Dark Horse Comics
Written by Arvid Nelson
Illustrated by Eric J, Jeromy Cox, Jim Di Bartolo, Juan Ferreya, Brian Churilla and Jason Millet
Alternate history stories have been done in comics since World War II and the showcasing the outcome of the war and subsequently we’ve seen variations of how history can play through numerous scenarios but this one stands out the most for me. Arvid’s attention to detail in depicting this world where Christianity has taken a much different path of power than what we’re used to is superbly done.
By using Judaism as the religion that needs stamping out and removal from the area as they pose a threat to the rule the Orthodox Church has, they are considered heretic’s after all and with the curious and unstoppable Dr. Julien Sauniere’s drive and determination to discover the truth behind a man’s death he’ll find himself on a one-man quest to uncover the deepest secrets of Christianity.
Full of magic, horrific ritual murders and covert power struggles for the right to rule this story embraces a side of religion that we so rarely see on that showcases the old world mysticism that once surrounded all religions. With friends like Rabbi’s, street urchins not to mention an old lover’s return all swirling around the Duke of Lorraine, his agents and the Church all working to either help or stop Dr. Sauniere this is whirlwind story of one man’s determination to find out why his friend died while uncovering the greatest secrets of a man, his supposed destiny and the history of the Church itself.
With breathtaking interior artwork that just further proves to stimulate the imagination awe and wonder of this fantastic world. The journey taken through these pages is unlike anything else you’ll find, the intensity of the characters the emotion coming from both the writing and the artwork transport you to another time and place. With the attention to detail, historical accuracy regarding legends and artifacts woven into such incredible characterization and circumstances makes you believe that you are a part of what’s happening here. While greed, deception, murder, territorial disputes and lust all play major roles throughout history and this story has all that and more as you experience it all on almost a global scale.
Arvid and his team have crafted that rare story that you’ll read over and over again and where you’ll find something new every time. The story leaves a piece of itself inside you once you read it leaving you forever connected. As powerful a story as you’re likely to find in this medium or in the form of a novel.