Rostam Comic Book Project

In 2000, childhood friends, Bruce Bahmani, Jamie Douraghy, and Cameron Douraghy; while working on the �Truth� anti-smoking campaign created a customized comic book targeting Asian American teenagers who smoke. The project proved to be very successful with more than a million issues being printed and distributed. Their collective experience on this project inspired them to express the action adventure stories they had grown up with from the Shahnameh, in this art form.

The Shahnameh�s main hero warrior, Rostam seemed perfectly suited to the American Comic Book form. In keeping with the Comic Book tradition of blending rich folklore from the melting pot of world cultures, into the American tradition, Bruce, Jamie & Cameron launched the world�s first adaptation of Shahnameh stories into this genre.

After a few years of research, translation and adaptation, Bruce Bahmani, put together a trilogy of stories, suited for the creation of the books, in which the tradition of Ferdowsi’s technique of using the double entendre, one in which the main story overlays, a deeper message or fable of wisdom and advice, could be accomplished. This comic book project is an adaptation of the Shahnameh or Book of Kings by the famous Persian poet, Ferdowsi.

The first series of comic books focuses on the main hero, Rostam a giant of a man, a very powerful fighter, and his many fantastic adventures. Throughout, Rostam shows his strength and skill as a warrior, but also his integrity and loyalty to Iran, as he protects and defends it from the constant conniving and betrayals of characters such as lord Afrasiab and an under worldly demon, the Deev.

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These unsavory characters continually plot against Rostam, and the King, so that they might rule Iran, but in spite of a King, (Kai Kavous) who at times appears less than grateful, and often even less competent to rule, Rostam honorably defends his King and country.

The first in a trilogy of stories, �Rostam: Tales of the Shahnameh” introduces us to the main characters and more importantly we come to love and admire Rostam, as he faces one of his most difficult challenges.

The comic book is a standard American Comic book following in the form’s standard 32 page format, printed in high quality semi-glossy paper with a slightly thicker cover for protection and durability. The book is hand drawn, scanned and colored in high detail on computer. This gives the print quality of the book a much higher range of colors and smoother gradients.

Acclaimed American comic book artist, Karl Altstaetter, was given the task of bringing Rostam to life in the American Comic Book Genre. After a year of working to develop the right look & feel, from the characters, scenery, architecture, weaponry, to many other details, the project was finalized and the story locked.

In Honor of it�s creator, the first issue of Rostam was released in 2005 on Ferdowsi�s birthday.