“[T]his collection includes an awesome range of work – from autobiographical to political to surreal to silly, as well as a wonderful introduction by one of the contributing artists contextualizing the work.”
A good deal has been written, and rightly so, about the role protest poetry has played in this “Arab spring.” Less has been said about political poetry’s younger cousin: the political cartoon.
The Arabic graphic novel has had a somewhat rocky start. Dogged by financial issues, censorship, and a suspicion that it is not really for grown-ups, the genre is just now finding its legs.
In a few weeks, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture—formerly based in Amman, now in Beirut—promises to launch its first open call for proposals for its Arab Graphic Novel Program.
Or, if you prefer, “graphic novels”: The new publication in question—which sold out its initial print run in two hours—is definitely for grown-ups. The magazine, called TokTok, is apparently stamped with the advice: “Keep out of reach of children.”
