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Dark Satanic Mills
Set in a near future Britain, Dark Satanic Mills tracks a young woman's journey from the flooded landmarks of London to the vast, scorched and abandoned hills of the North. Framed for a murder she did not commit, fearless and resourceful loner Christy has no other choice but to run for her life.
Both a cautionary tale and a rip-roaring road trip, Dark Satanic Mills is altogether an intelligent, captivating and thrilling ride - a punked-up Wizard of Oz for a new generation, told in exhilarating shades of black and white.
Both a cautionary tale and a rip-roaring road trip, Dark Satanic Mills is altogether an intelligent, captivating and thrilling ride - a punked-up Wizard of Oz for a new generation, told in exhilarating shades of black and white.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2013
5 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Sedgwick
107 books1,581 followersMarcus Sedgwickwas a British writer and illustrator. He authored several young adult and children's books and picture books, a work of nonfiction and several novels for adults, and illustrated a collection of myths and a book of folk tales for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 30, 2020
Dark Satanic Mills is a graphic novel novel by Marcus and Juliet Sedgwick (writers) and John Higgins and Marc Olivent (Artwork)
The story opens with Christy, a despatch rider, trying to deliver an important letter before curfew.
We are in a Britain a few years hence and the feel is post apocalyptic. Deserted, ruined towns largely submerged in dark water - daylight courtesy of vast mirrors in the sky and signs everywhere of climate catastrophe.
This broken land has been seized by the ‘true church’ a fundamentalist religious group that has fascistic and military tendencies and is out to destroy anybody who dissents.
Christy finds herself on the run across the country with a ragbag group of scientists and reasoned thinkers in a race to stop a national event that will hand the true church total dominance.
The story is punctuated by William Blake quotes and lines from Jerusalem the famous hymn which add an atmospheric, thematic element.
I enjoyed this graphic novel to a point. The artwork was excellent .............. the depiction of recognisable but trashed cityscapes vividly drawn in black and white. The story is good but some of the speech felt a little stilted and occasionally the presentation isn’t clear in terms of who is talking or the exact purpose of a picture.
Overall though, an intelligent and imaginative graphic novel (with some qualifications) to add to my growing collection.
The story opens with Christy, a despatch rider, trying to deliver an important letter before curfew.
We are in a Britain a few years hence and the feel is post apocalyptic. Deserted, ruined towns largely submerged in dark water - daylight courtesy of vast mirrors in the sky and signs everywhere of climate catastrophe.
This broken land has been seized by the ‘true church’ a fundamentalist religious group that has fascistic and military tendencies and is out to destroy anybody who dissents.
Christy finds herself on the run across the country with a ragbag group of scientists and reasoned thinkers in a race to stop a national event that will hand the true church total dominance.
The story is punctuated by William Blake quotes and lines from Jerusalem the famous hymn which add an atmospheric, thematic element.
I enjoyed this graphic novel to a point. The artwork was excellent .............. the depiction of recognisable but trashed cityscapes vividly drawn in black and white. The story is good but some of the speech felt a little stilted and occasionally the presentation isn’t clear in terms of who is talking or the exact purpose of a picture.
Overall though, an intelligent and imaginative graphic novel (with some qualifications) to add to my growing collection.
September 14, 2018
T/W- Violence
This black and white illustrated graphic novel was very spooky... but one that did become quite violent. In the UK, a group called the True Church rule over all. Failure to comply with them, you get beaten up and possibly tortured/murdered. The main character Christy is wrongly accused of murder and so ends up on the run. Huge attempts are made by both sides leading up to a brutal conclusion. I couldn't really connect with the characters. Some of the illustrations were good, others quite violent. Sadly won't be re-reading!
This black and white illustrated graphic novel was very spooky... but one that did become quite violent. In the UK, a group called the True Church rule over all. Failure to comply with them, you get beaten up and possibly tortured/murdered. The main character Christy is wrongly accused of murder and so ends up on the run. Huge attempts are made by both sides leading up to a brutal conclusion. I couldn't really connect with the characters. Some of the illustrations were good, others quite violent. Sadly won't be re-reading!
February 23, 2014
The art style was great, although some spreads did definitely yearn for colour. Ultimately, though, the story just didn't satisfy. So many different, interesting elements were introduced--and then wasted! Mixing religion and Blake up to make a dystopian scenario is a great beginning, but doesn't make a book. The only character who felt even slightly whole was Christy; everyone else just seemed to serve a narrative function. And the plot felt rushed.
