Malta’s Great Plague Gets Graphic Novel Treatment
Ink & Plague: Malta’s 16th-Century Tragedy Gets a Graphic Novel Makeover
Imagine, if you will, the narrow, cobblestone streets of Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, shrouded in the eerie silence of a 16th-century night. The year is 1592, and the island is in the grip of a terrifying epidemic. This was no ordinary illness; it was the Great Plague of Malta, a catastrophe that would leave an indelible mark on the island’s history. Fast forward to the 21st century, and this grim chapter of Malta’s past has inspired an unlikely artistic resurrection – a graphic novel.
From Historical Tragedy to Comic Panels
Meet Matthew Attard, a young Maltese artist and illustrator who has taken on the monumental task of bringing the Great Plague of Malta to life in a graphic novel format. Titled ‘The Black Death of Malta’, Attard’s work is a gripping retelling of the island’s darkest hour, told through vivid comic panels and a narrative that weaves together historical fact and fictional characters.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Malta’s history,” says Attard, “and the Great Plague is one of those events that’s both horrific and fascinating. I wanted to create something that would engage people, especially young people, with our history in a way that’s different from your typical history book.”
Researching the Past, Creating the Future
Attard’s journey into the past began with extensive research. He pored over historical accounts, delving into the lives of the plague’s victims and the island’s response to the crisis. He visited the National Museum of Archaeology and the Bibliotheca Nationalis to gather as much information as possible. The result is a graphic novel that’s as historically accurate as it is engaging.
“It was important for me to stay true to the facts,” explains Attard, “but I also wanted to create a story that would resonate with readers. So, I’ve woven fictional characters into the narrative, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the events.”
A Graphic Novel for the Future
Attard’s graphic novel is still a work in progress, with the first volume set to be released later this year. But already, it’s generating buzz in Malta’s art and history scenes. For Attard, the project is about more than just telling a story; it’s about preserving Malta’s history and making it accessible to new generations.
“Malta has such a rich history, but sometimes it can feel like it’s being forgotten,” he says. “I want to create something that will inspire people to learn more about our past, and maybe even create their own stories inspired by it.”
As for the future of ‘The Black Death of Malta’, Attard is optimistic. “I think there’s a real appetite for this kind of storytelling in Malta,” he says. “People want to connect with their history, and I think a graphic novel is a great way to do that.”
