Sentences: Stagger Lee
Thanks for returning for what might be one of the most different Graphic Novels I've ever had the chance to review. The book is called Stagger Lee by Derek McCulloch & Shepherd Hendrix, originally published by Image comics in soft cover 2006. Before I go further before I explain the book, I feel I need to explain what Stagger Lee is for those who were like me, and were totally unaware.
Stagger Lee is an American folklore song of Blues or Folk nature that was made famous in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The song itself centers around a shooting death, the events of which have changed along with most of the song through the decades. Of all the changes though, there have essentially been two constants, Stagger Lee (or Stack-o-Lee, Stagolee, Stackalee, or Stack O'Lee) shot Billy Lyons on Christmas Eve in 1895. Many artists, both past and recent have paid homage to this song.
Unlike some books that purport to retell a tale of history or chronicle the life of a famous person or event, the authors have tackled a much harder subject, and that is to root through over one hundred years wore of folklore, myth, and later legend to find out the what truth existed between the many different versions of the tale of Stagger Lee and if, in fact, he was real enough at all to tell a compelling story. Its one thing to write an entertaining factious story and it's and entirely other thing to write a historical examination, but to combine the two into a fictional narrative takes determination and dedication that no amount of talent can help you overcome. It is obvious both men have this.
The book follows two paths that weave themselves throughout its entirety. The first is the fictional narrative that builds upon the life and stories of the event that weaves back history and character study of many of the key players who will participate in the trail of one Sheldon "Stag" Lee to give the reader an unveiled look at what life would have been like at the time of the trial. They go to great lengths to give you an insight of the outlooks and prejudices that were still at odds only forty years after the Civil War.
They could stop there, but we are given a look at the political scene, which an astute reader will notice the complete reverse of how the Democrats and Republicans operated at that time, as well as slightly hinting at events that would soon become large issues on the national campaign in the coming elections (Corruption and the Gold Standard). Yet what I think McCulloch is most successful at is creating and building compelling characters to add a human story to give the tale of Stagger Lee a new depth that brings all the politics, racism, corruption, and relationship stories to a climax in the courtroom over the fate of Stagger Lee. It would truly be worthy of a big budget film.
The second portion of the book breaks into the story throughout with historical accounts about the history of the song and some of the key players who may have actually influenced it, produced it, or preformed it. It's a great match to go along with the story.
Shepherd Hendrix art is perfect, filling in the times with an accurate feel and giving the facial expressions the life to match the mood or atmosphere as the story needs it. As Stagger Lee is discussed in his various forms Hendrix expertly captures the essences that each song version had portrayed. The sepia tones used in place of black and white give a real nice touch to the story, as though I was looking through many old photos of a family album. Although I hear rumors that this will be available in electronic format at some point soon, I really recommend checking it out in print and feeling the history like a family story.
For more information about the history of Stagger Lee, please check out the following places:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Folktales-Julius-Lester/dp/0802132421
http://staggerlee.com/pgs/history1.php
For a small story and a link to download a .pdf story about the legend
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2007-06-27/news/the-story-of-stagger-lee
The Songs--- The song has lived as Ragtime, a Broadway showtune, Blues, Jazz, Honky Tonk, Country, 50s Rock and Roll, Ska, Folk, Surf, 70s punk, Heavy Metal, 90s punk, Rap. Even Hawaiian. The song's character lives large in Gangsta Rap.
For a great resource about the song history of Stagger Lee, please visit:
Thanks for reading and remember to leave me some feed back here and in the forums. I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on this particular column.
Chuck Kennedy/Podcaster, Columnist, Reviewer
Chuck Kennedy is active in the Comic Related forums and is one of the co-hosts for the Zone 4 familay of podcast. Chuck enjoys writing and is a long running comic fan. He's also a stay-at-home father of triplets that were born in June of 2006. Before they were born, he was a high school history teacher who I loved teaching and being with his students. Check out more of Chuck's thoughts and commentary at the Comic Book Observatory.
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