European Graphic Novels++

Yes, that Jordan Mechner*. I just started his "Templiers" two-parter GN, and in the collected-edition preface, he explains that he’s seen and read any number of historical fiction works, but he’d never come across anything outside of prose works that told the story of the spectacular, nefarious downfall of the Knights Templar, formerly the absolute badasses of mighty Catholic orders.

In terms of surreal-inspired work, there’s a bit of a ‘Jim Woodring’ vibe here, but Rickheit’s work initially tends to be more quiet, contemplative, and slightly spooky, with settings which are generally Victorian, steampunk, and ‘mad scientist’ in inclination. But sometimes horror and gore is just around the corner.

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