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

In the heart of Valletta, at the National Library, a 16th-century manuscript lies hidden among its ancient tomes. This isn’t just any old text, though. It’s a chilling account of the Great Plague of 1592-93, which decimated Malta’s population. Little did its scribe know that centuries later, his words would inspire a graphic novel.

Uncovering the Past on Republic Street

Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its cobbled streets echoing with history. But it’s not just the grand palaces and churches that whisper tales of yore. Amidst the bustling shops and cafes on Republic Street, the National Library preserves the island’s past in ink and parchment. Here, among the yellowed pages, historian Dr. Anthony Vella stumbled upon an account that would change the course of his career.

“I was researching the Great Plague for my PhD,” Vella recalls, “when I found this manuscript. It was like finding a treasure. It provided firsthand details of the epidemic, written by a survivor.” The manuscript, penned by a Dominican friar, offered a grim yet intimate portrait of the plague’s devastation. It was a story that cried out to be told.

From Manuscript to Manga

Vella, however, is no ordinary historian. He’s also a comic book enthusiast. So, he decided to bring the friar’s account to life in a unique way – as a graphic novel. “I wanted to make history accessible,” he says. “Comics can do that. They can engage readers in a way that traditional history books can’t.”

Thus began the laborious process of adapting the 16th-century text into a 21st-century graphic novel. Vella worked with local artist Pierre Portelli to create ‘The Black Death of Malta’, a stark and hauntingly beautiful retelling of the plague’s story.

Malta’s Graphic Novel Scene

Malta’s graphic novel scene is small but vibrant. From the annual Comic Con Malta to the local comic book stores like ‘Comic Book Guys’ in Msida, there’s a growing appreciation for the medium. Vella’s work is a testament to this. “It’s about time we started telling our own stories,” he says. “Malta has a rich history, and graphic novels are a great way to explore that.”

Indeed, ‘The Black Death of Malta’ isn’t just a historical account. It’s a cautionary tale, a reminder of the devastation that disease can wreak. Especially poignant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it serves as a stark reminder of our shared humanity and vulnerability.

As for the future, Vella is already planning his next project. “I’ve got my eye on another historical event,” he teases. “Watch this space.”