Nina Simone in Comics repeats one of the mistakes of Prince in Comics, but it's avoided the biggest flaw and so rises much higher in my estimation.

While Simone, like Prince, mixes far too much text in with the illustrations -- making the read much clunkier than it should be -- this volume wasn't written by a rabid fan who prefers effusive praise over biographical information.

Perhaps writer Sophie Adriansen is a rabid fan but, unlike Prince writer Tony Lourenco, she doesn't go overboard with constant superlatives. Instead, she tells Simone's story and lets the facts speak for themselves.

What we're left with is a very interesting, very informative book about a landmark musician and activist who deserves whatever attention and acclaim the book engenders. Simone had a rough life, and she lived in a difficult time for black artists, but she overcame many obstacles with sheer talent and force of will.

Nearly 20 artists provide illustrations for the book, but the lack of consistency is less jarring here. Recurring characters are always recognizable in the next chapter.

Nina Simone is a singer I've known of for many years, but I've known little about her. Nina Simone in Comics is a wonderful introduction that inspired me to seek out more of her music. Well done!