Gilgamesh
the King is my upcoming graphic novel set in the ancient world, and
it is 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!)
David
Lovegrove |
