Redcoats-ish. 2, Jeff Martin’s War of 1812

George and Jack, reluctant militia recruits from Queenston, Upper Canada, wear military redcoats in order to masquerade before their American foes as fully-trained British soldiers. The pair first made their appearance in Redcoats-ish: Jeff Martin’s War of 1812 that took place during the first three months of the War of 1812, ending with General Brock’s capture of Detroit in August 1812. In the present volume, Martin picks up this comic book retelling of history where the last volume ended and carries on to the sullied ending of the war. A peace agreement was signed in Ghent, Belgium, December 25th, 1814, but the British militia and regulars, unaware that the war was over, continued their disastrous attack on New Orleans on January 8th, 1815. As in the earlier volume, Martin conveys the considerable lack of enthusiasm for engagement by some troops on both sides of the border.

A new feature of this volume is the introduction of two indigenous friends, Mukwa and Ajijak (short for Mukwa-Bimikawaanan and Ajijak-noondaagozid) who are featured on 10 pages drawn by Martin that utilize text written by Niigaanwewidam Sinclair. Much like George and John, they would prefer to be on the sidelines watching the action rather than being part of it. Their sharp observations remind the reader that, regardless of the outcome, as colonized people removed from their land and livelihood by settlers, they have little cause to celebrate. They make their first appearance near the beginning in the long running narrative “Queenston Heights (and Lows)”. With fish in Mukwa’s hand and a baby in Ajijak’s arms, they observe the resumption of warfare with the following dialogue:

They’re fighting again, Ajijak.

Ugh.

What’s wrong with these people?

Ugh.

It’s like they came halfway across the world to kill each other.

Ugh.

But, Mukwa, at least if they’re killing each other they’re not killing us.

Ongoing narratives are identified through running titles that mark divisions of the book into chapter-like, chronological segments. “Queenston Heights (and Lows)” includes the death of General Brock and the British revenge for the same. “Yorksplosion” concerns the American decision to assault the town of York in April 1813, the pre-emptive detonation by the British of the Grand Magazine under the garrison, and the retreat of the British military forces to Kingston. No Canadian account of the war would be complete without “Laura Secord’s Midnight Run.” British General Henry Proctor’s continued reluctance to attack American forts in the Ohio Territory results in many of their Indian allies abandoning the cause. When battle eventually takes place, Tecumseh is killed. These are some highlights of “Tragedy on the Thames.” “The White House Burns” gives Martin ample opportunity to point out poor judgement on the part of the American generals and to turn a critical eye upon the raiding and looting that the British forces engaged in as they made their way to Washington and set public buildings on fire. News of the end of war reached Queenston, Upper Canada in March 1815. However, it is the two page epilogue, “A Hundred Years Peace” that ends the volume with the Treaty of Ghent and the British rout in New Orleans.

When George and John greet Mukwa and Ajijak near York, Upper Canada, with the glorious announcement, “The war is over!”, Ajijak’s response is a deflated “Yay.” Ajijak has an arm in a sling, Mukwa has lost a leg, and the land adjacent to the town is a wasteland of tree stumps marking the continuing march of settlers and colonization.

Martin’s skill as a graphic storyteller is strong. Images are as important as the text in telling a tale. Students will enjoy the humour including criticism of the officials in Redcoats-ish. 2, but it should not be read as a substitute for more traditional accounts of the War of 1812. In fact, readers with some pre-existing knowledge of the War will be much better prepared to appreciate the volume and its not-so-subtle criticism of the absurd nature of war.