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Persia Blues #1
Leaving Home
Minoo Shirazi is a rebellious young Iranian woman struggling to define herself amid the strict social conventions of an oppressive regime and the wishes of an overbearing father. She is also a free-spirited adventurer in a fantasy world, a place where aspects of modern America and ancient Persia meld into a unique landscape. Blending Eastern and Western civilization with elements of ancient Persian mythology, Persia Blues explores the intersections of guilt and freedom, family and self, ancient myths and modern enigmas.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Dara Naraghi
67 books20 followersDara Naraghi was born in Iran, but has made Columbus, Ohio his home for most of his life. His debut graphic novel LIFELIKE, a collection of slice-of-life vignettes, garnered many positive reviews from the likes of award-winning novelist Cory Doctorow, and cartoonist Sam Kieth.
His other notable graphic novels include: TERMINATOR SALVATION official movie prequel (3 weeks on the NYT Best Sellers list), THE ABSURD ADVENTURES OF ARCHIBALD AARDVARK, WITCH & WIZARD: BATTLE FOR SHADOWLAND (2 weeks on the NYT Best Sellers list) and WITCH & WIZARD: OPERATION ZERO, original graphic novels based on characters and settings from the James Patterson series of YA novels. His current project is the award-winning PERSIA BLUES trilogy of graphic novels.
Dara is also a founding member of the Columbus, Ohio-based comic book writers/artists collective known as PANEL. To date, he has contributed stories to - and helped produce - 20 volumes of their comics anthology, which he self-publishes under his Ferret Press imprint. For information on his latest project, check out www.DaraNaraghi.com
His other notable graphic novels include: TERMINATOR SALVATION official movie prequel (3 weeks on the NYT Best Sellers list), THE ABSURD ADVENTURES OF ARCHIBALD AARDVARK, WITCH & WIZARD: BATTLE FOR SHADOWLAND (2 weeks on the NYT Best Sellers list) and WITCH & WIZARD: OPERATION ZERO, original graphic novels based on characters and settings from the James Patterson series of YA novels. His current project is the award-winning PERSIA BLUES trilogy of graphic novels.
Dara is also a founding member of the Columbus, Ohio-based comic book writers/artists collective known as PANEL. To date, he has contributed stories to - and helped produce - 20 volumes of their comics anthology, which he self-publishes under his Ferret Press imprint. For information on his latest project, check out www.DaraNaraghi.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 25, 2013
An historical epic that alternates between the Persian Empire and modern day Iran. Interestingly, the story takes place "here" in Persia and "there" in Iran. This is an unusual set up for a book that takes place in the past and present and intrigues me with where it will go in future volumes. Both stories are separate and feature brave women, one a warrior; the other stands up for her rights as a woman in a country where she could be jailed by the "morality police". The women have the same first name and while the stories don't connect, there are some tiny hints plus some foreshadowing that the two worlds/women will eventually meet or connect. I like both plot lines equally, at first I thought i was more keen on the Persian storyline, but over time became just as interested in the characters in the Iran plot. Again foreshadowing is used here to let us know there is much tragedy we don't know yet about this family. What can I say, loved the art, though the cover is not representative! A nice presentation using shaded b/w art for the Persia scenes and simply b/w drawings for the modern Iran scenes. In Minoo from Iran's story, a lot of background detail has been given and lead up to a point of a major life change. I especially enjoy her character and would certainly continue to read this proposed trilogy.
April 10, 2018
I'm glad that this title exists, to provide a variety of stories available (contemporary Iranian woman, Iranian woman of legend), but this lacked depth and wasn't particularly polished. The script seemed too blatant/simplistic with the messages of feeling yoked under Iran's morality police. In my opinion, the story merely alternated between the myths and the present, without meaningfully tying the two together. Both timelines lack forward momentum, and the end was abrupt and hand-wavey. Overall, I liked the art, but it felt stiff.
November 12, 2017
long-winded and rebellious. strong women. topical.
September 12, 2020
DPL hoopla
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January 28, 2021Reviewing mostly on storygraph these days
Check out 'Persia Blues, Volume 1: Leaving Home' on The StoryGraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3...
Check out 'Persia Blues, Volume 1: Leaving Home' on The StoryGraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3...
