Review: Gallipoli: The Landing

Gallipoli: The Landing was developed using original material including personal diaries and letters of those who fought at Gallipoli, and photographs from World War I. It’s written by a former RAAF Intelligence Officer, and illustrated in traditional comic strip style by a veteran of the Royal Australian Navy.

The story takes the events of 25 April 1915, and those leading up to it, and turns them into an historically-grounded graphic novel. It’s something that makes this piece of history particularly accessible for those who may find it difficult to read more wordy or longer books on the topic.

Gallipoli: The Landing is bookended by eight short biographies of key personalities (officers) and a bibliography of resources for anyone who wants to research the events further. The story itself explores myths about the Gallipoli campaign, touches on everything from politics to combat and living conditions, and offers the perspectives of both sides on the events associated with the day we now commemorate with ANZAC Day.

A timely book that could be equally good as a school text, or perhaps an action-filled gift for a teenage boy.

Title: Gallipoli: The Landing
Author: Hugh Dolan
Illustrator: Mal Gardiner
Publisher: New South Books, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: December 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742231570
For ages: 12+
Type: Graphic novel