A New York-born comic artist, James Sturm's 'America: God, Gold and Golems' is a series of three graphic stories first published in 2007. Each story explores less well-known aspects of American history: 'The Revival' is set during the religious Cane Ridge Revival of 1801; in 'Hundreds of Feet Below Daylight', Sturm uncovers themes of greed and racism in a 19th-century mining town, and in 'The Golem's Mighty Swing' he evokes the heady, if slightly sinister, the world of Jewish mysticism.
The work of James Sturm is remarkable, finding a way to combine history and entertainment seamlessly. As readers, we are able to gain insight into the distinct aspects of American culture, while being entertained by the creative storytelling and beautiful illustrations. Sturm is able to take us back in time to the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801, the 19th Century mining town, and the Jewish mysticism, all while exploring key themes of greed, racism, and religion. Carefully illustrated by Sturm, this trilogy blends the genres of comic novels and stories. While the illustrations no doubt help to entertain the reader, learning about important but ignored periods of American history makes Sturm's work a worthwhile read for all.
