Most people know Rick Parker as the artist behind the Beavis and Butt-Head comic and for his numerous parody comic series throughout history. However, prior to the artist’s rise to fame, he was drafted into the United States Army. And now his experience in the military is depicted in his graphic novel memoir called Drafted which was released on September 24th.
Parker has also discussed his time serving in the award-winning short film Rick Parker, I’m Afraid but Drafted will shine a different light on his story.
Published by ABRAMS’ imprint ABRAMS Comic Arts, the comic details Parker’s life in the military and his life after. In particular, it will focus on how Americans view those who have returned from their service. A synopsis can be found below:
Drafted is a graphic novel memoir by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War. The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army.
Preview pages can be read below:
Drafted contains 256 pages and is in full-color illustrations as seen in the preview pages. Readers can purchase the graphic novel at any of their bookstore retailers for $24.99.
Source: ABRAMS Comic Arts
