Sometimes Jasper would rather ride a boy than his faithful steed...
I live in Civil War country and in middle school my American History class, for the entire year, was spent studying all aspects of the War Between the States. Since then I’ve had an aversion to the Civil War even though our favorite Major fought in it. lolI was pleasantly surprised when I came across Copperhead by OfTheDamned. The one-shot is so much more than just the Civil War and many times I even forgot it was the backdrop. However, the war does play an important role.
Major Jasper Whitlock just led his regiment into Virginia where they have laid down camp for the night. While doing his nightly perimeter check, he stumbles across a young man, Private Edward Masen, standing next to a dead body. It’s dark, so he can’t make out the young man’s features too clearly and is obviously suspicious of the stranger. They eventually build a rapport and reveal feelings and fears to each other that neither had dared say aloud to another living soul; they have responsibilities and have to play their societal roles accordingly.
Since it’s so dark, Jasper decides to just stay where he is and get some rest. Sleeping on the cold ground with the blistering wind blowing beneath the layers of his uniform is uncomfortable, but Edward's company is a pleasant diversion from the pain, destruction and death he sees on any given day. The slow build of friendship between Jasper and Edward is endearing and will warm your heart. I don’t want to give away the ending, but it's surprising, painful and hopeful all at the same time.
I’ve never been so intrigued by a tale set during the Civil War and I would highly suggest you give Copperhead a try!
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