The 'Stan

Made up of brief vignettes, this graphic novel tells the story of the war in Afghanistan from many perspectives. Journalists Axe and Knodell have collected 17 accounts of real people, including a Taliban ambassador to Pakistan held at Guantanamo Bay, several U.S. and Afghan military personnel, and an Afghan interpreter whose family became refugees because of threats that resulted from his work with the U.S. Marines. From the aftermath of September 11 to the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on returning soldiers, this volume gives a glimpse into the humanity of people on multiple sides of the conflict. Rather than focusing on the politics of big picture policies and casualty numbers, these powerful narratives explore the war's impact on individuals. Delliquanti's illustrations effectively convey the setting and the emotional resonance of each scene using clear lines and muted tones.