A Bibliographical Graphic Novel

Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness

By: Reinhard Kleist

Genre: Biographic Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Published: 2009

Read: December

4 out of 5

Even though I knew his music and remember where I was when I heard he died (2003) I didn't become a big fan of Johnny Cash  until I saw the movie, Walk the Line (2005).  I was very excited when a friend of mine handed me this book.  I have never read a biographically or nonfiction graphic novel; I found it very original and artistically drawn. However, I was largely disappointed because the story skipped from Johnny and June's first kiss to Cash's recording of, I See a Darkness (1999). I feel this gap is an essential part of Johnny's life both musically and with his relationship with June Carter and would have added a great detail to the book.  Therefore, as with most graphic novels, I felt I was only reading half the story.  I also enjoyed how the story incorporated some of his songs into the graphical story.