In the Watchmen series premiere, writer and showrunner Damon Lindelof helped dramatize the 1921 raid on Black Wall Street in Tulsa. Many viewers were completely ignorant of the events covered; we could not believe that a bi-plane swooped down and firebombed the streets of a U.S. city. 

While I thought elements of this set piece had to be fabrications, it turned out it was all true. 


Now, in an effort to educate people on the things our history books in school tend to leave out, The Atlantic, along with HBO, have teamed together to create a comic book helping people understand what happened on those fateful days in 1921.

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This essential interactive comic covers the history of the 1921 massacre, along with the far-reaching repercussions that are still felt today. Each panel delivers a dedicated story that cites scholars and written testimony. 

The final pages deliver a reading list for people who want to know more about what happened as well -- which is amazing and such a great touch. The comic was written by Natalie Chang and the illustrations were done by artist Clayton Henry. The colorist was Marcelo Maiolo. 

It is especially engaging and relevant for a television show about superheroes to have a companion comic that rises to the occasion to help broaden its audiences' minds about vital subject matter -- both to the narrative and to our real-life history. It's inspiring to see the show's talented creatives working to educate viewers and entertain them. 

You often don't see or hear anything like this. Especially in modern IP Hollywood. 

In many ways, Watchmen has felt revolutionary. Like it exists in uncharted territory. You can add a comic spreading knowledge and welfare to the list. 

The comic is free and easy to access and read, so check it out!