Gilgamesh the King is
one of my graphic novel projects set in the ancient world, a mixture of
literature, myth and science
fiction.
I have always loved
the Von Daniken idea that the great gods of legend were actually
astronauts from high tech civilizations from the ancient Earth or
somewhere else. Not that I am a 'true believer' about these matters, i
just think that this combination of classic ancient and high tech is a
very cool mix for a good story, be it a novel, a graphic novel or a
film.
The story is based on the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest written story
(c 5000 yrs old), but I have written the graphic novel as a heroes
journey wherein Gilgamesh transforms in the process of the story from
arrogant young tyrant into a true hero - strong but kind, humble and
wise. The Gods in my story are a lot like many people of our time,
extremely powerful through high technology but weak, cruel and
ultimately pathetic as people.
Something that
drives me as a graphic novelist is an urge to make great ancient
literature and cultures interesting and understandable to young readers
and thereby encourage them to read the originals (at least in
translation!)
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