After reading the graphic novel Persepolis, I was highly intrigued by the style, as it was presented as a visual memoir similar to a comic strip, making the novel as a whole more engaging and fun to read. For this reason, I was inspired to utilize a similar format in one of my creative responses. One of the themes that came up not only throughout Persepolis but also in various other works we read in the seminar was that of the individuals who have attained a position of power, by religious or political means, using their authority in a way that oppresses people and, ironically, directly conflicts with the teachings of Islam. For instance, in Persepolis, Marji is indoctrinated to believe that the oppressive Shah is a messenger of God and that his actions must not be questioned. Furthermore, in the novel the Fundamentalists’ actions against Marji’s mom and the women who choose not to wear hijab demonstrate oppression and intolerance, which conflicts with the fundamental tenets of Islam. The authoritative figures we have encountered throughout the readings, ranging from the Shah in Persepolis, whose power derives from his lineage, to the Imam from The Wedding of Zein who, despite his cruelty, uses Islam and his own religious authority to justify his actions. To convey the prevalence and significance of this issue making use of this medium, I decided to showcase instances of such figures taking advantage of their authority, using Islam as a justification for their oppressive actions.