It's 1931 in Harlem, and this graphic novel ( the first of 2 volumes) transports you there immediately,through the great artwork and compelling story. I find Harlem compelling- the Harlem Renaissance, the effect of the Great Depression and the subsequent vicissitudes of the residents and the place. This particular work focuses on Stephanie St.Clair, her associate Bumpy Johnson and the turf wars over the lottery they ran in Harlem, with Dutch Schultz. It's described very well, and i finally understood what is meant by the "numbers game"! I don't care for the narrator, who's a bit fetishistic, but this was a fun read, and I want to read his other works as well

The art was beautiful, especially in the latter part of the story. It reminded me of the Learn-to- read books we had when I was younger. I did not like the font that was used, it made reading a bit difficult. Overall I enjoyed the story.

Thanks NetGallery for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A peek at early last century's Harlem history, just a little before Prohibition ended. There is history here about the 'lotteries' , Queenie, a lottery owner, and how money was made, via the lottery scam. Enter Dutch Schultz, who is trying to take over these lotteries but Queenie fights back hard. With Prohibition going away, Dutch needs a new income stream, but unfortunately, it looks like that will be heroin.

I enjoyed this graphic comic book. The art was good as well as the story telling..

Harlem Volume 1 is a very well done graphic novel, both in storyline and in artwork. It’s very rare for me to read one in which both the storyline and art are by the same person.

Stephanie St. Clair, aka Queenie, runs an illegal lottery in Harlem during the first few years of the Depression. She’s starting to be challenged by the mobster Dutch Schultz, who either wants her to join his gang or be eliminated. Queenie is remarkably independent, fearless, and adept at fending off challenges, and this book not only describes that, but also provides artwork without words describing her origins. The Harlem scenes are stunning in their shades of brown, grey and black. While I would have given this 5 stars, I felt the very few panels with almost graphic sex were gratuitous and unnecessary.

My thanks to Europe Comics and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book (already published) in exchange for an honest review.

Harlem is a historical graphic novel and the artwork resembles old noir films. I liked the artwork the most but I found the storyline somewhat dense so I had a hard time going through it. It was probably not what I was looking for at the moment. This is also an adult graphic novel containing graphic scenes of violence and sex.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Harlem by Mikael is an adult graphic novel that straddles the genres of historical and noir. The story is set in Harlem in 1931. The story revolves around Queenie, an immigrant running a lottery, and Dutch Schultz, a bootlegger during the Prohibition. According to the description, Dutch "sees Harlem as ripe for the picking, especially with the police and politicians for sale to the highest bidder—at least if you’re white."

Overall, Harlem is a decent graphic novel that explores a section of history that is rarely depicted in graphic novels and books in general. One highlight of this book is the incredible artwork, particularly the colors. Much of this book is brown, black, and gray, which sets up the noir atmosphere. I loved the sections in blue and yellow, which added a new dimension to the story. I took off 2 stars because of the adult/sexual content, which I thought was unnecessary. If you're intrigued by the description, you can check out this book, which is available now!

I recently discovered I love historical fiction comics/graphic novels, so I wanted to try this graphic novel. The action happens in Harlem, 1931. Prohibition is still in effect, the Great Depression is getting worse by the day, and people are desperate for hope. The art and atmosphere are perfect for this period. I really enjoyed how they all combined to give a good representation of the period.

We follow Stephanie St. Clair, a.k.a. Queenie, an immigrant from the French Antilles, who has been running a lottery in Harlem that has provided just that: a chance for a way out. But with the end of Prohibition looming, bootlegger Dutch Schultz is looking to diversify his business before the booze industry dries up. And he sees Harlem as ripe for the picking, especially with the police and politicians for sale to the highest bidder—at least if you’re white.

I found the story and the characters very interesting. I cannot say anything about the historical accuracy of the events. I liked how Queenie was portrait and how her upbringing was presented. The color pallet for the whole graphic novel is incredible. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the whole story. I really enjoyed how each color was chosen for each scene. Beautiful!

A stunningly beautiful graphic novel telling the story of "Queenie" and her life as a lottery boss in Harlem. The story follows the Stephanie "Queenie" as her empire is put in jeopardy by a white mafia boss known as "The Dutchman." It's a story about race inequality at it's core as well as a good representation of the Harlem Renaissance era.

The art is BEAUTIFUL and fully colored (It looks like watercolor or gouache?) and there are parts where we see flashbacks of Queenie's childhood that are colored with a beautiful blue hue and pops of yellow. It creates a distinct shift in the narrative and establishes tone and emotion for the ready really wonderfully.

One thing I wish there was (and maybe it will come in the final print?) is a glossary of the creole slang and phrases that are used. I don't mind looking them up but I think it would be really helpful for readers to be able to find that info in the book somewhere.

Interesting story line with a strong black female lead. Great for anyone who likes comics/graphic novels and Harlem and the 30s. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.