I truly do not have the words to do this story justice, but I will try to convey my (fragmented!) thoughts as best as I can.
Absolutely gut-wrenchingly beautiful. The depiction of the characters’ facial expressions and movements - to the most minute level - captures emotion flawlessly. Of note in particular is how Jean is drawn when he is most desperately, despairingly in love, ready to throw away his morality and everything he has worked for for Maximilian at the end of the story. I also loved their final few moments together, with the poignant contrast between Maximilian and Jean. Both long for each other, but Jean is practical-minded and focused on their reunion post-rebellion whereas Maximilian, resolute in his decision to serve his beloved ‘Joachim’ is focused on soaking up the time he has left with Jean.
Jean’s evolving emotions towards Maximilian and the revolution were conveyed so well. I felt like I was falling in love with/being betrayed by Maximilian, being driven mad in the process, right alongside him!
The author also did a brilliant job of ‘show-not-tell’ in its storytelling, something that is rare to find in this genre (BL comics). For example, the painting Maximilian gifted his uncle. At first glance it is a snake being killed by a wolf. Later, Jean comments that the limb doesn’t quite look like a wolf, but perhaps something different… (Maximilian’s tiger of the revolution!).
The themes of love, tragedy, deception, honour and the like are widespread in historical comics. However, in my opinion Perle’s skilful use of narrative and art is something that makes it uniquely special! :D
I truly do not have the words to do this story justice, but I will try to convey my (fragmented!) thoughts as best as I can.
Absolutely gut-wrenchingly beautiful. The depiction of the characters’ facial expressions and movements - to the most minute level - captures emotion flawlessly. Of note in particular is how Jean is drawn when he is most desperately, despairingly in love, ready to throw away his morality and everything he has worked for for Maximilian at the end of the story. I also loved their final few moments together, with the poignant contrast between Maximilian and Jean. Both long for each other, but Jean is practical-minded and focused on their reunion post-rebellion whereas Maximilian, resolute in his decision to serve his beloved ‘Joachim’ is focused on soaking up the time he has left with Jean.
Jean’s evolving emotions towards Maximilian and the revolution were conveyed so well. I felt like I was falling in love with/being betrayed by Maximilian, being driven mad in the process, right alongside him!
The author also did a brilliant job of ‘show-not-tell’ in its storytelling, something that is rare to find in this genre (BL comics). For example, the painting Maximilian gifted his uncle. At first glance it is a snake being killed by a wolf. Later, Jean comments that the limb doesn’t quite look like a wolf, but perhaps something different… (Maximilian’s tiger of the revolution!).
The themes of love, tragedy, deception, honour and the like are widespread in historical comics. However, in my opinion Perle’s skilful use of narrative and art is something that makes it uniquely special! :D