The medieval world as it was/could have been? The depiction and (re)interpretation of medieval history in “Jour J”

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Abstract

The Middle Ages are increasingly well-represented in popular culture media, and in particular in graphic novels and bande dessinée. French works in particular have focused on the medieval period in a number of different and fascinating works that dwell on different elements of Europe in the Middle Ages. These include depictions of: the Hundred Years War in the series Le Trône D’Argile (by Nicolas Jarry, France Richemond, Theo and Lorenzo Pieri), and in Hawkwood: Mercenarie de la Guerre de Cent Ans (by Tommy Ohtsuka); the Albigensian Crusade in Je Suis Cathare (by Pierre Makyo, Alessandro Calore and Claudia Chec); as well as the histories of several medieval kings and queens in issues of the series Ils ont fait l'histoire and Les Reines de Sang. All of these works play with their subject material in various ways, blending a realistic depiction of medieval events and society with more fantastical elements at times in the name of narrative or visual spectacle.

The series Jour J (by Jean-Pierre Pécau and Fred Duval) goes much further. Its whole intention is to posit alternative, counter-factual histories of historical events and consider what the history of the world would have been like if one key element in its past was changed. Although the series began with very modern themes, it has increasingly sought inspiration from, and depicted events relating to the Middle Ages. These include volumes covering the French assumption of the English throne in the thirteenth century, the Mongol conquest of Europe, the complete devastation of Europe from the Black Death and the rise of alternative powers in Africa, and the defeat of Ottoman forces at Constantinople in 1453. These works depict the medieval period in manifold ways, from its society and people, to its technology, fashions, architecture, attitudes and mores. At the same time they also depict an imagined past and their portrayals must also be considered in that light.

This paper intends, therefore, to analyse these ventures into alternative history to consider the ways in which the Middle Ages is depicted and represented to a modern audience in these works. It will also consider the ways in which the medieval period is perceived by the author, as well as how history has been altered, to allow reflection on whether these works can aid readers’ understanding of the events depicted.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDrawing the Past
Subtitle of host publicationComics and the Historical Imagination, Volume 2
EditorsDorian L. Alexander, Michael Goodrum, Philip Smith
Place of PublicationJackson
PublisherUniversity Press of Mississippi
Chapter11
Number of pages29
ISBN (Electronic)9781496837233, 9781496837257
ISBN (Print)9781496837226
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Comics
  • Graphic Novels
  • Medieval
  • Alternative History

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