Malta Plague Inspires Graphic Novel
Ink and Plague: How a 16th-Century Malta Epidemic Became a Graphic Novel
Imagine, if you will, the narrow, cobbled streets of St. Paul’s Street, Valletta, in the year 1592. The air is thick with fear and the stench of death. This is not a scene from a period drama, but a chilling reality that once gripped Malta. Today, that grim history has inspired a unique graphic novel, ‘The Great Siege of Malta: 1565-1592’, a tale of resilience and survival.
Malta’s Dark Hour: The Great Plague of 1592-1593
The 16th century was a tumultuous time for Malta. Fresh from the triumph of the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights of St. John were faced with another catastrophic challenge – the Great Plague. Brought to the island by infected ships, the disease ravaged Malta, claiming an estimated 12,000 lives, or a third of the population. The streets echoed with the cries of the sick and the mourning, as families were torn apart.
Dr. Anthony Pace, a local historian and author, describes the scene: “It was a time of sheer terror. People were dying in their homes, in the streets, in the churches. The hospitals were overflowing. It was a true test of Maltese resilience.”
From History to Comics: The Birth of a Graphic Novel
Fast forward to 2021, and that dark chapter of Maltese history has found a new life in the hands of local artist and author, Stephen Axeman. His graphic novel, ‘The Great Siege of Malta: 1565-1592’, is not just a retelling of the historical events, but a poignant exploration of human emotion amidst chaos.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Malta’s history,” says Axeman. “The Great Plague was a story that needed to be told. I wanted to capture the raw emotion, the fear, the courage, and the love that defined that period.”
The graphic novel is a gripping narrative, interweaving historical facts with fictional characters. It’s a stark reminder of the power of storytelling to connect us with our past. Axeman’s illustrations, stark and evocative, bring the streets of 16th-century Valletta to life, transporting readers back in time.
Malta’s Historical Comics Scene: A Growing Niche
Axeman’s work is part of a growing niche in Malta’s comics scene – historical narratives. From ‘The Siege of Malta’ by Joe Scerri to ‘Malta: The War Years’ by Chris Gruppetta, local artists are turning to history for inspiration.
Chris Gruppetta believes this trend reflects Malta’s rich history and the public’s appetite for local stories. “Malta has a wealth of historical events that lend themselves perfectly to the comic format. It’s a great way to engage people, especially the younger generation, with our past,” he says.
Find ‘The Great Siege of Malta: 1565-1592’ at local bookstores and online platforms. For more information about the graphic novel and upcoming events, visit Stephan Axeman’s website.
