Persepolis is a comic book written by Marjane Satrapi about her childhood and young adulthood in Iran and Austria during the Islamic Revolution. This comic book touches on themes and topics of feminism and war as Marjane Satrapi incorporates her activism and even shows the roots of said activism within the text. What is important is the use of the term “comic book” when describing Persepolis. What do you think about when you hear the word “comic book”? Odds are the first thing that comes to mind are superheroes like Spider-Man or Superman. It is easy to think of the 15-20 page issues that you find in a plastic slip cover in a comic book store. My next question is what do you think of when you hear the term “graphic novel”? Does “graphic novel” or “comic book” invoke different emotions? Marjane Satrapi believes that these two terms get different reactions out of people.
Describing Persepolis as a comic book at the beginning of the Zine was not unintentional. Satrapi prefers the word “comic book” over “graphic novels”. As stated by Satrapi herself, “People are so afraid to say the word ‘comic’. It makes you think of a grown man with pimples, a ponytail and a big belly.” (Gilbey, 2015). Basically describing Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons. It is worth noting that we are simply quoting Satrapi and are not painting anyone who may fit this description in a bad light. But it shows you the stigma behind comic books. When, in all actuality, comic books are for everyone—including women.
Similar to many fields, the comic book industry is male-dominated; not just in creators but also stories. Comic books are also seen as something that is considered to be for male audiences. There is a stigma that female audiences are supposed to grow out of comic books or animation. Or possibly not even be interested in them at all. What is also important to note is the disrespect comic books receive as an art form. Which can lead people to use the term “graphic novel” instead as it could come off as more “sophisticated”. Satrapi enters into not only a male-dominated field, but a field that creates an art form that is considered to be less sophisticated than other art. However, Satrapi overcomes this obstacle and creates a story about her experiences growing up during the Islamic Revolution. An important perspective that people should read—especially if they are unfamiliar with the Islamic Revolution.
You may ask, “Why didn’t Satrapi just write a novel?” When reading Persepolis, you can see where her passion for art and comic books stemmed from. In an early chapter in the comic book, her favorite book was a comic book called “Dialectic Materialism.” This is where one can infer that this could have been the start of her love for comic books. In addition to this, readers must look at how Satrapi takes advantage of the art form she is telling her story in. There are various illustrations in the comic book that interpret some of the tragedies seen within this time in Iran. I will not go into detail because I recommend reading it yourself (please do, the book is SO good). It is important to reiterate the lack of women in this industry. Marjane Satrapi left an impact on the comic book industry by telling an authentic and imperative story about her life during the Islamic Revolution. Do not let this being a comic book prevent you from experiencing this masterpiece of a story.
Persepolis is available for checkout at the Women*s Student Services Room located at the Student Services Building RM 14.
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