The Artist and illustrator, Anna Thackray, is the creative force behind a unique trilogy inspired by the region. She tells Farah Baig about the recent release of Shamal Ozone at Bahrain Comic Con 2023.
Writing and illustrating a gripping story is no easy feat, yet Anna Thackray has effectively done just that. She recently revisited Bahrain where she launched Shamal Ozone, the second book in her trilogy, to comic enthusiasts and pop culture fans.
Anna studied at the Winchester School of Fine Art, Southampton University in the UK and is a fine artist by profession. She moved with her husband to Bahrain in 2008 and soon fell in love with the kingdom and its people. Bahrain awakened Anna’s inner storyteller and inspired her imagination, one of the reasons for which she will “forever love and appreciate this small but mighty island.”
Shamal Ozone continues the saga of The Chronicles of Shamal, an epic adventure originating from Bahrain. The comic has been in the making since 2016, with Anna undertaking all aspects of creation including storyline, illustration, colouring and production.
Shamal Ozone combines Bahrain’s old folklore and fables with a warning of climate change and the inherent threat it imposes on all life. “It’s a whirlwind continuation of the story, taking the readers on a journey from Bahrain to the UAE and much further,” says Anna.
As the story continues, Shamal and his trusty companions, a falcon and a stallion, awakened from their graves by the Tree of Life, come to the rescue when the situation becomes dire, along with other characters from the first book. A tumultuous adventure ensues, taking the readers on a thrilling journey from the past to present and the future.
“Similar to the first book, Shamal Ozone has been a labour of love. I continued to draw inspiration from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the people, the scenery, the weather and the old fables told by many Bahraini friends. The story lingers in me and the adventures of Shamal and his comrades will continue,” she says.
“This instalment of the series sees Shamal travelling to the UAE, fighting evil as he goes along. However, Shamal was born in Bahrain, the island is his home and he will always return,” she adds.
In 2017, Anna relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE; however – like Shamal – she keeps returning to Bahrain which she feels is her Middle Eastern home.
“I am delighted to share that both The Chronicles of Shamal and Shamal Ozone are now available in English and Arabic too. Depicting familiar scenes from Bahrain, and also from the UAE in Ozone, the target audience for The Chronicles of Shamal is diverse, crossing cultural, age and language boundaries, however, as many aspects of the story are inspired and influenced by local stories, I wanted Arabic versions as well,” explains Anna.
Most recently, apart from continuing Shamal’s story, Anna has been involved with making sustainable art and giving classes to children and interested adults on how to utilise and turn things that would otherwise be deemed rubbish into art pieces. Her informative master class was held at Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE where she created a life-size Hawksbill Turtle out of 30 discarded water bottles and building rubble. One of the themes that is constant through all her work is the message of conserving our environment.
To check out more of Anna’s work, follow @shamalcomics on Instagram.
