I Won't Pretend These Missiles Are Stars: Life in Iran During the 12-Day War

by The Cartoonist Collective

Genres: Nonfiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, History, War

212 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Jeff]

Although the concept of I Won't Pretend These Missiles Are Stars is better than the actual product, reading it in 2026 is so timely it's frightening.

Produced by The Cartoonist Collective in Tehran, the book contains about a dozen short stories in comics format, documenting experiences of Tehran residents during the Twelve-Day War in June 2025. All of the contributors are anonymous, and given the unfiltered criticisms of Iran's theocratic leaders, the anonymity is a clear necessity. But the frustrations flow equally towards Iran's Israeli and American attackers.

Most of the stories focus on mundane moments interrupted by the sound of bombs, and the accumulation of small detail becomes a common thread across the different contributions. For example, in "Lappe Letters", the protagonist has to make quick arrangements to evacuate Tehran with her cat, and stresses out over not being able to locate a collar for her feline.

The downside of I Won't Pretend These Missiles Are Stars is the remarkably repetitive visual look. Many of these artists are clearly influenced by the Japanese manga tradition, which results in a uniform graphic style that is rather dull, and detracts from the overall impact of the work. It seems the subject matter lends itself to more imaginative drawn expression than we actually get in these pages.

[Rebecca]

Keep telling your stories.

[layan (hiatus)]

I wish we lived in a world without war… no wars, no regimes dragging their nations into bloodshed. This graphic novel is absolutely beautiful, nearly every chapter is illustrated in a different style (I’m sorry, I don’t know the technical term - I’m not very artistic), yet it all carries the same powerful narrative.

I love it so much it physically hurts.

May all those who are oppressed one day live and breathe in freedom.

[Raven Black]

I can't say this book was enjoyable (as it is anything but). However, there is a satisfaction in knowing you have read the words of the people who lived this event. You might not understand the horrors of war, but you can walk with them through their memories gaining an understanding. The different voices and images are powerful.

[Laura Bourbonnais]

A poignant and important read following Iranian comic artists living in and around Tehran during the 12 Day War in 2025. I highly recommend reading it.

[Katie]

Seeing all the different art styles and what stories each cartoonist prioritized was really incredible, but the stories felt a little too short to really connect the way I had imagined

[Rose]

I have nothing but respect for Iranian women, they are the bravest humans.