Far from being mere children’s narratives, the comics have proven to be a rich and powerful way to explore the most important chapters of humanity. Skilled authors delve into extensive research, interweaving true facts with fictional elements. Discover five comics for history fans now.
‘Persepolis’ – Marjane Satrapi
We start our list with “Persépolis”, written by Marjane Satrapi. Through the eyes of a child, the author narrates the political, extremist and religious conflicts in the Middle East. When addressing issues such as the use of the veil and female independence in her country, Satrapi offers a narrative rich in discussions and layers.
‘Grass’ – Keum Suk Gendry-Kim
Another impactful comic is “Grama”, by South Korean Keum Suk Gendry-Kim. The story portrays the life of Ok-Sun Lee, who faced abuse and violence since childhood, was sold by her own family and subjected to sexual slavery at the hands of the Japanese army during the Second World War.
The work seeks to bring to light a little-known period of global conflict. This is because most of the works that address the topic portray the western front of the war, and few illustrate the cruelty of the Japanese Empire.
‘Che: The Last Days of a Hero’ – Hector Gérman Oesterheld
“Che: The Last Days of a Hero”, written by Hector Gérman Oesterheld and illustrated by Alberto and Enrique Breccia, is a comic biography that presents the trajectory of the iconic Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
In addition to highlighting the life of the revolutionary, the work connects his story to that of Héctor Germán Oesterheld, a writer imprisoned and “disappeared” by the Argentine dictatorship. The comic demonstrates the author’s courage in facing the military, while portraying the life of Cuba’s controversial hero.
‘Angola Janga’ – Marcelo D’Salete
“Angola Janga”, by Marcelo D’Salete, tells the story of Palmares, an African kingdom established in South America, which became known as Angola Janga. Resisting colonial attacks, it became a symbol of freedom for the enslaved.
The epic portrays the fight against oppression and racism in Brazil, highlighting characters such as Zumbi and Ganga Zumba. It is certainly a title that must be read by comic book fans.
‘Maus’ – Art Spiegelman
Finally, “Maus”, by Art Spiegelman, narrates the life of Vladek, a Polish Jew who survived the Holocaust. The Pulitzer Prize-winning work portrays the horrors of war in a visceral way, representing Jews as rats and Nazis as cats.
At the same time, the comic addresses the difficult relationship between father and son, marked by the traumas of war. This title appears on absolutely every list that mentions graphic novels.
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