Give Me Liberty!
Published by Rip Off and © by Gilbert Shelton and Ted Richards, 1976
Title: “Give Me Liberty: A Revised History of the American Revolution”
Synopsis: The town lush, a young patriot and a rebellious boy join real-world historical figures in the cause of American independence.
Writers: Gilbert Shelton and Ted Richards with Gary Hallgren and Willy Murphy
Artists: Shelton and Richards with Hallgren and Murphy
Review: The creator of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and a founding member of the infamous Air Pirates collective team for this surprisingly tame retelling of the American Revolution. With the exception of mostly cartoonish violence and the briefest bit of nudity, this one shot is sans the adult trappings typical of underground comix. The story is stitched together from a series of semi-chronological vignettes blending fictional characters, light satirical commentary and real-world history. Ultimately, it’s unclear who the target audience is for this comic. The cartooning, though, is excellent.
Grade: B
Cool factor: Gilbert Shelton and Ted Richards’ styles blend well. This is a some professional, polished cartooning.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a deluxe edition with better paper and a $3.50 cover price.
Character quotable: “ ‘Revolution’ is a vicious circle and an illusion!” – Cadwallader Biddle, young revolutionary gaining wisdom
Editor’s note: This review was written July 5, 2026.
