By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Imagine revisiting a novel you grew up with but seeing it through an entirely different lens. That is exactly what comic artist, graphic novelist, and director Migo has set out to do through his ambitious project of transforming the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz into comic books.
Migo began the journey with "Children of the Alley," a project he has been developing for nearly four years, and which has yet to be published. Driven by a shared vision with screenwriter Mohamed Ismail Amin, he went on to adapt "The Thief and the Dogs" and "Miramar" into graphic novels. Both titles are now available in France, marking a significant international milestone.
This year, Migo is also taking part in the Cairo International Book Fair with a new adaptation, "The Three Fat Men" by Russian novelist Yuri Olesha, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. The comic-style adaptation offers a fresh visual experience aimed at attracting younger readers and book fair visitors alike.
Nile FM spoke to Migo about his creative journey and his mission to revive classic literature through comics.
What was the idea behind choosing the works of Naguib Mahfouz to adapt into comics?
Adapting literature into graphic stories or graphic novels is a globally recognised practice. Literary works naturally contain imagery, conflict and drama that can be translated visually. With the growing popularity of comics as a contemporary visual language that speaks to different ages and generations, they have become a suitable medium for presenting literary works.
The novels of Naguib Mahfouz are especially rich in detail, characters, and human conflict. I was particularly influenced by Children of the Alley, which became the starting point of the project.
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Which books have you worked on so far, and why did you choose them?
"The Thief and the Dogs" and "Miramar." Both have been translated into English and French, which is very important to me, as it allows the project to reach a global audience. Naguib Mahfouz is, at his core, a global literary figure.
What challenges did you face while transforming Mahfouz&rsquo;s novels into a visual comic format?
The first work I started with was "Children of the Alley," which has not yet been published. It took nearly four years to complete, during which every detail was carefully studied, from character development to building the visual world.
The same applied to 'The Thief and the Dogs," which became the project&rsquo;s first official release. However, it differed in that it was developed as a collective studio project.
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Can you tell us about the behind-the-scenes process of preparing the first published work?
In "The Thief and the Dogs," I collaborated with a group of artists, as well as screenwriter Mohamed Ismail Amin. The process was divided into stages, beginning with writing the screenplay, followed by translating it visually through character design, page layouts and overall artistic direction.&nbsp;
How was the collaboration between you and Mohamed Ismail Amin during the adaptations?
We had worked together previously on projects such as "Yagog and Magog," which made it easier for us to agree on the overall spirit of the work, particularly in terms of suspense, movement, symbolism, and human meaning.&nbsp;
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What is the difference between adapting "The Thief and the Dogs" and "Miramar" in terms of visual style?
Artist Gamal Qabtan contributed by illustrating dream sequences and flashbacks in a distinct visual style. Hussein Mohamed handled the inking, Maha Mohamed designed the typography, Aly Galal designed the title, and Riham El-Sayed worked on the book&rsquo;s overall design.
Miramar, by contrast, was developed by a different team within the studio, led by artist Salma Zakaria in collaboration with screenwriter Mohamed Sarsawy. Each work has its own independent visual identity. The character-rich, layered world of "Miramar" is very different from the suspense-driven tone of The Thief and the Dogs.
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What are your upcoming projects? Are there plans to adapt more of Mahfouz&rsquo;s novels?
The upcoming project is Children of the Alley.
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How do you engage with a younger audience, for whom comics may be their first introduction to Naguib Mahfouz?
I am very pleased by the responses from readers of different ages, especially young people who may be discovering Naguib Mahfouz for the first time through comics. For them, comics can serve as a gateway to his world, to literature more broadly, and to our literary heritage.
This year you are participating in the book fair with "The Three Fat Men." What are you offering visitors?
"The Three Fat Men" is presented as a new edition aimed at young adults, translated by Rola Adel. The idea is to present a global literary classic with a contemporary visual treatment, closer to comics, while highlighting the symbolic depth of the story in a way that resonates with a new generation.
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Your books are now available in Paris. How does it feel to reach an international audience?
It is both exciting and a great responsibility. Seeing the books available in Paris confirms that stories created locally can travel and reach readers across different cultures. It also opens the door to a wider global dialogue around Arab comics.
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Finally, what cultural message do you hope to convey through visually reviving Mahfouz&rsquo;s work?
The goal is to bring Naguib Mahfouz&rsquo;s world closer to new generations through a contemporary visual language, without losing the depth or spirit of the original texts. It is not simply a retelling, but a revival, transforming literature into a visual experience that shows these works are still alive and capable of transcending time and medium.
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Photo Credit: Migo's official page&nbsp;

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