One of the biggest and best reviewed graphic novels is “Ingognegro†by Matt Johnson and Warren Pleece. That proved to be so successful that they decided to write a five-issue prequel called “Ingognegro: Renaissance†that tells how Zane Pinchback decided to start going undercover. The first issue does that job well.
Zane Pinchback attended a party hosted by a rich Harlem socialite. Everything seemed fine until there was a suicide. Problem is, Zane believes it was murder, but since the victim was black nobody cares. This is where Zane started to use his “I look white enough to pass as white†to get to the bottom of this.
Out of all the things to jumpstart going undercover, one of the biggest ones is a suicide/possible murder. While it has been done, this time it feels a lot more real to many people. Granted, the stakes aren’t as high as the original graphic novel, but it is a nice way to introduce how it started.
On the other hand, it is revealed that he’s doing this more to get his name out there as a serious journalist. While that is something many journalists want to be, this does come across as using a tragedy to further one’s career than as a way of fighting for one’s race. Granted, it is more realistic, but it also tarnishes the view of Zane.
Artistically speaking, “Renaissance†is an improvement over the original book. Everything from the character designs, linework and character movement seems to have improved since its publication. This story seems to be much more polished and better to look at.
Despite some minor nitpick, “Incognegro: Renaissance†is still an excellent book with strong writing and improved art. It also doesn’t feel like a cheap cash-in since you can tell that a lot of heart and soul was put into this project.
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