10 Comic Makers You Need to Know for Arab American Heritage Month

It’s true that mainstream comics are notorious for excluding characters of color (and writers and artists of color, for that matter), but in recent years, the medium has become an exciting source of expression for those who haven’t been given much of a voice. When it comes to Arab representation, it’s easy to zero in on Persepolis (which, don’t get me wrong—it’s a masterpiece), but there are so many other books worth reading from talented artists who have brought their own unique perspectives to comics.  

We’ve selected some of our favorite comics and graphic novels from creators of Arab descent—some of which explore the complexities of Arab identity, while others are just examples of really stellar comics. In either case, these books are a great way to expand your comic book horizons, all while honoring the contributions of some exceptional writers and artists this Arab American Heritage Month.   

For more great comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local branch as well as the Hoopla app.    

Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi 

This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America by Navied Mahdavian

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

Muhammad Najem, War Reporter by Muhammad Najem

I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib

Mis(h)adra by Iasmin Omar Ata

Arab in America by Toufic El Rassi

Baddawi by Leila Abdelrazaq

Abbott by Saladin Ahmed

Yoghurt and Jam, Or, How My Mother Became Lebanese by Lena Merhej