Brownsville
Co-authored with Jake Allen. Published by NBM Publishing
Nominated for 'Great Graphic Novels' by YALSA
In the 1930’s, life in Brooklyn was murder.
"Jewish gangster" isn't a term you hear much in post-Holocaust society... but back when the Dodgers played in the East and licorice cost a penny a bag, Brooklyn corners were lousy with semitic young toughs looking for adventure and excitement - none more so than in Brownsville.Follow the intertwined lives of Allie Tanennbaum, Abe Reles and scores of hoods organized by Louis Lepke Buchalter into the deadliest hit operation in Mafia history, "Murder, Inc.", as they escape the mean streets and lonely tenements of East New York., make themselves into the most dangerous men in America, only to eventually send their best friends and closest allies up the river.
"Gangsters have always been a popular subject for graphic novels, and Brownsville is a worthy addition to the Jewish side of the canon."—Hadassah Magazine
"Forceful storytelling and deep passion for its characters and indeed for this dark chapter of Jewish-American history."—The Jewish Chronicle
"Jewish gangsters are almost unheard of these days. This taut and suspenseful drama takes people to an era that no longer exists. I'm not saying Jews are untainted by crime these days...but at least they're not out knockin' heads like they used to be!"—Harvey Pekar (AMERICAN SPLENDOR, THE QUITTER)
"Smart, absorbing."—Ray Olson, Booklist
"Beautifully moody evocation of a bygone Brooklyn inhabited by Jewish gangsters, Brownsville follows the career of some of the biggest names in the hoodlum business. A fine addition to the archive."—Publishers Weekly
"Weaves history and fiction into a visceral and moving story."—Richard Pachter, Miami Herald
"***1/2. NBM's ComicsLit line delivers. As a history buff, I looked forward to this book written by Xeric Award winner Neil Kleid, and, once I had it in hand, it lived up to my lofty expectations."—Ray Sidman, Comics Buyer's Guide
