Dispatches from the road and notes on visual culture. "The Five Pagodas" extends Professor Red's exploration of Late Qing illustrated journalism in a beautifully illustrated graphic memoir. Red's attempt to engage local academic authorities lands with a thud. Readers are introduced to Wu Youru, leading illustrator for Dianshizai Huabao who launched his own competing pictorial in 1890. Set against backdrop of China in transition from the influence of Deng Xiaoping to a soon-to-be revived quasi-Maoism. Delivered in lush color, snappy illustration, and inventive design.