Malta’s Dark History Inspires Graphic Novel
In the Shadows of the Great Siege: Unveiling ‘The Black Death of Malta’
Imagine, if you will, the narrow, cobbled streets of St. Paul’s Street in Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital. The sun dips low, casting long, dancing shadows that seem to whisper tales of centuries past. Now, picture a young local artist, armed with a sketchbook and a vivid imagination, standing there, inspired not by the present, but by a dark chapter in Malta’s history – the Great Siege of 1565.
The artist is Matthew Attard, a Maltese illustrator and graphic designer, and the dark chapter he’s drawing inspiration from is the ‘Black Death’ that struck Malta during the siege. Not the bubonic plague, but a lesser-known epidemic that killed thousands of Maltese and Ottoman soldiers alike. This grim episode is the backbone of Attard’s latest creation, a graphic novel titled ‘The Black Death of Malta’.
From History Books to Comic Panels
Attard’s fascination with the Great Siege began in his teens, fueled by visits to the Fort St. Elmo museum and readings of Malta’s history. The ‘Black Death’ epidemic, however, was a more recent discovery. “I was reading about the siege and I came across this mention of an epidemic,” Attard recalls. “I was intrigued. I wanted to know more, but there wasn’t much information. So, I decided to fill in the blanks myself, in my own way.”
Attard’s ‘own way’ turned out to be a graphic novel, a medium he’s been passionate about since his teens. ‘The Black Death of Malta’ is not just a historical retelling, but a gripping narrative that weaves fact and fiction, following a young Maltese woman, Maria, as she navigates the siege and the epidemic.
Malta’s Darkest Hour, Brought to Life
The graphic novel is a stark reminder of Malta’s past, a time when the island was on the brink of being overrun by the Ottoman Empire. The ‘Black Death’ epidemic, caused by a combination of poor sanitation, malnutrition, and the horrors of war, was a grim equalizer, claiming lives on both sides.
Attard’s research took him deep into Malta’s archives and libraries. He pored over old maps, paintings, and historical accounts to ensure his work was as accurate as possible. The result is a graphic novel that’s not just engaging, but also educational, bringing Malta’s darkest hour to life for a new generation.
“I wanted to create something that was both entertaining and informative,” Attard says. “Something that would make people interested in our history, especially the younger generation.”
From Page to Screen?
Attard’s work has already caught the attention of local historians and educators. Some are even discussing the possibility of using ‘The Black Death of Malta’ as an educational tool in local schools. But Attard has bigger dreams. He’s hoping to turn his graphic novel into a TV series or a film.
“Malta has such a rich history, and our stories deserve to be told,” Attard says. “I’d love to see ‘The Black Death of Malta’ brought to life on the screen. It would be a great way to showcase our history, and our talent, to the world.”
For now, though, Attard is content to continue his work, one panel at a time. “I’m just a guy from Malta, telling Malta’s story,” he says with a smile. “And I think that’s pretty cool.”
