From Plague to Panels: The Graphic Novel Inspired by Malta’s 16th-Century Epidemic

Imagine, if you will, the narrow streets of Mdina, Malta’s ancient silent city, shrouded in the eerie silence of a 16th-century night. The air is thick with dread, not just from the darkness, but from the invisible enemy that has taken hold of the island – the Black Death. This was the grim reality that faced Malta’s inhabitants over 500 years ago, a reality that has now inspired a gripping graphic novel.

Malta’s Darkest Hour

In 1592, the Great Siege of Malta was over, but the island was far from safe. The Black Death, the devastating pandemic that had ravaged Europe, had reached Malta’s shores. The once-bustling streets of Mdina and other cities were now eerily quiet, their inhabitants either fled or fallen victim to the disease. This grim period of Malta’s history has been brought to life in a unique way by local author and illustrator, Mario Ellul-Boucher.

“I’ve always been fascinated by Malta’s history, especially the less talked about periods,” says Ellul-Boucher. “The Black Death in Malta is one of those events that’s often overshadowed by the Great Siege, but it’s a crucial part of our past. I wanted to tell this story in a way that’s engaging and accessible to everyone.”

From History to Comic Panels

Ellul-Boucher’s graphic novel, titled “The Plague Doctor“, follows the story of a young Maltese doctor, Dr. Pietro, as he navigates the horrors of the Black Death. From the safety of his home in Mdina to the grim reality of the plague-ridden streets of Valletta, Dr. Pietro’s journey is a chilling exploration of courage, fear, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

“I wanted to create a character that readers could relate to, someone who’s not a hero in the traditional sense, but just an ordinary person trying to do the right thing in extraordinary circumstances,” explains Ellul-Boucher. “Dr. Pietro is based on historical accounts of Maltese doctors who risked their lives to care for the sick during the epidemic.”

Bringing History to Life

The graphic novel is not just a gripping tale of survival, but also a meticulously researched historical account. Ellul-Boucher spent countless hours poring over historical documents, from contemporary accounts of the plague to architectural plans of Mdina and Valletta from the 16th century.

“I wanted the comic to be as accurate as possible, not just in terms of the story, but also in the details. The architecture, the clothing, the medical practices – all of these were based on extensive research,” says Ellul-Boucher. “It was important to me to create a comic that’s not just entertaining, but also educational.”

The result is a graphic novel that’s as much a historical document as it is a work of fiction. It’s a chilling reminder of Malta’s past, a testament to the resilience of its people, and a fascinating exploration of how art can bring history to life.

“I hope that ‘The Plague Doctor’ will inspire more people to explore Malta’s history, to look the stories that have shaped our island,” says Ellul-Boucher. “And maybe, just maybe, it will remind us of the importance of courage, compassion, and community in the face of adversity.”

You can purchase “The Plague Doctor” online and in select bookstores across Malta. For more information, visit marioellul.com/plague-doctor.