Though it was published in 2011, it’s only recently that I’ve gotten around to reading Americus, written by M.K. Reed with art by Jonathan David Hill and published by First Second.

Neal Barton just wants to read in peace. Unluckily for him, some local Christian activists are trying to get his favorite fantasy series banned from the Americus public library on grounds of immoral content and heresy. Something has to be done, and it looks like quiet, shy Neal is going to have to do it. With youth services librarian Charlotte Murphy at his back, Neal finds himself leading the charge to defend the mega-bestselling fantasy series that makes his life worth living.

This is a funny, gripping, and relatable tale of life and local politics in middle America. And two years later it’s still relevant and appropriate. With recent events of gun violence, there’s a renewed call to censor entertainment, video games and most recently talks of censoring another graphic novel in schools. It’s sad that this graphic novel is not just relevant, it’s topical.

The story is fantastic. An easy read that you can breeze through. It’s written with the depth and ability to be enjoyed by both parents and children alike with fantastic art that fits the style of story, really stories as there’s the book within a book.

This graphic novel is one of those great works, examining itself in a way, while commenting on the unfortunate censorship that is all too often called upon by overzealous parents or bureaucrats who know little of what they want to censor. This is still goes on today, and often is played out in real life much as it does in this graphic novel.

There’s only a handful of comic books that are as topical or relevant today as when they first came out. Americus is up there, not just for the subject it broaches, but how it’s depicted. Yes, the story might be simplified and some of the characters stereotypes, but the approach and ease of read, while still being entertaining, put it up there as a definite read.

Story: M.K. Reed Art: Jonathan David Hill

Story: 8.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

First Second provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review