Graphic novel 'Libia' by Mannocchi and Costantini exposes Libya's crisis

The graphic novel 'Libia', published by Mondadori in the Oscar Ink series, combines Francesca Mannocchi's investigative journalism with Gianluca Costantini's illustrations to chronicle Libya's post-revolution turmoil. The book traces the country's descent from the Arab Spring and Gaddafi's regime to the present, highlighting the 1996 Abu Salim prison massacre, the collapse of state services, and the human trafficking economy. It debunks the myth of 'scafisti' (smugglers), revealing they are often migrants forced to steer boats. The work critiques Western complicity in Libya's instability and the lack of historical depth in Italian political discourse. Mannocchi, a freelance journalist with experience in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Yemen, conducted interviews on the ground. Costantini, an artist and activist, provides visual narratives that enhance the emotional impact. The 144-page volume (€18, ISBN 9788804705536) was released in late 2019.