Perspolis

Well, where to start? I enjoyed Persepolis as a whole, but found it somewhat difficult to identify with at first. I think I was turned off by some of the anti-American sentiment in the beginning. Interestingly enough, I found a lot of this criticism to be ironic. While Satrapi is dismissive of the U.S. Government as imperialistic, she embraces the culture whole-heartedly. Then I thought, "Hold on a minute... I love this nation, (America) but I hate the government." At last, common ground.
Realizing that she and I were both disliking different facets of the same thing, I was able to overcome my bias, and enjoy myself as a comic book fan. While Persepolis doesn't really go all out on the artwork, which is my favorite part of graphic fiction, the simplistic artwork along with the unembellished narrative served to bring the reader into the youthful mindset of the main character.
And even though I'm complaining about the art, there were a few panels that I enjoyed despite my snobbery, notably pages 77 and top panel page 102. Respectively, the trip to Spain, and the description of the children being "zealotized" and tossed to the front lines . I liked the imagery of the trip to Spain for a few reasons. Firstly, I thought the idea of a magic carpet ride out of one's war-torn country to a far away land was both uniquely middle eastern and universally appealing. Secondly, the background in that panel is reminiscent of "Starry Night" which I felt was an appropriately somber yet beautiful backdrop for the situation the characters were in. Finally, the juxtaposition with the violence of the demonstration on the preceding page was striking to me.
On 102, the expression of the explosion I thought was very powerful. Dozens of young children with keys around their necks flying in disparate directions. This being a true story, really disturbed me a bit. I certainly hope they get to their promised afterlife. After being deceived and used like that, I feel it would only be just.
After watching the interview with Satrapi, I have to say that she achieved her goal with me. She said she wanted to express her experience in such a way as to make it relatable to the western mind. I really felt as if this could be me. I could have been born in a different time and place, been raised in a different manner, and born witness to the tragedy of warfare in my own backyard rather than hearing about it on the news. I don't think I would've been a Marxist though.
Nope, not a chance.
Hmm... that's a good a place as any to end.