An award-winning CNN journalist is leaving the traditional newsroom. Jake Tapper recently announced a highly anticipated new creative project. Meanwhile, the bestselling author is tackling a deeply terrifying real-life historical subject, far more disturbing than any horror movie.
Tapper explores the intense hunt for a notorious war criminal. Tapper created a magnificent true-story-inspired debut graphic novel, The Butcher: The Decades-Long Hunt for Klaus Barbie, One of the World’s Most Notorious Killers. The highly anticipated project focuses on the infamous Klaus Barbie.
Uncovering Dark Historical Secrets
First, the compelling story deeply examines an elusive mass murderer. Barbie escaped justice and thrived for decades after WWII. However, dedicated Nazi hunters and brave journalists eventually tracked him down. The intense investigation also revealed shocking, unexpected historical truths. For instance, it exposed exactly who originally helped this killer escape. As a result, Tapper drew on his legendary investigative journalism skills.
Additionally, he painstakingly researched primary sources in four languages. Namely, he studied vital documents in German, English, Spanish, and French. Ultimately, the creator chronicled this shocking global pursuit in excruciating detail.
A Massive Artistic Undertaking
Tapper acts as both the writer and the sole illustrator. Indeed, the intricate project demanded immense dedication from the busy professional. Furthermore, researching this troubling life proved incredibly difficult yet highly rewarding. Transforming that dark history into compelling storytelling required massive effort. Likewise, illustrating every page by hand took immense time and patience. Nevertheless, the creator hopes readers will find the ultimate experience satisfying.
The publisher heavily praises his unique blend of investigative journalism and comics. Specifically, the powerful narrative boldly highlights those who aided a ruthless Nazi. It honors the uncompromising heroes who bravely fought for accountability.
“This has been one of the most difficult and rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on — both in terms of the research into the astounding and troubling life of one of the world’s most notorious and elusive Nazi war criminals, the effort to turn that into compelling storytelling, and the work to illustrate it all,” says writer and illustrator Jake Tapper. “I hope readers find it as satisfying to read.”
Exciting Upcoming Release Details
Eager fans can purchase this full-color graphic novel in two editions. First, a standard softcover edition arrives for $19.99. Readers can find this version wherever good books sell. Alternatively, serious collectors might prefer a highly limited premium hardcover edition. Specifically, this special release features a signature and a unique number. Interested buyers must visit the official IDW Publishing online store directly. This exclusive hardcover retails for $49.99. Both versions arrive in early summer from Top Shelf.
An Impressive Professional Background
Today, Tapper is a highly respected lead anchor at CNN. He hosts the popular weekday television program “The Lead.” Additionally, he co-hosts the important Sunday public affairs show “State of the Union.” Moreover, the writer previously published several bestselling fiction novels. For example, he wrote The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance. He also wrote the acclaimed nonfiction military book The Outpost. He recently co-authored a massive nonfiction hit, Original Sin. That project dominated top bestseller lists for almost two months.
Get your copy of The Butcher: The Decades-Long Hunt for Klaus Barbie, One of the World’s Most Notorious Killers, when it arrives in the summer of 2027.
The Real Monster
Initially, Klaus Barbie led the Gestapo in Lyon. Specifically, he operated fiercely during World War II. Consequently, he tortured prisoners and killed thousands. Furthermore, he famously deported Jewish children to Auschwitz.
A Shocking Post-War Escape
Afterward, Barbie completely evaded Allied capture. Surprisingly, American intelligence quickly recruited him. They used his anti-communist skills. Later, France demanded his immediate extradition. Thus, American agents smuggled him to South America.
Decades in Hiding
Subsequently, Barbie settled safely in Bolivia. Meanwhile, he used a completely false identity. Moreover, he actively aided right-wing dictatorships. Specifically, he taught local forces brutal torture methods.
Eventually, famous Nazi hunters tracked him down. Consequently, they exposed his true identity in 1971. However, Bolivia protected him for another decade. Finally, a new democratic government extradited him in 1983. Ultimately, Barbie died in prison, serving a life sentence.
