BOXER & SAINTS ...unraveling the hero’s journey, and snacks

This week, in honor of the Chinese New Year (恭喜發財) we revisit favorite cartoonist Gene Luen Yang for his 2013 two-volume epic BOXERS & SAINTS - which tells the story of the late 19th Century Boxer Rebellion, from two sides, injecting magical realism injected into the complexity of historical events. It's got everything - bald dudes with pony tails swinging ancient Chinese swords channeling the ancient spirits of Chinese lore. a converted Chinese Christian youth channeling the spirit of Joan of Arc, and a historical fiction allegory (or one-sided commentary) on the follies of our "civilized" hubris. This 2-part graphic novel was Yang's sophomore follow-up to his award-winning comic "American Born Chinese" — BOXERS & SAINTS lays bare the foundations of extremism, rebellion, and faith. Fighting for the glory of China...but at what cost?!?