May 7, 2015
I have mixed feelings about Persia Blues. I like the illustrations which switch from lush vibrant fantasy using soft brushed lines and detailed illustration to stark reality using crisp clean lines and minimal shading. This helps highlight the division between her fantasy life and real live which seem to be a conflict of her internalized duality between her Persian ethnicity and her Iranian nationality. I think this accurately reflects the identify conflict many Iranians seem to have while longing for the grandeur of Persia past yet trying to come to terms with the Iran they currently have. Unfortunately, the Iran that has come about with it particular brand of restrictive Islamic rule works against many Iranians pushing them away from Islam. To me as a Muslim I find this extremely sad. It shows how wrong Iran's restrictions are and is counterproductive to what their "Islamic Republic" seeks to bring about. The loss of freedoms to believe in Islam for it's beauty and truths is forced cause people to disassociate and turn away. Similar story lines are echoed in Persepolis and other writings about and by Iranian women especially those who have migrated to the Western world. One would hope that Iran gets the message someday and returns to the more tolerant Islam that allowed it to flourish in other eras of history. The character in both real life and fantasy seems to have no faith in God(s) at all but her fantasy self accepts Zoroastrianism by actually being visited by one of the mythical Gods. I've not read the second book or third at this point but I wonder if perhaps this foreshadows finding and accepting some religious truth in her real life story as well?
Overall the story itself is good, some of the writing seems a little off to me... out of place, strangely worded, I'm not quite sure. Some things just seemed unnatural in the way the characters were speaking. Perhaps it's due to the ancient themed fantasy that's reflecting modern life experiences and thoughts but I can't quite put my finger on what it is that seems off about the writing. the story is pretty interesting and compelling though and although there are still a lot of unknowns about the main characters relationships we come to really care for the characters and experience the bonds and trials their familial relationship have. The cliffhanger leaves you wanting to know more but also giving a somewhat satisfactory ending so that there is some sense of quest and story fulfillment even though there is so much still unanswered.
Overall the story itself is good, some of the writing seems a little off to me... out of place, strangely worded, I'm not quite sure. Some things just seemed unnatural in the way the characters were speaking. Perhaps it's due to the ancient themed fantasy that's reflecting modern life experiences and thoughts but I can't quite put my finger on what it is that seems off about the writing. the story is pretty interesting and compelling though and although there are still a lot of unknowns about the main characters relationships we come to really care for the characters and experience the bonds and trials their familial relationship have. The cliffhanger leaves you wanting to know more but also giving a somewhat satisfactory ending so that there is some sense of quest and story fulfillment even though there is so much still unanswered.
October 10, 2013
I won Persia Blues in a Goodreads giveaway.
Persia Blues is a welcome addition to the category of graphic novels and comic books that deal with Iran in some way. There are only a few books in this category – only Persepolis and Zahra’s Paradise, and maybe Prince of Persia (lol), come to mind. Persia Blues is in good company.
Persia Blues is a tale of two “Minoo”s – one lives in contemporary Iran; the other exists in a setting that is at times reminiscent of ancient Persia, at others reminiscent of a sort of modern day video game. I have to admit that I was initially confused as to why a character named “Tyler” was present in the ancient Persia scenes….until I read the back cover, which describes these scenes as taking place in a Iran-America hybrid fantasy world.
The storyline brings up several issues: doubt (“ancient Persia Minoo” doesn’t believe in the cosmic players of Zoroastrianism until she personally encounters Ahriman himself), grief and the quest for understanding/coming to terms with what one has lost (“Modern Iran Minoo” has lost her mother, and “ancient Persia Minoo” is in pursuit of her mother, with a bit of guidance from a murdered Zoroastrian priest), generation gaps (between “modern Iran Minoo” and her father), and being oneself in a country that can be both rich and restrictive.
I enjoyed reading Persia Blues for a few reasons. It didn’t feed into the “myths about Iran” trap that often drives me crazy whenever I read the writings of Iranians in diaspora/Iranian-Americans. It was both educational, with its inclusion of information about Zoroastrianism, and entertaining. However, I was left with several questions at the end of the graphic novel – what happened to Minoo’s brother? Was he involved in anti-government protests? Where did Minoo get the distinctive scar on her palm? I personally would have preferred to read this volume after subsequent volumes were published, because I hate to be left with a cliffhanger!
