Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell narrates this audio adaptation of his graphic memoir with assists from his son (portraying himself) and two professional actors. Between them, Brittany Bradford and William DeMerrit realize dozens of fully individuated characters: Bell's younger self, along with his parents (an interracial couple), childhood friends, teachers, college classmates, professional colleagues, and even cops and schoolyard bullies. Complemented by thoughtful sound design, they deliver tour-de-force performances that bring to life Bell's dialogue and reveal the critical interactions that formed his identity as a biracial Black man in America. Sadly, Bell's own voice--a little nasal, largely without affect, and untrained in vocal arts--makes for a thin accompaniment. Nonetheless, the power of his story will carry listeners along.
Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250381248
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Marvel Comics fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at the creation of many of the company's lesser-known characters, such as Killraven, Man-Thing, Omega the Unknown, and others. Todd Menesses delivers a punchy, well-paced work with welcome enthusiasm about the subject matter. Clearly, he gets it. There is a slight problem with his pronunciation of some words like "genre," "analogous," and a few names, but it's a minor distraction. This is an audiobook for the true comics fan, not for the casual reader. The insights into creators like Steve Englehart, Steve Gerber and Don McGregor are worth the price of admission. For those who remember the era, this audiobook is a treasure trove of memories.
Pub Date: May 15, 2023
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798350804546
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Opening with the film-like sounds of a gathering storm at sea and a group of captive African women staging a desperate battle for their freedom, this combined memoir/audio play/graphic novel bursts with energy, inspiration, and little-known historical facts throughout. Based on Rebecca Hall’s pioneering research into women-led slave revolts, the story becomes personal when Hall, portrayed with verve by DeWanda Wise, insists that slavery should be taught as an integral part of American history. Subsequently, she is dismissed from teaching at prestigious law schools and universities until, finally, a high school class, played by the spirited ensemble cast, insists that the truth about Black women, unsung and unnamed, must come out. History should always sound this alive.
Pub Date: June 17, 2022
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781039402393
Publisher: Podium Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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