Six Days: The Incredible Story of D-Day’s Lost Chapter by Robert Venditti; Kevin Maurer

02:30 hours on June 6th, 1944: After heavy flak from German anti-aircraft guns, part of the US 82nd Airborne is “mis-dropped all to hell,” miles from any other regiment and behind enemy lines. 182 soldiers regroup and find the town of Graignes in the Normandy region of France. With the help from the local French citizens, they gather their lost equipment and provisions, and fortify the town in advance of the German attack.

The acting mayor and a group of priests convince the townspeople to risk their lives to assist the men. They support the effort with camaraderie, food, and the spirituality of a Sunday mass. Six Days is the story of a last stand in the face of evil. 44 civilians were executed by the German troops and dozens of buildings burned from a fire set by the SS. Many of the Americans made it home, but were deeply affected knowing that their actions brought this death upon the village.

Written with an attention to detail and a good balance between the American and French perspective, this book also features the humanism needed to portray the whole view of the war. Friendships, flirtations, and humor. Yet, also the despicable fighting and the atrocities of an evil enemy. The artwork shows this shifting of tones most notably in the lighting and the color. Bright and hopeful, and dark and bleak.

On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Six Days is an important homage to the coming together of peoples for a life and cultural-enduring fight.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, DC and Vertigo Comics, and the artists for an advanced copy for review.

Title can be pruchased on Amazon here.