If this sounds harsh, it's because I really, really wanted to like this book much more than I did. I was excited about it! The cover art is amazing! The concept is cool! But... yeah. Things didn't come together, somehow, and I'm disappointed.
If this sounds harsh, it's because I really, really wanted to like this book much more than I did. I was excited about it! The cover art is amazing! The concept is cool! But... yeah. Things didn't come together, somehow, and I'm disappointed.
May 29, 2022
Dark Satanic Mills is like a cross between V for Vendetta and a typical Alfred Hitchcock thriller, where an everyman gets caught up in machinations larger than themselves, all built on a foundation of William Blake. Instead of Blake’s “dark Satanic Mills” symbolizing the rot of industrialization, here they represent a society overrun by fundamentalist Christianity and anti-science goons. And Jerusalem is tantamount to the truth, as forged by free thought, something the “True Church” wants snuffed out.
The book is loaded with references to Blake and his work. Preachers discuss the “mind-forged manacles” that have been clamped down on a citizenry deprived of dissent by a fascistic organized religion. A mysterious source of light looks like a tiger’s stripes that are “burning bright” in the night sky. “Doubt is as important as belief,” a major through line in Blake’s poetry. Simple answers lead to an arrogant certainty that is anti-human.
The artwork–a crisp black and white where people often blend into backgrounds, the land, the sea, the mountains–suggests a connection between mankind and nature, not unlike the gentle pastoral quality of Blake’s imagery. The comic book format itself is right in line with an artist who may have developed some of the first proto-comics in history.
Even so, everything here feels superficial and underdeveloped. The story is rushed, particularly in the beginning and during the climax. Readers never get a sense of who the protagonist is, and, therefore, her burgeoning relationship with one of the other rebels comes out of nowhere. The main conflict is resolved, at least temporarily, in a way that is far too reminiscent of many low-budget action films. And for a story that draws so heavily on William Blake–a writer with a thorough catalog of dense, multi-faceted works–there just aren’t as many layers to the various marauding groups, the story, or the design of the dystopian world as there could be. It’s a noble effort, but it also feels like a real missed opportunity.
The book is loaded with references to Blake and his work. Preachers discuss the “mind-forged manacles” that have been clamped down on a citizenry deprived of dissent by a fascistic organized religion. A mysterious source of light looks like a tiger’s stripes that are “burning bright” in the night sky. “Doubt is as important as belief,” a major through line in Blake’s poetry. Simple answers lead to an arrogant certainty that is anti-human.
The artwork–a crisp black and white where people often blend into backgrounds, the land, the sea, the mountains–suggests a connection between mankind and nature, not unlike the gentle pastoral quality of Blake’s imagery. The comic book format itself is right in line with an artist who may have developed some of the first proto-comics in history.
Even so, everything here feels superficial and underdeveloped. The story is rushed, particularly in the beginning and during the climax. Readers never get a sense of who the protagonist is, and, therefore, her burgeoning relationship with one of the other rebels comes out of nowhere. The main conflict is resolved, at least temporarily, in a way that is far too reminiscent of many low-budget action films. And for a story that draws so heavily on William Blake–a writer with a thorough catalog of dense, multi-faceted works–there just aren’t as many layers to the various marauding groups, the story, or the design of the dystopian world as there could be. It’s a noble effort, but it also feels like a real missed opportunity.
November 17, 2024
This is the first graphic novel I've read, and I was really impressed by the illustration, with its black & white gritty style. However, I didn't massively enjoy the story itself, and didn't feel personally driven for the characters in their persuits. But the illustration at least meant I enjoyed it still! 3/5
March 18, 2014
Review by Ben - Year 8 - 3.5/5
*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS*****
This book is set in the near future, when Britain is ruled by a violent fascist dictatorship which hides behind a veil of religious extremism, the True Church. The heroine and hero go on a literal and metaphorical journey North though the ‘dying world’ of England to find the meaning of the ‘light’, and free the people from mental slavery. Theirs is a dangerous journey, trying to evade the forces of extreme radical politics, in order to expose the lies and rescue mankind from a future lacking in human kindness and empathy.
The main character in the book is Christy. She is a loner who is framed for a murder she did not commit. Having stumbled upon a controversial document which threatens to undermine the stranglehold the True Church has on the population, Christy is forced to go in the run. She is joined by Thomas, a former doctor who shares her scepticism about politics and the True Church. They travel through a landscape of decay, where random acts of violence and murder are commonplace. The whole fabric of society and its infrastructure has broken down. Packs of radicals roam the landscape like feral animals. Against this backdrop the pair head North to find ‘the light’ and deliver the people from ‘darkness’.
