Infidel

This is an absolutely important work of sequential storytelling. In her introduction for Infidel, American author Tananarive Due talks about how in the age of Jordon Peele’s Get Out, a new wave of horror has arrived, bringing with it stories featuring inclusive characters all readers can identify with while using the genre to reflect on real-life horrors such as racism and xenophobia. This new wave is here and after the protests we been witnessing across the United States, this new wave is so vital. Indidel is genuinely creepy and riveting haunted house story on the surface but it is actually about how there are spiritual forces at work that are trying to divide us, when we the human race, although diverse, are one. The story follows show more an American Muslim woman (Aisha) and her multi-racial neighbors who move into a building haunted by xenophobia. When the demonic entities within her building frame Aisha for murder, it is up to her best friend to solve the mystery at the center of this story and destroy this haunted house of hatred for good.

Infidel is both timely and freaky and it left me an emotional wreck. Get it. Read it. Freak out. Weep. show less

Infidel takes full advantage of graphic novel form to deliver a horror story that, put simply, could not be told with nearly so much impact in a novel. The pervasiveness of hate leak in at every edge of the text, illustrating the terror and stress of living with xenophobia, racism, and islamophobia--and in a way that displays just how unthinking and casual such hatred can be for those displaying it. And all of that terror is before the supernatural comes into play.

This isn't an easy book to read, and it shouldn't be. It is, however, powerful and clever, with gorgeous art, smart turns and twists, and even some jump scares, believe it or not. It's shot to the top of my favorites list when it comes to graphic novels, and if you haven't show more already looked it up, I hope you well.

Absolutely recommended. show less

"Infidel" by Pornsak Pichetshote, with art by Aaron Campbell, is a spine-chilling, contemporary haunted house story that delves into the depths of fear and racism, making it a thought-provoking and eerie read. Set in the 21st century, the narrative follows the journey of an American Muslim woman, Aisha Hasan, and her multi-racial neighbors as they move into a seemingly innocuous building, only to discover that it's haunted by entities that thrive on xenophobia.

From the very beginning, "Infidel" immerses the reader in a world where the line between the supernatural and reality blurs, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Pichetshote has crafted a story that plays on our deepest fears and societal prejudices, making it a show more relevant and engaging narrative that keeps you guessing.

One of the standout aspects of this graphic novel is the artwork by Aaron Campbell. The visuals are nothing short of spectacular and add a unique layer of creepiness to the story. Campbell's ability to portray the "ghosts" is absolutely horrifying, making their presence all the more sinister. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the eerie within the illustrations enhances the story's impact, making it a truly immersive experience.

The writing in "Infidel" is superb, and Pichetshote skillfully captures the fear and anxiety experienced by the main character, Aisha Hasan. The narrative manages to evoke a sense of unease, not just from the supernatural elements but also from the very real and pervasive issue of racism. It successfully explores the psychological trauma inflicted by xenophobia, making it a story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

However, the only slight drawback to this otherwise exceptional graphic novel is the need for more background information on certain aspects of the story. While the tale is gripping, a deeper exploration of the characters' backgrounds and the history of the haunted building could have provided a stronger emotional connection with the narrative.

In conclusion, "Infidel" is a haunting and thought-provoking graphic novel that skillfully blends supernatural horror with a commentary on racism in our society. With a compelling story, outstanding artwork, and an exploration of the darkest facets of human fear, it's a must-read for fans of the horror genre and those interested in narratives that delve into social issues. This would have easily been a 5-star review if it had delved a bit deeper into character backgrounds, but even with this minor limitation, it's a captivating and unsettling tale that you won't easily forget. show less

Infidel is a legit scary graphic novel. The rage of the spirits is palpable and comes across beautifully in the artwork. The story itself is stirring, and the author doesn't try to pretend that being a minority doesn't preclude also being a bigot or a bully. Infidel is graphic in more ways than one, so I do not recommend this book to readers who may be squeamish.

Very compelling horror premise that'd make del Toro proud, but weakened towards the end. I can forgive the somewhat hasty ending because the subject of bigotry is a complex one, but nevertheless I'd have liked to see a more ambiguous conclusion rather than a muddled one.

I'm puzzled by the favorable reviews. I think this is getting a bit of a boost from the tendency to give a thumbs up to anything anti-racist. That's a good message, but that doesn't make this a good book.

The author is putting too much focus on the moral and not paying enough attention to the story. The plot is weak and muddled, there isn't much character development, but almost every page does say something about the evils of racism and xenophobia.

It also makes some weird moral equivalents. A racist mother-in-law pulling a headscarf off of her granddaughter seems to be the moral equivalent of a bomber who kills some of his neighbors.

I didn't like it.

I will have to come back to this when I have more brain for a review, but I thought this was a brilliant comic with important themes, gorgeous/ harrowing art, and genuinely human feeling characters and dialogue.