Samidoon: Comics for a Free Palestine is described as “an anthology of new short comics from an international community of Palestinian creators and their allies that speak to the Palestinian ability to remain steadfast and survive after the events of the past year, and the past 75 years.” We covered the book in preview form last year at Broken Frontier but somehow a full review eluded us. But as part of our renewed commitment to our socially relevant Broken Frontier Resource Lists in 2026 (and our Palestine List in particular) we’re opening our reviews this year with a look at this 64-page collection.
Cover by Dania Omari
What first strikes the reader about Samidoon is what an intriguing mix of styles of stories it is. There’s the defiant wish-fulfilment opener ‘Al’Aqwaa’ by Jameeleh Shelo, Johanna Taylor and Jodie Troutman that follows a group of Palestinian kids as they gain unlikely super-powers in the midst of their ordeal. Shelo’s story contains true heart with Taylor’s art having an energetic appeal. Instead of simply descending into standard super-heroics, though, it’s more a tale of responsibility, belonging and commitment to community.
‘Al’Aqwaa’ by Jameeleh Shelo, Johanna Taylor and Jodie Troutman
Megan Huang’s beautifully illustrated ‘The Falcon’ uses the allegorical symbolism of an attack on a flock of birds to great effect while, conversely, Fuad Alymani’s untitled story is a more literal account of oppression and colonialism with an absolutely damning indictment as a punchline of sorts. The juxtaposition of these two offerings underlines just how broad Samidoon is in terms of approaches to the subject matter.
‘The Falcon’ by Megan Huang
This is not a book to describe in terms of standout work – everything herein feels vital and important, full of different perspectives and vitally important things to say. But some of the other stories that particularly connected with me included Omar Abed and Salam Zahr’s ‘Together We Rise’ about community and activism in the face of adversity, and ‘Call to Action’ by an anonymous writer, Rebecca Michaud, Duck Drew and Matthew Palacios which again emphasises the importance of protest and action, centring the very human realities of the situation.
‘Untitled’ by Fuad Alymani
One final mention to the final story ‘Nos Nseis’ written and illustrated by Reem Natsheh (with lettering by Jeff Eckleberry) and presented in a in a poignant faux naïve style. Those familiar with our previous coverage of comics work about the genocide in Gaza will perhaps be unsurprised to hear there are contributions from both Mohammad Sabaaneh and Iasmin Omar Ata in these pages.
‘Call to Action by Anonymous, Rebecca Michaud, Duck Drew and Matthew Palacios
Proceeds from sales of Samidoon: Comics for a Free Palestine go to the Palestine Red Crescent Society giving you an extra incentive to pick up this worthwhile anthology.
Jameeleh Shelo, Johanna Taylor, Jodie Troutman, Marguerite Dabaie, Iasmin Omar Ata, Dania Omari, Omar Abed, Salam Zahr, Fuad Alymani, Jordan Alsaqa, Jacoby Salcedo, Fortune Wesson, Megan Huang, Anonymous, Rebecca Michaud, Duck Drew, Matthew Palacios, Lorenzo Hall, James Marsh, Cris Jackson, Mohammad Sabaaneh, Anas Abdulhak, Alina Wahab, Reem Natsheh, Jeff Eckleberry, David Mariotte and Rebecca Ann • $10.00 (digital)/$20.00 (print)
Review by Andy Oliver