Overall, though, I look forward to reading future volumes of Persia Blues. I’m very curious to see how the two storylines come together!
Persia Blues is a welcome addition to the category of graphic novels and comic books that deal with Iran in some way. There are only a few books in this category – only Persepolis and Zahra’s Paradise, and maybe Prince of Persia (lol), come to mind. Persia Blues is in good company.
Persia Blues is a tale of two “Minoo”s – one lives in contemporary Iran; the other exists in a setting that is at times reminiscent of ancient Persia, at others reminiscent of a sort of modern day video game. I have to admit that I was initially confused as to why a character named “Tyler” was present in the ancient Persia scenes….until I read the back cover, which describes these scenes as taking place in a Iran-America hybrid fantasy world.
The storyline brings up several issues: doubt (“ancient Persia Minoo” doesn’t believe in the cosmic players of Zoroastrianism until she personally encounters Ahriman himself), grief and the quest for understanding/coming to terms with what one has lost (“Modern Iran Minoo” has lost her mother, and “ancient Persia Minoo” is in pursuit of her mother, with a bit of guidance from a murdered Zoroastrian priest), generation gaps (between “modern Iran Minoo” and her father), and being oneself in a country that can be both rich and restrictive.
I enjoyed reading Persia Blues for a few reasons. It didn’t feed into the “myths about Iran” trap that often drives me crazy whenever I read the writings of Iranians in diaspora/Iranian-Americans. It was both educational, with its inclusion of information about Zoroastrianism, and entertaining. However, I was left with several questions at the end of the graphic novel – what happened to Minoo’s brother? Was he involved in anti-government protests? Where did Minoo get the distinctive scar on her palm? I personally would have preferred to read this volume after subsequent volumes were published, because I hate to be left with a cliffhanger!
Overall, though, I look forward to reading future volumes of Persia Blues. I’m very curious to see how the two storylines come together!
September 12, 2013
I adored this. And I've won awards for both good and bad writing, so Iknow the difference! This isn't good - it's better than that - it's terrific. And no, I don't know the authors! I was delighted to receive this as part of the Goodreads giveaway, and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to read it.
Minoo is a modern Iranian woman, chafed by the restraints of family and religious culture. But Minoo is also an adventurer in ancient Persia, battling strange beasts, trying to save a Zoroastrian priest and going on a quest to Persepolis.
(I was delighted about the trip to Persepolis. I saw a documentary about the city once, and discovered that not only did Persepolis sometimes have female rulers, it also had female supervisors and construction workers, and maternity leave and sick leave for those women! Hearing of the city's fate was what made me start thinking of Alexander the Great as Alexander the Right Thug and Not That Great Actually. But I digress).
The links (and differences) between the ancient and modern Minoo, plus the ambiguities (is ancient Minoo supposed to be drawn and/or imagined by modern Minoo?)are fascinating, and one roots for her in all the battles, whether against demonic monsters or the Morality Police. The characters are really well drawn (in both senses), and what's more, drawn with passion, affection and heart.
I recommend this. If you want a refreshing and educational change after all the slick Hollywood-esque graphic novels out there, then give this a go. I hope it becomes a classic of the genre, and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Minoo is a modern Iranian woman, chafed by the restraints of family and religious culture. But Minoo is also an adventurer in ancient Persia, battling strange beasts, trying to save a Zoroastrian priest and going on a quest to Persepolis.
(I was delighted about the trip to Persepolis. I saw a documentary about the city once, and discovered that not only did Persepolis sometimes have female rulers, it also had female supervisors and construction workers, and maternity leave and sick leave for those women! Hearing of the city's fate was what made me start thinking of Alexander the Great as Alexander the Right Thug and Not That Great Actually. But I digress).
The links (and differences) between the ancient and modern Minoo, plus the ambiguities (is ancient Minoo supposed to be drawn and/or imagined by modern Minoo?)are fascinating, and one roots for her in all the battles, whether against demonic monsters or the Morality Police. The characters are really well drawn (in both senses), and what's more, drawn with passion, affection and heart.
I recommend this. If you want a refreshing and educational change after all the slick Hollywood-esque graphic novels out there, then give this a go. I hope it becomes a classic of the genre, and I can't wait to read the next installment.
