Drafted - by Rick Parker (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Drafted is the powerful graphic novel by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War. The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences tot he grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to the civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"An ode to comic book storytelling while also being a satirical take on the military industrial complex from the soldier's perspective. Honest and insightful." (The Beat; A Best Comic of the Year)

From noted cartoonist Rick Parker comes a powerful graphic novel memoir about his time in the United States Army, when he was drafted to serve during the Vietnam War.

Drafted is a powerful graphic novel memoir by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War.

The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.

In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army.

Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir, perfect for fans of Joe Sacco and Derf Backderf.

Review Quotes

"Drafted is an important addition not just to Vietnam War literature, but to war literature as a whole."--Comics Beat

"Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir..."--AIPT Comics

"A charming, funny and self-deprecating look at his own real experience as a draftee, vividly brought to life through the art form Parker spent his life mastering.... Some of his most poignant memories of service are ones to which veterans of most eras can relate."--Military.com

"A Modern Classic"--Graphic Policy

"Deftly balances dark themes and topics with a sense of humor, offering a unique perspective on war, soldiers, service and art as a means of survival."--Portland Press Herald

"You won't come out of Rick Parker's new graphic novel memoir Drafted thinking "Cool, time to join the army." But there is a good chance the Abrams ComicArts book will sell you on the transformative power of art."--Comic Book Club Live

About the Author

Rick Parker is a letterer and cartoonist and the artist of the MTV Beavis and Butt-Head comic book series published by Marvel Comics. He is also the illustrator of the Ghoulunatics and a series of parody comics for Papercutz, which includes titles such as Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid, Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring, Breaking Down (a Twilight Saga parody), Percy Jerkson and the Ovolactovegetarians, The Hunger Pains, and The Farting Dead. He lives in Falmouth, Maine.