Drafted Recounts a Cartoonist's Harrowing Ordeal In the Vietnam War

Cartoonist Rick Parker built a reputation working on MTV's Beavis and Butt-Head comics in the '90s, but his latest comic book project is about as far removed from that franchise as possible. Parker is back with Drafted, an autobiographical work inspired by his time in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

With Drafted in stores now, IGN can exclusively debut a new preview of the book. Check it out in the slideshow gallery below:

Drafted is written and illustrated by Parker and published by Abrams ComicArts. Here's the official description for the book:

From noted cartoonist Rick Parker comes his long-awaited original graphic novel memoir about his time in the United States Army, when he was drafted to serve during the Vietnam War

Drafted is a graphic novel memoir by Rick Parker, a shy, inexperienced, and overly protected teenager who gets drafted into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War. The looming threat of deployment informs every aspect of his life, from the most ludicrous experiences to the grimmest tests of endurance. Initially determined to do his patriotic duty, Parker gradually comes to the realization that he is just not cut out for a military career and wants nothing more than to serve his time and return to civilian life to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. In telling this story, he shows how Vietnam was the last war in the United States that instituted the draft; how the draft affected those who served; and how we as Americans think of war and our soldiers once they return from service. Parker also shows how being an artist helped him to survive his time in the army. Drafted is a compelling and unique graphic novel memoir, perfect for fans of Joe Sacco and Derf Backderf, and is sure to appeal to Parker’s dedicated followers and new fans alike—already proven by the response to the award-winning short film Rick Parker, I’m Afraid.

Drafted is available in bookstores and comic shops now. You can preorder a copy on Amazon.

In other comic book news, the classic DC series Kingdom Come is the subject of a new documentary film, and we've got a full breakdown of the best manga series for newcomers.

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