July 11, 2014
The book starts “HERE. A PECULIAR TOWN ON THE OUTER REACHES OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE. SEEMINGLY OUT OF PLACE YET ODDLY FAMILIAR…” It appears to be a sword and sorcery fantasy setting, and Minoo and her companion Troy, have recovered some stolen treasure and having disposed of the guards they fight their way out with sword and a magic blast from Minoo’s palm when suddenly the story shifts to “THERE. SHIRAZ, IRAN. 4 YEARS AGO.” where Minoo Shirazi is driving an automobile while conversing with her father on a flip phone. The story alternates between events in her life in contemporary Iran, where she feels stifled by the repressive political climate and her father’s protectiveness and the uninhibited fantasy quest she lives in fulfilling a quest in HERE a land of Zoroastrian gods and demons where she fearlessly wields a sword on horseback and fights off a pride of lions.
Writer Nargahi and artist Bowman are both members of the Columbus, Ohio based comic book writers/artists collective, PANEL, so the THERE epilogue, Minoo’s acceptance for architectural grad school at Block O (THE Ohio State University, Nagahi’s alma mater), is hardly shocking. The epilogue for HERE is a bit more dramatic. Bowman’s style in THERE is clean black and white line, but in the fantasy tinged sequences he uses line shadings and halftone to provide a brooding atmosphere to HERE. Overall the book is a very interesting start to an adventure told in parallel tales.
Writer Nargahi and artist Bowman are both members of the Columbus, Ohio based comic book writers/artists collective, PANEL, so the THERE epilogue, Minoo’s acceptance for architectural grad school at Block O (THE Ohio State University, Nagahi’s alma mater), is hardly shocking. The epilogue for HERE is a bit more dramatic. Bowman’s style in THERE is clean black and white line, but in the fantasy tinged sequences he uses line shadings and halftone to provide a brooding atmosphere to HERE. Overall the book is a very interesting start to an adventure told in parallel tales.
January 17, 2016
An interesting look at the post-revolutionary Iranian experience through the perspective of a young female...who is not named Satrapi. The story goes back and forth between contemporary Iran and what appears to be a fantastical or imaginary narrative set in the "now." This is the first installment of a series.
Update: reread this book for interview with the creators, http://comicsalternative.com/comics-a...
Update: reread this book for interview with the creators, http://comicsalternative.com/comics-a...
January 27, 2015
The over-sexualisation of the female character gave away the fact that this was written by a man. What can I say... Typical romanticised nonsense of "glorious" ancient Persia, coupled with a big dose of Islamophobia, and essentialisation of Iran's current and historical socio-political realities. Just urgh.
June 3, 2016
Love how this graphic novel intertwines modern life with ancient Persian myths and beliefs. Illustrations make time and place very clear. Strong female protagonist! A tiny bit of sexual innuendo.
*Sad to note that my public library only had volume one and not volume two. I put in a purchase request, so hopefully they will get it!
*Sad to note that my public library only had volume one and not volume two. I put in a purchase request, so hopefully they will get it!
December 31, 2015
3 1/2 stars. I didn't love the art, but I liked the contemporary story set in Iran a lot. I'm not sure about the other part of the story, which seems to be in ancient Persia, but I assume it will be revealed what is going on at some point. It isn't bad, I just don't get it yet.
February 28, 2014
It's awesome to see a comic talk about Zoroastrianism and the parts concerning it were fascinating. And the story itself is a really cool idea. The plot was interesting, though the dialogue was clunky. But the artwork wasn't great, especially on the characters, and that pulled me out of the story.
September 14, 2013
I donated to the kickstarter for this book. Boy am I disappointed. Bad art poor storytelling. What a bad book. I do not see how they will be more volumes printed
April 18, 2014
A solid start to what could be a good series. Its a bit hard to keep up with the time skipping but its still an enjoyable read.
August 31, 2015
Wonderful idea; lukewarm execution. I did enjoy the juxtaposition in design between Contemporary Iran and Ancient Persia. I will likely continue with the series.
October 12, 2021
It was interesting. Wasn’t the biggest fan of the art. I don't know if I'll read more; it didn't really grab me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews