Recently I read Fiona’s blog on the omittance of colour from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. She argued that the purpose of drawing in black and white, along with the simplicity of the drawing style, allowed the fact that the narrative was from a young girl’s perspective more believable. Given the intensity of her subject matter, I think it would have been perhaps too graphic if the drawings were in colour and were drawn realistically. To me, one of the great things about Persepolis is the fact that it is a very quick and easy read, and I think this was done so it would also appeal to younger readers who would otherwise struggle with heavier subject material. In that sense, I think it is great that Satrapi drew more simplistically and in black and white because she then was able to get her message out to more people (especially young people who are obviously important to educate).

Thanks for reading and thanks to Fiona for the insightful post!

Ben Ross