Graphic Novel Review: Brooms written by Jasmine Walls, art by Teo DuVall

Posted on December 19, 2023 at 6:43 am by Gene Ambaum

Brooms written by Jasmine Walls, art by Teo DuVall. Levine Querido, 2023. 9781646142682. 248pp.

1930s, Mississippi. Luella is teaching Emma and Mattie how to use their magic, but they live in fear of being discovered by government agents. If they’re caught, they’ll be sent to one of the approved magic academies. Though if they have enough money, they can buy an exemption that will allow them to learn their culture’s (Chocktaw) type of magic.

To make the money they need they enter the dangerous world of illegal backwoods broom racing. Luella’s friends, The Night Storms — Billie Mae, Loretta, and Cheng Kwan — agree to train the girls and let them join their team. Magic is illegal for black folks there, and if they’re caught using it they’ll be stripped of their powers. If they can enter the biggest race around, the Witch’s Cackle, they can earn enough money to move to where things are different.

I can’t think of another alternate history graphic novel I liked as much as this one. There’s a real sense of joy throughout, and the story is naturally inclusive.

And if you haven’t read Walls’ The Last Session, a graphic novel about a group of friends finishing a long-running D&D campaign before some go their separate ways, it’s also wonderful.