The Little Black Fish, by Bizhan Khodabandeh (Mended Arrow)
A story originally by Samad Behrangi, The Little Black Fish tells a tale of youthful curiosity, and of a young fish yearning to push beyond her cultural and geographic boundaries, striving to discover the world, question authority, and defy convention. Bizhan Khodabandeh's debut graphic novel, an adaptation of The Little Black Fish, is as visually stunning as it is inspiring.
The vivid cover immediately grabs the reader's attention, and Khodabandeh's unique artistic style is breathtaking in it's force. The panels aand images are fluid in their transition and appearance, and form a cohesive visual presentation. Khodabandeh's artwork is stunning, full of contrast, and enamors even the most un-trained eye. Every page is designed to carefully guide the reader's eye, a trademark of practiced comic craftsmanship, doubly remarkable since this is his first published comic. Khodabandeh's illustration is among the most unique work to come out of Richmond.
From a storytelling perspective, The Little Black Fish can be choppy in places, and definitely reminds the reader that it is a translation. However, considering the tale's origins, the artwork and text create both a reverent and folky tone, accurately representing the history of The Little Black Fish. The tale rips and roils right along, bouncing our finned heroine from one obstacle to the next. We follow the young fish as she branches farther and farther out into the ocean, making new friends, encountering new enemies, and learning to stand on her own two fins. Moreover, she learns that being told what to do is not the same as being able to discern for oneself what is right, and what is wrong. Khodabandeh does an excellent job translating the story while remaining true to the original, a difficult feat for a new creator.
The single most remarkable aspect of the comic however, is the origin of the tale. Originally written by Samad Behrangi, a member of The Iranian People's Fedai Guerrilas, an Iranian teacher, and an outpsoken social activist, it was first published in 1969, a year after his questionable death. The tale, as Khodabandeh states in his afterword, “...is about questioning authority, self-sacrifice, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.” As further testament to Khodabandeh's artistic and narrative skill, this contemporary re-visioning is cleanly drawn, sparse, and tastefully translated and edited. Moreover, Khodabandeh is following in the footsteps of contemporary greats like James Stockoe, Robert Kirkman, Warren Ellis, Brian K. Vaughan, and Pia Guerra, showing that comics can both tackle serious issues and tell incredible stories.
Though the syntax is choppy in places, overall The Little Black Fish is a complicated tale told in uncomplicated language. Kid-friendly, and deep enough (pun intended) for adults to enjoy, it truly is an all-encompassing work, suitable for audiences of all ages. Well translated, exquisitely illustrated, and professionally produced, The Little Black Fish is a must-have for any collector looking to fill in their locals section, or any reader looking to add another solid book to their shelves.