Malta’s 1592 Plague Inspires Graphic Novel

In the heart of Valletta, at the National Library of Malta, a faded, yellowed manuscript lies hidden among the stacks. This 16th-century document, a relatione detailing the 1592 plague that struck Malta, has inspired a modern tale of resilience and survival. But this time, it’s not a historical account; it’s a graphic novel.

In 1592, the Great Siege of Malta was over, but another enemy was lurking. The Black Death had reached our shores, claiming thousands of lives. The St. Lawrence Church in Rabat, now a silent witness to history, was once a makeshift hospital, echoing with the cries of the sick and dying.

The relatione, written by a anonymous scribe, paints a grim picture: “The streets were filled with the dead and dying… The air was thick with the stench of decay.” It’s this stark reality that local artist and writer, Mark Camilleri, found himself drawn to.

Mark, a familiar face at the Comic Book Guys store in Msida, has always been fascinated by Malta’s history. “I’ve read countless accounts of the 1592 plague,” he says, “but I wanted to tell this story in a way that’s accessible, engaging, even… fun.”

Thus, The Black Death of Malta was born. Mark’s graphic novel isn’t just a retelling of historical events; it’s a story of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. There’s Anna, a nurse tending to the sick, Giovanni, a blacksmith trying to keep his family safe, and Father Pietro, a priest grappling with his faith amidst the carnage.

Mark’s art style is a blend of the old and new, with intricate period details sitting alongside modern comic book aesthetics. “I wanted the art to reflect the story’s dual nature,” he explains. “It’s a historical tale, but it’s also a commentary on how we face crises today.”

The graphic novel isn’t just a work of fiction; it’s a labor of love. Mark has spent countless hours researching, from poring over historical documents at the Bibliotheca Nationalis to visiting the very streets where the plague once raged.

But Mark’s not the only one bringing this story to life. Local historian, Dr. Anthony Pace, has been consulting on the project. “Mark’s work is a fantastic way to engage people with history,” he says. “It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about understanding the human experience.”

And engage people it has. Mark’s launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the printing of the graphic novel. Backers have been pouring in from all over the world, eager to see Malta’s story told in this unique way.

Mark’s goal? “To make history accessible, engaging, and fun. And to remind people that, even in the darkest times, there’s always hope.”

Mark’s not stopping at just one graphic novel. He’s already planning sequels, each focusing on a different period of Maltese history. “There’s so much to explore,” he says, “from the Knights to the Great Siege, from the Second World War to independence. Each story has its own unique challenges and triumphs.”

So, keep your eyes peeled, Hot Malta readers. The next chapter of Malta’s history might just be waiting for you in comic book form.