Advance Review: In Search of Gil-Scott-Heron

The connection between comics and hip-hop is a long and storied one. So it was only a matter of time before the “Godfather of Rap” would get the graphic novel treatment. “In Search of Gil Scott-Heron” is the tale of one man’s search for one of black artistic culture’s most illusive icons.

Writer Thomas Mauceri (as translated by James Hogan) recounts his journey to meet and make a documentary about Scott-Heron. His story begins with him moving from France to America to study cinema and have “the African-American experience” (which goes about how you’d expect). Mauceri is introduced to the man, the myth, the legend on election night in 2000. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is played for Mauceri and his life is never the same. An 11-year journey begins filled with highs and lows, near misses and some globe-trotting.

The words and the art convey the journey. The blissful high of finally talking to Gil on the phone and the devastating lows just missing an opportunity to meet him in person. The novel is a ride. It’s an intersecting story that also sheds a light on Gil Scott Heron’s life, presenting both his discography and biography. His life in college to recording his first album. The breakout success of “The Bottle” to his own battle with drug addiction. The good, the bad, the ugly, and also the real are all put on full display. His passion, his talent, and his influence is captured expertly by Mauceri. It is a poetic look at the life of an extraordinary poet and the beauty and complexities of life itself.

Like the storytelling and the subject himself, the art of the graphic novel is something truly unique. Artist Seb Piquet Adopts a simpler art style reminiscent of Charles Swartz’s Charlie Brown/Peanuts comics. Character features are large and exaggerated. Their eyes are small or sometimes simply dots, and the mouths and hair are simple line art. That simple character art is then combined with beautiful visual storytelling through the panels than range from the sublime to the surreal. It all gives the story a dream-like quality especially mixed with Mauceri’s excellent writing.

An open and personal autobiography and a heartfelt ode to an artist who had a profound impact on the author’s life. A soulful and heartfelt representation of a man’s life, love, and music. An original and creative work of art about one of the most original and creative artists of our time. In Search of Gil Scott-Heron is an absolute must read for hip-hop heads and comic fans alike.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.8/5 Stars

Written by; Thomas Mauceri
Art by; Seb Piquet
Colors by; Seb Piquet
Letters by; Lauren Bowes
Translated by James Hogan
Published by; Titan Comics

Graphic novel on sale August 15, 2023

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.