Detective Sanazu and the Time Traveling Vest

An Afghan-American story created by Selai Balkhi, and illustrated by Serina.

Image from The Afghan Women Support site.

From the Afghan Women Support site: Sanazu is an original character created by Selai Balkhi, founder of Afghan Women Support

A Story Beyond Borders

Sanazu is a young Afghan-American girl who embarks on a journey through time. Along the way, she encounters powerful women from history and uncovers stories that have too often remained hidden or forgotten.

Through her adventures, Sanazu connects cultures, generations, and perspectives — inviting young readers to rethink history, identity, courage, and what it means to be a hero. https://www.afghanwomensupport.ch/projects/comic-project

The author and founder of Afghan Women Support Selai Balkhi at San Diego Comic-Con. Photo credit: Selai Balkhi

I find Balkhi's graphic novel an important read as it emphasizes on history that is not well known to most people, and introduces us to powerful female figures. It also sets a new positive understanding beyond what media may portray to us about Afghan culture. It was wonderful to meet the author and an honor to have her speak on my International Comics panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. I hope that her graphic novel brings awareness and combats stereotyping of cultures that hail from the Middle East.