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Washington’s Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben – ABRAMS COMIC ARTS (ABRAMS BOOKS)
Author: Josh Trujillo
Artist: Levi Hastings
Overview
First off, if you enjoy historical deep dives or long nights on the couch longing for the History Channel before Pawn Stars ruled the world then this one is for you. The graphic novel tells a tale of love, of tragedy, and even a story of stark heroism as it follows the true-to-life story of Baron von Steuben. Haven’t heard of him? Well, he is instrumental in the founding of America as George Washington himself was. What’s more, he did all of this as a homosexual man living in the 1700s during a time when that term had not even been invented yet.
Josh and Levi go through this magnificent biographical tale to extreme detail leaving no stone unturned going from Von Steuben’s days in Prussia fighting to training Continental troops at Valley Forge. They highlight the importance of telling tales such as these to show just how important sharing queer experiences in American history is and how they are often overlooked.
How do we feel?
Washington’s Gay General The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben is a beautiful yet tragic tale of love and believe it or not believing in yourself in a way. Von Steuben always felt he portrayed a sense of power and of importance which helped him throughout his life. From his journeys in his home country to aiding in the American Revolution.
Josh and Levi do a wonderful job weaving their own personal stories of growing up as queer men during a time when it was not socially acceptable to be so. The love the two of these show through Levi’s art and through Josh’s writing is a reminder of the adversities the queer community faces still today.
As a history fan shedding light on one of the most important men in the foundations of our country, a man who without his help Washington’s army would have failed. And then seeing just how quickly politicians tossed him away (sounds familiar some things never change.)
It’s an important story that I do not believe anybody could have told any better. Levi’s work with a palette of blues, whites, and black colors assists in showcasing how deeply moving this story is.
At the end of the day whether you love history, whether you love anyone at all regardless of gender you should take 30 minutes out of your day and give this graphic novel a read when it hits stands August 15th.
