Civil Rights Hero Congressman John Lewis Launches New Comic Book, 'March'

Congressman John Lewis, is already considered a living hero and a legend of the civil rights movement, but this summer his legend may grow even larger as he graces the cover of his own graphic novel, titled 'March'.

March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, including his key roles in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma-Montgomery March.

"Meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation," Lewis' character, "also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement," says the office of John Lewis.

John Lewis, now in his 70's, continues to be on the cutting edge of what and who politicians are.  He is one of the early leaders in bringing politics digital and organizing young people in the last two elections. 

Lewis is taking the unprecedented leap this time, and turning to the graphic novel format, in collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell (winner of the Eisner Award and LA Times Book Prize finalist for Swallow Me Whole, NY Times Bestseller for The Silence of Our Friends). The resulting graphic novel trilogy, entitled March, will be released by Georgia-based publisher Top Shelf Productions, known for the thoughtful and award-winning works of Alan Moore, Craig Thompson, and Jeff Lemire.

March is a historic first, both for the U.S. Congress and for comics publishing as a whole, marking the first time a sitting member of Congress has authored a graphic novel. Top Shelf Productions is the first and only graphic novel publisher to be certified by the House Committee on Standards.

The first volume, March (Book One), will appear in stores everywhere on August 13, 2013. Two weeks later, America will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

For more information and a 14-page preview, visit http://www.topshelfcomix.com/march.