Hashman by Alex Grand and Josh Berman is a gripping graphic novel depicting the high times of Joey Berkowitz. Despite enduring a childhood of abuse, Berkowitz uses his wits and mediation skills to skirt the law and find his calling, moving from a modest neighborhood in Brooklyn as a young Jewish boy to one of the biggest movers and shakers in the city’s drug scene. Based on a true story, Hashman follows Berkowitz through his accounts of early life in the drug culture through the rebellious 60s, 70s, and so on. The book takes the reader through the gritty reality of historic and life-changing events, including cartel shakeups, mob connections, and the struggle for cannabis legalization.

Hashman is a refreshing, exciting read written by two talented authors, Alex Grand, and Josh Berman. The incredible artwork is created by Charbak Dipta and offers a psychedelic, gonzo style that fits the themes. The story gives a sense that all names have been changed to protect or conceal the actual characters on which the book is based. While the writers claim Hashman is both a work of fiction fused with true elements, most of the events cited throughout the story are historically accurate, which offers the perfect blend for a realistic, gripping tale. All these attributes contribute credibility to the real life of Berkowitz and his wild tales.

I thought the book was highly entertaining and a well-narrated account of the intriguing but dangerous world of the mid to late-twentieth-century drug culture. The legalization efforts in Washington and other historical references throughout the book were fascinating and worked well with the raw visuals and excellent storytelling.

Hashman by Alex Grand and Josh Berman is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in graphic novels and the world of cannabis culture.

ASIN B0BS1LXQQL | Pages 128