Acclaimed military historian Rick Atkinson is set to bring his Pulitzer Prize-winning research to a new generation of readers through an ambitious graphic novel adaptation of his Revolutionary War trilogy.
From Text to Panels: A New Vision for History
Ten Speed Graphic, an imprint of Penguin Random House, announced on Tuesday that the first graphic edition will adapt "The British Are Coming," the initial volume of Atkinson's celebrated trilogy about the American Revolution. The publication is scheduled for release in June 2025, strategically timed ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
The project will see Atkinson's detailed historical accounts transformed by writer Nora Neus and illustrator Federico Pietrobon, with the historian himself playing an active role in the creative process. "They are entirely amenable to my suggestions," Atkinson told The Associated Press, noting his input on historical accuracy extended even to character appearances, such as ensuring John Adams was depicted as the younger man he was during the revolution's early days.
A Historian's Initial Skepticism Turns to Enthusiasm
Despite being a comic book fan in his youth, Atkinson initially doubted whether his densely researched, 500-plus page volumes could successfully transition to the graphic format. "I wondered how any illustrator might adapt deeply-researched books that run longer than 500 pages," he admitted.
His perspective shifted after Ten Speed Graphic shared several successful historical adaptations, including works on Frederick Douglass and Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny." "I saw that the comic books of my youth have evolved considerably and I was enthused about it," Atkinson explained. The publishers assured him they shared his commitment to historical integrity, stating their ambition was "to widen the audience, to pitch this story of the American founding to an audience that perhaps might be intimidated by a 560 page book."
Expanding the Reach of Historical Scholarship
The graphic edition of "The British Are Coming" represents just the beginning of this ambitious project. Publishers have confirmed plans for five additional graphic books adapting Atkinson's complete Revolutionary War trilogy.
Atkinson, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his World War II book "An Army at Dawn," has dedicated the past decade to his Revolutionary War research. The second volume, "The Fate of the Day," was published this spring, and he's currently working on the trilogy's final installment. His expertise has made him a sought-after commentator, including appearances in Ken Burns' documentary "The American Revolution."
This innovative approach to historical publishing demonstrates how traditional scholarship can find new life in contemporary formats, potentially reaching readers who might never pick up a conventional history book while maintaining the factual rigour that has defined Atkinson's career.
