Best Shot in the West

This enticing historical-fiction graphic novel reminds readers that not all cowboys were white. Born a slave in 1854 Tennessee, Nat Love gains his freedom, then gains respect and acceptance as a cowboy. While the story integrates maps, letters, and longer stretches of prose, the book knows when to rely on the power of image to move the story forward.

Based on real events, this graphic novel contains all the excitement of fictional accounts of the Wild West—with the added virtue of accurately undermining clichés and stereotypes. Nat Love is a convincing, sympathetic, and admirable character. While the book closely follows Love’s autobiography, Patricia and Frederick McKissack have dramatized certain scenes. The writing is pithy and compelling throughout. Randy DuBurke’s dramatic, unique illustrations reward repeated readings. The monochromatic figures establish a sense of historical fidelity, while the colorful backgrounds help bring the story to life.

Cowboys are one of our most resonant historical and cultural icons, and the reality of cowboy history can get lost in a mix of legend and tall tales. This historical-fiction graphic novel based on Nat Love, a contemporary of Billy the Kid, reminds modern-day readers that not all cowboys were white. Born a slave in 1854 Tennessee, Love barely scrapes by once he gains his freedom. But he quickly gains respect as an expert in breaking any horse and wins acceptance as a cowboy, mastering the valued skills of sharp shooting, driving, and roping. For over twenty years he roams the vast emptiness of the prairies, fearing attack from hostile Indians and losing more than one friend to cattle or buffalo stampedes. The art, sketchy and highlighted with vivid color, shows how the dusty trails and vast skies feel rather than attempting to record every minute detail. The panels follow the customary rectangular sequence, making the action easy to parse; flat whites and shadows recall sepia photographs. While the story integrates maps, letters, and longer stretches of prose, the book knows when to rely on the power of image to move the story forward. The format and pacing make this an enticing way to hook readers on little-told histories and encourage the investigation of Love and his unsung fellows. robin brenner