American independence gains a dazzling reexamination with Washington's Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben, an inquisitive graphic novel written by Josh Trujillo and illustrated by Levi Hastings (Be Gay, Do Comics). The Steuben name is stamped on several regions around the U.S. to commemorate the valor of a Prussian general whose contributions to the American military helped win the Revolutionary War. But much like the Marquis de Lafayette, another foreign-born officer who was integral to the revolution, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben is remembered by few these days.
Born in 1730, von Steuben began his military career as young as 14, by lying about his age. Embellishing his résumé became a common tactic for him to advance in ranks, but by the time he would publish his "Blue Book" of military standards in 1779, with the assistance of one of his most devoted soldiers and lovers, the proof of his expertise was validated by the book's continued use in the States for decades to come.
Hastings's art is stately and expressive, with exactly the delicate, detailed touch the story of this flamboyant figure demands. Moreover, the black-and-white lines splashed with blue and gray coloring bring to mind another queer graphic novel about complicated characters: Fun Home. Resolving with a coda about other queer figures from Baron von Steuben's time, Washington's Gay General is a poignant reminder of how easily the historical record can overlook the important contributions of those whose personal lives are at odds with social expectations. --Dave Wheeler, associate editor, Shelf Awareness