100 Kick-Ass Female Characters: #7
7. Safa, as seen in the graphic novel The Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan
In 2003, four lions escaped the Baghdad Zoo after a bombing by American forces; the graphic novel is a fictionalize take on what happened from the lions' points of view. However, it is also a strong allegory for war with each lion representing a different type of person affected by the war. And, while she isn't human, Safa's story is especially powerful.
Safa is the oldest lion and was once the mate of Zill, who is the leader of their pack who has since moved on to Noor, a younger female. Safa has only one eye and a torn ear, which is described in a flashback. Safa is attacked by Bukk, a male lion, while in the wild; when she fights back, he maims her and then rapes her. When the rape is over, he keeps her pinned and then his “brothers” come to take their turn; in the accompanying panel, several male lions are approaching the bleeding Safa.
Unlike the other lions, Safa has become complacent with captivity. She understands what war is where the other, younger lions do not. She and Noor especially clash through the novel due to Noor's lack of comprehension about what is really out there. Safa understands that survival in the wild isn't likely, and she also knows her injuries can slow them down.
There isn't really a happy ending here. But Safa's strength of character and understanding of the world is awesomely kick-ass.
In 2003, four lions escaped the Baghdad Zoo after a bombing by American forces; the graphic novel is a fictionalize take on what happened from the lions' points of view. However, it is also a strong allegory for war with each lion representing a different type of person affected by the war. And, while she isn't human, Safa's story is especially powerful.
Safa is the oldest lion and was once the mate of Zill, who is the leader of their pack who has since moved on to Noor, a younger female. Safa has only one eye and a torn ear, which is described in a flashback. Safa is attacked by Bukk, a male lion, while in the wild; when she fights back, he maims her and then rapes her. When the rape is over, he keeps her pinned and then his “brothers” come to take their turn; in the accompanying panel, several male lions are approaching the bleeding Safa.
Unlike the other lions, Safa has become complacent with captivity. She understands what war is where the other, younger lions do not. She and Noor especially clash through the novel due to Noor's lack of comprehension about what is really out there. Safa understands that survival in the wild isn't likely, and she also knows her injuries can slow them down.
There isn't really a happy ending here. But Safa's strength of character and understanding of the world is awesomely kick-ass.