Students at Georgetown University in Qatar are telling powerful stories through graphic novels about history. These works explore war, migration, and political change using striking visuals and personal narratives.
This summer, the Georgetown Qatar library has become the venue for an extraordinary exhibit. It features graphic novels about history, all created by students in a course called History and the Graphic Novel.
The course, taught by Associate Professor Karine Walther, challenges students to turn oral interviews into vivid narratives. As Walther explained, graphic novels allow readers to see history, not just read about it. Therefore, they create a more personal and emotional experience.
A total of 12 students participated, and each produced a unique project. They began by interviewing family or community members to document lived experiences. Afterward, they transformed these memories into visual stories that reflect real historical struggles.
For example, senior Mohamed Jaski created Maryam, a moving novel that explores grief during wartime. Notably, he blended colorful comic styles with stark black-and-white panels for dramatic effect. His project is one of several graphic novels about history featured in the exhibit.
In addition to research, the course also included hands-on training in design. Through workshops on Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop, students gained the tools to craft professional visuals. These sessions, led by Associate Library Director Robert Laws, helped students elevate their artistic skills.
Moreover, peer collaboration was central to the course. Students routinely reviewed each other’s work, exchanged ideas, and refined layouts together. According to Jaski, who also works in the Innovation Lab, this supportive environment felt like a creative studio.
Furthermore, the university library played a vital role. It provided space for brainstorming, editing, and printing. Library Coordinator Mirta Lendić helped curate the final exhibit, managed logistics, and promoted the work across campus.
Consequently, these student-created graphic novels about history offer more than artistic expression—they serve as a form of historical preservation. They highlight how memory, identity, and culture can be recorded in dynamic ways.
Ultimately, the course proves that storytelling through visuals is not only educational but also deeply impactful. These graphic novels about history invite audiences to rethink how we learn about the past and connect with it emotionally.
