Customer Reviews

Rostam, Tales from the Shahnameh (Persian book of Kings)

5 star:		(7)
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3 star:		(1)
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To adapt a traditional Persian epic into comic book form is a dangerous undertaking. First, the Persian community, unfamiliar with the American comic book genre, may be suspicious of the project and fear it as an attempt to exploit or ridicule their culture. Second, condensing long stories into a handful of images may undermine the depth of the metaphors, imagery, rich symbolism and poetic quality that make the Shahnameh one of the world's most revered books. Finally, people see their culture as static and resist change. This is unfamiliar territory.
The creators of the Rostam comic book have faced and overcome all of these dangers. The book is fantastic in its story, illustrations and production quality. It is simply first rate. This is one of those rare books that can, in stepping out of the box, shine light on how beautiful the box is! The book will intrigue many young Iranians who do not know the Rostam epic and inspire them to reconnect with their roots. It will also ingnite the imagination of non-Iranians and increase their interest in Persian culture.
The Rostam comic book has expanded the canon of Persian literature.

Love the idea and the product is first class wonderful. Its about time someone was creative enough to publish this kind of work with great illustrations and characters. A must have for any kid, any age, even up to the age of 50!!!!!

I highly recommend this book for both adults and children. The story is educational & exciting, and the pictures are beautiful. This is absolutely a great gift for anyone.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first opened the pages of Rostam. This was far from the traditional depictions I had grown up with. I couldn't stop turning the pages, as the storytelling and artwork were full of action and intensity.

This comic book representation is a great way to make the Rostam stories accessible to audiences who may not want to go through the 10th Century epic by Ferdowsi Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings. The team has captured the grand heroism and tragedy of the story with great graphics. My 12-year-old read it cover-to-cover twice without stopping.

There are a great many stories in the Shahnameh that would appeal to kids and adults alike, and I look forward to many more from Hyperwerks.

What a wonderful idea! My kids love the comic book and I can honestly say since I grew up in the States and my kids were born here, if it wasn't for these books they wouldn't have known about the stories of the Shahnameh.

Not only they are helping to keep our culture alive, they are so well written and illustrated that I have been proud to give them to our American friends!

My son was so excited about this comic book that he made me read it to him (at bed time) everynight for 3 weeks! In fact, he has memorized the text and giggles at the same parts everytime. He is facinated about the father son dynamics and a story which includes Persian Heros. Perfect way to introduce Shahnameh stories to your kids and give them pride in their heritage.

I remember reading these stories as a child. It is great to see them come to life in a graphic novel. The pictures are great but the storyline does need a bit more meat. I find that it glossed over some important scenes. Still Ill be glad when my son learns to read and can get into the story of the Persian Pahlavan.