The Palestinian conflict as a comic book.

If your idea of comics is all about genetically modified superheroes in skintight Lycra then Joe Sacco’s Palestine might take you by surprise. Swapping spandex for some hands-on journalism, Sacco spent two months on the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the early 90s, interviewing more than 100 people. The end result was nine issues, now in one volume, which follow the fortunes of Palestinians under the Israeli occupation.

Soldiers, injured children, refugees and former prisoners all appear to tell their stories, featuring a cartoon Sacco interviewing them and creating his own portrait of the conflict. Presented in detailed and sometimes gruesome monochrome, Sacco’s graphics are dazzling and equally as affecting as his subjects’ stories. While it’s obviously biased towards the Palestinians, Sacco’s portrait is a probing and searing one. Heavy going but highly entertaining, this is war reportage at its most creative. Laura Bushell 02 January 02

Palestine, published by Jonathan Cape 02 January 03.

useful link: fantagraphics: joe sacco