Johnny Jihad

    (NBM, 2003)
™ and © NBM

Those who haven’t forgotten that America still maintains an active presence in Afghanistan probably also remember John Walker Lindh, the so–called American Taliban who was captured there. The discovery of Lindh was in part the inspiration for Inzana’s graphic novel, but his story postulates one possible answer to the obvious question on many people’s minds: Why would a seemingly normal American guy join up with a group of terrorists?

In the case of Inzana’s fictional character John Sendel, it’s not anything as predictable as brainwashing or left-wing thinking. Sendel comes from a loveless home and seeks acceptance wherever he can achieve it: in this case, with a group of Muslim sympathizers. Save for anti-American feelings fueled by his abusive father, Sendel could as easily have ended up with a street gang or other religious cult. Sendel, unlike what the public thinks of Lindh, lacks a fundamental love of Islam.

Once Inzana establishes Sendel’s origin, as it were, Sendel’s path takes quite a different turn from that of Lindh, so those under the impression that this is a thinly disguised account of the real man’s life will be surprised. But not disappointed, because Inzana’s deviations from real life keep the story fresh, and he’s able to elicit something for his character that few have for Lindh: sympathy.

— Jim Johnson
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October, 2007
Cover Price: $9.95
3 copies available from $5.99 		Ryan InzanaRyan Inzana