SON OF HITLER graphic novel (Image Comics, June 2018) Hardcover, 192 pages. ISBN #1534302247. Story by Anthony Del Col and Geoff Moore. Art by Jeff McComsey.
from the Goodreads website summary . . . . .
A story so wild it could only be true... maybe...
The never-before-told tale of Adolf Hitler's secret child and how this son was the key to ending World War II is now revealed in this audacious graphic novel based upon one of history's most intriguing rumors.
In 1944 Occupied France a rogue British agent reveals to a young baker's assistant the true identity of his father, thus recruiting him for a dangerous mission that will end the greatest threat of World War II. Out of respect to the innocent and the dead all the names in this story have been changed... Except for one.
This action-packed ride in the vein of Inglourious Basterds and The Boys from Brazil is brought to life by acclaimed writer ANTHONY DEL COL (Assassin's Creed, Kill Shakespeare), New York Times bestselling cartoonist JEFF McCOMSEY (FUBAR, Flutter) and newcomer GEOFF MOORE.
My review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Anthony Del Col takes the urban WWII myth of Hitler's son as his template and spins a well-researched yarn of historical fiction with plenty of suspense and emotion.
The back history of the alleged son of Hitler is woven throughout the story so that the reader comes to understand how things came to this point, what influenced young Pierre during his formative years, and how he handles frustration, anger and mistreatment with brutal, violent snap decisions.
The reader comes to empathize with the young man, product of a one-night stand with the ruthless German fuhrer and a French prostitute. His childhood was difficult and his classmates' constant taunting usually led to bloody consequences (for the teasers). Pierre finds purpose and comfort in his work as apprentice to a baker, who is secretly passing messages inside madeleine pastries.
The real hero of the graphic novel as well as the most interesting character by far is special agent Cora Brown, who has dedicated her career to the assassination of Hitler. When she learns of the existence of Hitler's son through three defecting German officers, the hunt is on for the son in hopes of using him to gain access to the wicked leader.
Pierre is persuaded to assist, since getting in front of his father gives him the chance to kill him. Several methods are tried before the team finds success through one of Hitler's doctors, who has his own schemes in mind.
There's an unexpected twist in the story related to Pierre's discovery. The ending is not exactly what readers may be expecting, but it is still very satisfying.
Artist Jeff McComsey gained his reputation as editor/writer/artist on the historical zombie FUBAR graphic novels, but this may be his best work yet. He uses colors to indicate both setting and mood as well as flashback scenes. He's particularly good at facial expressions and conveying various moods including rage.
I was given a promotional uncorrected proof of the novel (with some sections of unfinished art) from my local comic shop, which enabled me to write an advance review.
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