Graphic novels run the full gamut. Classically illustrated to scantily drawn, text heavy to fluffy dialogue, family oriented to adult themed books, graphic novels can and do appeal to every interest group and age range. They can be good, bad, excellent, terrible, and/or moving.
Graphic novels run the full gamut. Classically illustrated to scantily drawn, text heavy to fluffy dialogue, family oriented to adult themed books, graphic novels can and do appeal to every interest group and age range. They can be good, bad, excellent, terrible, and/or moving.
Since the introduction of the genre, with Don McGregor's Sabre in the mid 70's, and the subsequent outstanding books like 'Contract With God', 'The Death of Captain Marvel','Megiallat Esther', and 'Kong, King of Skull Island', the art form has matured. Graphic novels can be either collections of previously published stories (Marvel Masterworks, DC Showcase...), or fully original stories and art.
One of the most outstanding books of the last year is 'Horns of Hattin' by Shane Amaya of Terra Major. Shane has previously written 'Roland', a story based in 778 AD and a captain of Charlemagne's army, and Lord Takeyama. Both combine an artistic edge with an academic eye on accuracy. This is storytelling at its' finest.
However, 'Horns of Hattin' is a masterpiece. Following the crusader known as Everyman, we are led through his life, death, and life as he is taken by Death before the Lord and given a chance to redeem himself. He is shown his book of life, and by finding faith in the Lord and the Trinity, he comes to the foot of the cross and the crux of the campaign.
It is both well written and well illustrated. Bruno D'Angelo exhibits an interesting variety of page layout and artistic sensibilities that convey the pilgrim journey of Everyman. Like good literature, it pulls you in and holds you rapt until the last page. Gotta love the cover design...very medieval.
The story is based on original texts like the 'Summoning of Everyman', factual accounts of the battle of Hattin, and numerous other books. It is not only academic, but artistic as well.
Want to teach students about the crusades? Give them this book to read. By reading this book, you will also learn and examine yourself.
Your sense of the Crusades will never be the same again. Just watch 'Kingdom of Heaven'. You get the idea.
Buy this one from your local comic store, or go online at www.terramajor.com. At the same time, look for 'Gunned Down'.
I am, a fan of the genre.
Tim Lasiuta
