The Bunker – News without the nonsense Line of Duty – How comics journalist Joe Sacco brings untold stories to life
Nov 19, 2025
Joe Sacco, a pioneering comics journalist known for his groundbreaking works like Palestine, dives into the untold stories of conflict in Uttar Pradesh, India. He shares his unique approach to field reporting, blending art and narrative to capture human complexity. Sacco discusses the emotional toll of comics journalism and the role of women as symbols in communal strife. He also debates the impact of AI on creativity, illustrating how his work humanizes often-overlooked narratives, and reflects on his responsibilities as a storyteller.
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Comics Journalism Reaches New Audiences
- Joe Sacco pioneered comics journalism by combining on-the-ground reporting with hand-drawn illustration to reach new audiences.
- His books translate complex conflicts into human, accessible narratives that traditional media often miss.
How The Uttar Pradesh Project Began
- A colleague in India first told Joe Sacco about the Uttar Pradesh riots and suggested he go investigate.
- Sacco wanted to explore how people narrate their actions during violence, not just compile facts.
Local Stories Reveal Universal Patterns
- Sacco studies local narratives to contrast them with a closer approximation of the truth.
- He finds obscure places reveal universal truths about human nature and politics.
