Guest: Khalil

Guest: Khalil
Date : 2010-07-11
www.irandokht.com

Pari: What made you to enter the field of graphic novel?

Khalil: I always wanted to but waited for the right author to bring me just the right novel. It finally happened a year ago,
with the compelling story of Zahra, based on a real-life story, which I felt the whole world needs to hear.



Pari: How Zahra Paradise relates to, or differs from, your past works?

Khalil: I’ve always done work that relates to the politics and history of my area of the world, the Middle East, and so this is a natural continuation for me,
both in theme and style.

Pari: Considering you are not Iranian; why a book about Iran’s uprising? Where the inspiration came from?

Khalil: I feel close to Iran, being from an Arab country that shares a lot of the same culture, and always had a fascination
for Persian culture; the beautiful architecture and fine art especially. Beyond that, Zahra’s story, as well as the story
of a people bravely rising up against tyranny, is a universally appealing and important one. We have readers throughout
the world, who are able to identify with the Iranian struggle for democracy and human rights. Iran’s struggle
belongs to all of us.

Take Argentina, for example: just like Iran, they have very active and courageous mothers who have been looking
for their disappeared children and they’re very active, heroic even. The “Las Madres” of Plaza Maio in Buenos Aires
have (perhaps) inspired other mothers to organize in Tehran, and those in turn are inspiring other mothers in similar
situations wherever dictatorships are oppressing their peoples.

Pari: You have never been in Iran how do you imagine the scene to draw them?

Khalil: I do a lot of research and partly rely on Iranian friends who go there for photos and other visual information.
One day I hope to go there and actually sketch from life inshallah. When Iran becomes free, which I’m hoping and
praying will be sooner than later. Iran’s victory will inspire many others in neighboring countries, so their Iran’s
victory will be all pur victories as well.

Pari: what difficulties have you faced?

Khalil: Principally the lack of direct access to the place has been a challenge, as well as my very limited Farsi. But this has been
an opportunity to learn so much for me. Many readers tend to assume that, with my name, Khalil,
and my concealed identity, I must be Iranian as well. I feel much more Iranian as a result.

Pari: What has been people’s reaction so far?

Khalil: Readers have been incredibly responsive and supportive, including many in Iran, who read Zahra’s Paradiess from there.
They have been a great help, providing support and feedback.

Pari: What did he learn from this process?

Khalil: I’ve learned a lot about Tehran so far. I almost feel as if I know that incredible city. It reminds a lot of my own native
city in many ways...