Nine Gallons #2

Nine Gallons is political commentator Susie Cagle’s 32-page graphic novel exploration of a San Francisco chapter of Food Not Bombs, the all-volunteer grassroots organization that serves free meals in parks. Through expressive art, self-deprecating humor, and nuanced storytelling, Cagle addresses familiar issues of idealism, volunteer burn-out, misguided agendas, and activist in-fighting. Despite her cogent critique of volunteer ethics and philosophy in the US, Cagle is a believer in the political and social power of redistributing food, and her comic also serves as an inspiring primer about how and why to bring Food Not Bombs to your community. All in all, Nine Gallons‘ second issue is a great, well-drawn story, a relevant discussion, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.