Reviewed by John Glover, Reference Librarian for the Humanities
The comic strip Boondocks ran in various locations from 1996 to 2006, at which point the strip ceased production, possibly for good. Subject matter included race, politics, religion, and all things African-American. The strip often followed current events closely, sparking intense debate and anger in many quarters, particularly with its intensely political turn after 9/11, and it was regularly pulled from or edited by many newspapers during its run. It stood out on the comics page, both for its largely African-American cast and for the vigor with which McGruder regularly laid into prominent politicians, media moguls, and self-appointed champions of Right.
All the Rage is a collection of selected 2003-2005 strips; articles about the strip and interviews with McGruder; and strips that caused controversy and/or were pulled. It comes packed with plenty of actual strips, along with enough behind-the-scenes information to give you a broad take on the comic. If you've never read Boondocks, which has since become an animated show, this isn't a bad place to start. Note that readers sensitive to cussing, racial epithets, or frank discussion of racial inequality may not find this book to be their cup of tea.
