Reviewed by Chad Burdette
Alex Ross, Steve Darnell
Vertigo
He wonders the street of an anonymous American city clad in star-spangled rags trying to remember his true identity. His name is Sam and he is plagued by inner voices which carry him from the present day to the past where he relives some of the darkest days of America’s history. From the beginning, Uncle Sam, whose image is reminiscent of the I Want You poster and the leader of the Freedom Fighters in the DC Universe, is depicted as a derelict reaching out to the reader; as he stumbles through a dreamy landscape spouting sound bites from presidential history and pop culture. His flashbacks take him to such historical events such as preparing to fight the Revolutionary War; Kennedy’s Dallas limo; the Blackhawk Massacre of 1832; Andersonville Prison; and at a labor protest in 1932; at a Louisiana lynching. These scenes blend into one another as a way of demonstrating the continuity that is the history of American. Back in the present day a bedraggled present-day Sam interrupts a political rally exploiting his alter ego. What follows is the final confrontation where the fate of Sam and the spirit of the nation hang in the balance.
This two issue story was a mixed bag for me. On one hand, Alex Ross’s art is as great as ever. He even includes little easter eggs like he has in his other works. That said, this is also a work with strong political motives and overtones which are those on the liberal side of the political spectrum. People without a strong political background will be introduced to one side of the "debate" between the two groups. This evident in the campaign between the two Senatorial candidates where the Republican is portrayed as a liar and thief who runs attack ads on his rival and the Democrat is a honest man whose motives are portrayed as purely selfless. In all fairness there are politicians from both parties (past and current) that could be put into either of these categories. It’s not a bad story, even if it is told so one-sided, and thus must be taken with a grain of salt and a healthy portion of critical thought, not with blind acceptance. The final message of this book seems to be that unquestioning patriotism is counterproductive, while hope is a strong positive force; past mistakes ignored are doomed to be repeated, while an understanding of past mistakes better prepares one for a more successful future. Yes, the United States has made mistakes, but I don't think America's mistakes warrant the suggestion that Uncle Sam's image is fully damaged, and that America has lost its way as long as people continue to stay connected and active in holding politicians of both parties accountable for their actions. The intent is good and is worth reading especially given today's great political insult-fest environment, but should be used as a starting point for the discussion, not the end.