Staff Picks (December): MILLENNIUM

Publisher: Humanoid

The Middle Ages. A time when the once all-powerful Roman Empire struggled against the quickly growing Christian state. A time of bloodshed and pillaging. A time of unrest and doubt where evil machinations permeated the western world and prospects of a future unified continent seemed bleak. This is the world of Humanoid's newest book Millennium.

More than a simple cliché rendering of these true turbulent times, though, creators Richard D. Nolane and Francois Miville-Deschenes infuse their world with the supernatural, a compelling mystery, and the literal worst of biblical events. An Arthurian legends-type graphic novel, we follow the courageous Raedwald the Saxon and his loyal companion Arnulf as they fight to uncover the biggest conspiracy Europe has ever seen. They must fight against ghouls, possessed monks, and numerous other monsters found only in myth and legend all the while maintaining their Christian faith and confidence in a greater good.

An epic story in its very presentation—300 pages spanning space and time—Millennium is a beautiful book in the complex world Nolane writes and an equally beautiful book in the intricate and detailed world Miville-Deschenes illustrates. Without a doubt this is a solid addition for all fans of wonderfully crafted European graphic novels.

~ Caitlin McCabe