Not just Victims
Firstly, as a general statement, I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel significantly more than other Holocaust books I've read. I definitely agree with what Victoria Richards wrote below, in that the beginning of this story was extremely valuable and important. The background and anecdotes that Spiegelman wrote about and divulged to the reader, allowed us to see the main characters not as victims, but as real, living, full of life, adventure, and humorous sort of people. We get a sneak peek into their personal relationships and stories, beyond the suffrage and oppression that we're used to reading about in Holocaust themed books.
I believe that these stories and anecdotes, initially, make both Art and Vladek immediately likeable because we see them as real human beings just like ourselves. We read about stories that are similar to experiences we've had, them feeling emotions we feel, and we instantaneously feel connected to them. I think it matter that we as readers identify with Art and Vladek because that's what Spiegelman wants us to do. I believe that he wants us to see these characters not as victims, but as relatable individuals.
In many instances that Spiegelman writes about, we also see familiar dynamics between Vladek and Art, father and son, that many readers are most likely able to recognize. For example, when Vladek throws away Art's coat, it becomes apparent that Vladek is the type of father who wants his son to have nice things, nicer things than what Vladek had at his age. Also, reading about the relationships between Mala, Vladek, Anja, and Art... we see interactions that we've read about and experienced before (the way we protect and care for those we love, and how love seems to often find it's way back into our lives). As well as the relationship of love and war, Vladek going off to war, but still finding love in his life.
The familiar themes and dynamics within Maus allow the readers to easily relate to and connect with the characters. I definitely think this is what makes them so likeable—especially since we see them not just as Holocaust victims, but as people that could play roles in our own lives.
