As I start writing this review of Graphic Novel JOE THE PIRATE, I am conflicted. I am a massive fan of queer historical figures, especially gender non-conforming ones. Still, right now, I find it hard to empathize with a rich person who bought an island and took over every aspect of the inhabitants. This is not to downplay the presentation and research that have created a very well-crafted comic.
I think I am getting ahead of myself . JOE THE PIRATE tells the story of Marion “Joe” Carstairs, a woman born in 1900 who set out to live life as she saw fit. She set out from an early age to do everything that a man could do, in terms of dress and professions. She raced cars and boats, and even spent time in world war on the front lines as an ambulance driver. She lived a passionate life, with many affairs, including those with movie stars Marlene Dietrich and Tallulah Bankhead. The one problem is that while she could separate herself from the constraints of a woman born at that time she was not able to separate herself from the attitudes of her British upbringing and this was demonstrated when she purchased a small island in the Bahamas and proceeded to rule it with an iron hand, taking control of everything from the economy to the naming of all the children. At this point in time, I am having a tough time not letting these moments make me really detest her, even though the character seems to believe she is doing all this for the island’s inhabitants’ best interests.
I think to the creators credits they set out to showcase Joe’s life as it was, the good and the bad, not just to put forth a sanitized queer historical figure. They even point out all the facts about her life in the book’s foreword. The book is definitely one you should track down, but just know what you are setting yourself up for. I can’t wait to see what subjects Hubert and Virginie Augustin tackle next.
Paper Phoenix ink 