Habibi

Beautiful art and good storytelling

Craig Thompson's Blankets often makes it on people's top ten graphic novel lists, but his latest work is even more ambitious. Set in a fantasy world that's heavily constructed from the culture of the Middle East's past and present, Thompson has crafted a harrowing epic about two escaped slaves, and one that deals with weighty subject matter such as religion, sexual abuse, racism and the divide...more

Craig Thompson's Blankets often makes it on people's top ten graphic novel lists, but his latest work is even more ambitious. Set in a fantasy world that's heavily constructed from the culture of the Middle East's past and present, Thompson has crafted a harrowing epic about two escaped slaves, and one that deals with weighty subject matter such as religion, sexual abuse, racism and the divide between third and first world cultures. A large undertaking no doubt, but at nearly 700 pages Habibi makes use of every single page. Craig Thompson's dream-like story paneling is absorbing to say the least, and allows the plight of it's two main characters to be truly heart breaking. The questions it raises about the interconnectedness between Christianty and Islam is very relevant for today's age as well, even though the book chooses to forgo the subject of war. The frank sexual violence is sure to be a bit offputting for some readers, but I personally found it gave the book a real human tragic element. Perhaps not the equal for the autobiographical Blankets, but another soaring masterpiece from one of the very best living graphic novelists.   hide

Religious text and sex can be an uncomfortable mix. It's a heavy tale, told with artwork so exquisite it hurts. For the most part, it is deeply inspired. I wish it didn't feel exploitative in its sensuality.

This book is beyond classification. Religion, philosophy, history, love, calligraphy, and the environmental impact of development are just some of the themes this book touches on. Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful, real love story.