My favourite part of the book was the ending because it had an unexpected twist. Blake bravely stands up to the True Church and refuses to be the mouthpiece for their propaganda any more. He exposes the lies, and encourages individuals to think for themselves. The uprising itself is not conclusive, and leaves many unanswered questions….it is not altogether the happy ending I would have envisaged.
My favourite character was Thomas because of his bravery in the face of adversity. He is persecuted for his medical skills and academic abilities, in a way mirroring the prejudices existing in parts of the world today, where the pursuit of knowledge is discouraged in favour of extreme religion.
I found the book confusing at times, probably because there were such a lot of intermingled themes and imagery. The more you think about the book, the more complex it becomes, and can therefore appeal to a wide range of audiences on different levels of understanding. I struggled at times with the ‘speech bubbles’, trying to work out which character was actually speaking!
I would have liked to see the relationship between Christy and Tom develop more. Despite the seriousness of their situation, and the fact that they quite clearly shared the same ideology, the reader never felt that they were a team. They didn’t seem to trust each other at any stage, and the introduction of some of the minor characters on the journey possibly distracted the author focusing more on developing their relationship.
I wouldn’t read a graphic novel again, but I would recommend it to others because it is thought provoking. It is possibly more suited to a slightly older readership because of the mature themes it contains, which would make an interesting debate in any history, politics or philosophy class.
*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS*****
This book is set in the near future, when Britain is ruled by a violent fascist dictatorship which hides behind a veil of religious extremism, the True Church. The heroine and hero go on a literal and metaphorical journey North though the ‘dying world’ of England to find the meaning of the ‘light’, and free the people from mental slavery. Theirs is a dangerous journey, trying to evade the forces of extreme radical politics, in order to expose the lies and rescue mankind from a future lacking in human kindness and empathy.
The main character in the book is Christy. She is a loner who is framed for a murder she did not commit. Having stumbled upon a controversial document which threatens to undermine the stranglehold the True Church has on the population, Christy is forced to go in the run. She is joined by Thomas, a former doctor who shares her scepticism about politics and the True Church. They travel through a landscape of decay, where random acts of violence and murder are commonplace. The whole fabric of society and its infrastructure has broken down. Packs of radicals roam the landscape like feral animals. Against this backdrop the pair head North to find ‘the light’ and deliver the people from ‘darkness’.
My favourite part of the book was the ending because it had an unexpected twist. Blake bravely stands up to the True Church and refuses to be the mouthpiece for their propaganda any more. He exposes the lies, and encourages individuals to think for themselves. The uprising itself is not conclusive, and leaves many unanswered questions….it is not altogether the happy ending I would have envisaged.
My favourite character was Thomas because of his bravery in the face of adversity. He is persecuted for his medical skills and academic abilities, in a way mirroring the prejudices existing in parts of the world today, where the pursuit of knowledge is discouraged in favour of extreme religion.
I found the book confusing at times, probably because there were such a lot of intermingled themes and imagery. The more you think about the book, the more complex it becomes, and can therefore appeal to a wide range of audiences on different levels of understanding. I struggled at times with the ‘speech bubbles’, trying to work out which character was actually speaking!
I would have liked to see the relationship between Christy and Tom develop more. Despite the seriousness of their situation, and the fact that they quite clearly shared the same ideology, the reader never felt that they were a team. They didn’t seem to trust each other at any stage, and the introduction of some of the minor characters on the journey possibly distracted the author focusing more on developing their relationship.
I wouldn’t read a graphic novel again, but I would recommend it to others because it is thought provoking. It is possibly more suited to a slightly older readership because of the mature themes it contains, which would make an interesting debate in any history, politics or philosophy class.
January 30, 2017
Marcus Sedgwick and his brother Julian have created a dark, gritty tale that mirrors the present times. It is a scary read. I would have finished it in less than an hour but I took my time reading it.
The front cover flap is quite impressive and so were the graphics which were very well done. Again, I would have wanted more of those warm colors featured on the front and back covers splashed here and there within the book. The contrast with the black and white images would have made a more stunning effect on the eyes.
This was an excellent read and I could not help but reflect on the present as the story progressed. Greed, religious fanaticism and extremism are at its heart. Suppression of truth and twisting it to advance the interests of a select few is another message it strongly conveys.
Another thing I loved about this book is that it is filled with quotes from William Blake's Jerusalem and from what is traditionally known as Jesus' Seven Last Words. Reading them within the context of the story gave me the chills.
