Mr. Block: The Subversive Comics and Writings of Ernest Riebe
Before the Golden Age of comic books, there was Mr. Block: a bumbling, boss-loving, anti-union blockhead, brought to life over a hundred years ago by subversive cartoonist Ernest Riebe.
A dedicated labour activist and member of the Industrial Workers of the World, Riebe dreamed up his iconic, union-hating anti-hero to satirize conservative workers' faith in the capitalist system that exploits them. This wickedly funny anthology of Riebe's writings and comics is a treasure trove of radical 20th-century art and an essential addition to the bookshelves of comics lovers, historians, and labour activists alike.
Historical Labor Comics Collection
This anthology preserves Ernest Riebe's groundbreaking work from over a century ago, when labor movements fought for workers' rights through every available medium—including satirical cartoons. Mr. Block became an enduring symbol in labor history, representing the worker who fails to recognize their own exploitation. Through humor and sharp social commentary, Riebe's comics educated and mobilized working-class readers during a pivotal era of American labor organizing.
Subversive Art Meets Labor Activism
The collection showcases Riebe's unique artistic style and biting wit, demonstrating how comics served as powerful tools for political education long before superhero narratives dominated the medium. Each strip features Mr. Block's misadventures as he repeatedly sides with bosses against his own interests, providing both entertainment and cautionary tales for early 20th-century workers. The Industrial Workers of the World utilized these comics in their organizing efforts, proving the effectiveness of visual satire in labor movements.
Relevant for Contemporary Readers
As income inequality skyrockets and the collective power of the working class is undermined, the lessons from Mr. Block's misadventures and misbeliefs are as relevant today as ever. Building the new world from the ashes of the old demands many tools--and laughter will always be one of them.
This paperback edition from PM Press, curated by the Graphic History Collective, includes both the complete comic strips and Riebe's accompanying writings, providing context for understanding early labor struggles and the role of political cartoons in social movements. The anthology serves historians, graphic novel enthusiasts, labor organizers, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and activism.
