Breaking Stereotypes: A Deep Dive into ‘Squire’ by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh

Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh created a refreshing fantasy story in Squire. It upturns the negative stereotypes that plague Arab characters in the genre. By the time I reached the end of this visually beautiful graphic novel, I was forced to reckon with the fact that Arab people are often positioned as the villains in these stories. It was something I had heard before, but reading this solidified it in my mind. I have always seen these characters as incredible, but in hindsight, I see now that often the villain is glorified, and that does have an impact on real-life situations.

Aiza’s journey is masterfully brought to life, creating an experience that is both personal and expansive. Aiza feels trapped, caught between who she is told she is and who she wants to be. Her future isn’t hers to decide, and this doesn’t sit well with her. When an opportunity presents itself, she knows that this is the chance she has been wishing for. Enlisting to become a squire presents itself as her one chance to prove herself, but this path is not as simple as it first seems.

Visually, Squire is a stunning piece of work. Alfageeh’s artwork is rich and full of life, highlighting the beauty of this world. I was particularly drawn to the shading; it seems to carry so much emotion. Every page felt dynamic, not just because of the colour choices, but because those choices felt so incredibly deliberate. The achievement created a real and engaging world—it felt like I was there. Alfageeh managed to capture movement in a way that is both vibrant and compelling.

For all its great achievements, I did at times find myself wanting more, especially from the narrative. The pacing of the writing often felt a bit rushed. I understand that this might be a deliberate choice to highlight the movement and urgency of the characters, but it unfortunately left me feeling rushed through experiences. I particularly would have loved to spend more time learning about the tribe Aiza comes from. I feel that this would have helped deepen our understanding of her and her motivations. It would have given the reader a little room to breathe. Squire could have delivered an even stronger emotional impact.

Regardless of the pace, this graphic novel was full of love. Shammas and Alfageeh explore the intersectional reality of history, war, identity, trust, and the weight of expectations left on the youth by these events. At its core, it asks us: what does it mean to stay true to yourself in a world that is ever moving? I appreciate what the book offered me and to all readers. I just wish there had been a bit more for me to hold onto.

Have you read Squire? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are there any other graphic novels that speak positively about communities that are often marginalised or misrepresented?