Perfect illustration

The Jordanian graphic novel trend is taking off, and at the forefront is Aranim, the company founded in 2008 by local entrepreneur Suleiman Bakhit. The result of a collaboration between Bakhit and young Brazilian graphic artist Eduardo Francisco, his stories include Nosour al-Ordon – which features Jordanian soldiers – and Mansaf & Ouzi, the hugely popular comic that follows the infamous Keraki Shebab. Both of these are an attempt to provide local readers with local heroes. With an initial imprint in the tens of thousands, the books are developing into a cult following, with more adventures planned for 2010. NOX caught up with the man behind the illustrations, and asked him how an artist from Sao Paolo ended up creating superheroes for Arab youth. 

NOX: So, obvious question, how did a young Brazilian first get involved with a Jordanian comic book series?

Eduardo Francisco: Suleiman had noticed my artwork through an online art gallery, and sent me an email talking about his project. We started working together, keeping in contact by email and instant messaging. Unfortunately, we haven’t met in person yet...!

NOX: How did you deal with the differences in culture and language? 

EF: Well, we both speak English well enough for chatting. He is a very open-minded guy, he likes to listen to people and hear their thoughts about his projects. But I didn’t feel any difficulty in understanding the culture; in Sao Paolo, where I live, there is a huge Arabic neighbourhood. The descendants of the original immigrants are totally integrated into the Brazilian population, but the cultural aspects of Arab origins can be seen in the way the inhabitants live here.

NOX: How does the collaboration work in practice, with ideas, illustrations and so forth?

EF: I think we were both looking for the same thing at that time. Like, I identify more with the concepts of superheroes from the East than I do with Western ones. In the East, most of the tales are based on legendary people who really existed. Other tales focus on a common character that has human weaknesses like fragility, instability, or even hidden fears, showing him dealing with those obstacles, struggling with them day by day, and trying to overcome it. I think that’s the kind of thing that makes readers relate with the character. 

I particularly like the oriental cultures, which are marked by the mysticism and mythologies that I adore. Suleiman wants to inspire the youth of the Middle East in a positive way by telling stories of real heroes like Salah al-Din. And he wants to tell fun histories, adventures, sci-fi, fantasy, all the positive aspects that the Arab culture has through these productions. I think he is doing a fantastic job.

NOX: But aren’t comic books only for people who don’t get any, how shall we put this, “action”?

EF: Haha, nah. All my friends are artists, editors, and writers and as far as I know a lot of them are married and/or have kids!

NOX: Any good tips on how to draw a cartoon sketch in two minutes?

EF: A phone call from an editor giving you a last minute deadline for a new drawing and ending the call with “or you’re fired...!” That always helps!