and cartoons have appeared in National Lampoon, Esquire, New York, and Rolling Stone. His most recent novel is The Death of Captain America. He has appeared on Broadway in Sondheim s Pacific Overtures and on TV in M*A*S*H, Saturday Night Live, and Another World.

*Starred Review* It's often hard to interest students in long-ago events, but using a graphic novel to introduce the battle for Iwo Jima makes it very accessible. Before the graphic-novel section of the book begins, Hama provides a short, informative background piece describing the run-up to World War II, the significance of the Japanese war machine, and the importance of the tiny island of Iwo Jima. Then the graphic novel, illustrated by Williams in camouflage colors, does a terrific job of examining the ups and downs of the battle as well as the horror of so many losses--on both sides. That is one of the book's real strengths. Hama makes readers see the Japanese as real people and not just as the enemy. For instance, he introduces three young botany students who somehow arrived on Iwo Jima as the battle was beginning; and some readers may be surprised by the fact that the Japanese generals had spent time in the United States. This captivating book in the Graphic Battles of World War II series will encourage kids to read more. A glossary, short bibliography, and contact information for two relevant museums are appended. REVWR
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