Though first published in 2013, Dark Satanic Mills is art and fiction imitating our current reality. It is not a love letter but a suicide note for these trying and troubled times!
The front cover flap is quite impressive and so were the graphics which were very well done. Again, I would have wanted more of those warm colors featured on the front and back covers splashed here and there within the book. The contrast with the black and white images would have made a more stunning effect on the eyes.
This was an excellent read and I could not help but reflect on the present as the story progressed. Greed, religious fanaticism and extremism are at its heart. Suppression of truth and twisting it to advance the interests of a select few is another message it strongly conveys.
Another thing I loved about this book is that it is filled with quotes from William Blake's Jerusalem and from what is traditionally known as Jesus' Seven Last Words. Reading them within the context of the story gave me the chills.
Though first published in 2013, Dark Satanic Mills is art and fiction imitating our current reality. It is not a love letter but a suicide note for these trying and troubled times!
April 14, 2016
An interesting look at religion, fundamentalism and mob mentality. There were a lot of intriguing aspects but some of them were neglected - for example, the 'anti-sci' believers who destroy all technology only crop up once in the entirety of the story.
The illustrations were entirely black and white, which was effective at some points but allowed it to get vague and confusing fairly regularly.
An enjoyable read, but could have done with being a bit longer to tell the story to its full potential, especially because the ending felt rather rushed.
The illustrations were entirely black and white, which was effective at some points but allowed it to get vague and confusing fairly regularly.
An enjoyable read, but could have done with being a bit longer to tell the story to its full potential, especially because the ending felt rather rushed.
February 6, 2025
"The plan might just work, but I'd need Previously Unmentioned Specific MacGuffin."
Character reaches down to the floor and picks something up. "You mean this Previously Unmentioned Specific MacGuffin?"
***
I like what this is trying to do, but it's all a bit too thin. Characters are either unquestioningly right or unquestioningly (extremely) wrong, there's little to no internal conflict in any of them. No one's ever really has to work hard to convince other characters to do anything. Every named character has pretty much the same worldview at the end as they did at the beginning.
Characters who have been captured suddenly seem to have found their way to places they need to be for the story to happen, without it being clear how they got there.
The monochrome art is mostly pretty good but there are times where a word needs to be thrown onto the page to tell us what it's supposed to be, and the odd splash of colour could have been used to effect.
It just all needs some nuance, reasons for characters to do things, and flesh on the bones.
Character reaches down to the floor and picks something up. "You mean this Previously Unmentioned Specific MacGuffin?"
***
I like what this is trying to do, but it's all a bit too thin. Characters are either unquestioningly right or unquestioningly (extremely) wrong, there's little to no internal conflict in any of them. No one's ever really has to work hard to convince other characters to do anything. Every named character has pretty much the same worldview at the end as they did at the beginning.
Characters who have been captured suddenly seem to have found their way to places they need to be for the story to happen, without it being clear how they got there.
The monochrome art is mostly pretty good but there are times where a word needs to be thrown onto the page to tell us what it's supposed to be, and the odd splash of colour could have been used to effect.
It just all needs some nuance, reasons for characters to do things, and flesh on the bones.
September 23, 2018
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3092770.html
I picked this up on a whim, and I have to say that I wasn’t hugely impressed. It’s a story of a future radiation-raddled England literally flooded by rising sea levels (there is an effective frame showing Trafalgar Square awash) and under threat from religious fanatics threatening to take over the government, opposed only by one brave biker girl and her assorted companions. I found the politics heavy-handed and the prose rather simplistic, and the monochrome drawing style didn’t appeal to me at all, giving little room for chatacter or setting to be properly explored. There are a wealth of literary references, particularly to the Bible and Blake, but the depth of these didn’t make up for the lack of surface polish for me.
I picked this up on a whim, and I have to say that I wasn’t hugely impressed. It’s a story of a future radiation-raddled England literally flooded by rising sea levels (there is an effective frame showing Trafalgar Square awash) and under threat from religious fanatics threatening to take over the government, opposed only by one brave biker girl and her assorted companions. I found the politics heavy-handed and the prose rather simplistic, and the monochrome drawing style didn’t appeal to me at all, giving little room for chatacter or setting to be properly explored. There are a wealth of literary references, particularly to the Bible and Blake, but the depth of these didn’t make up for the lack of surface polish for me.
February 8, 2023
Dark Satanic Mills - taken from a verse in a William Blake poem and later the authors explain the inspiration for this came from an "ornate and cloth spined box on the bookshelf"...
⚠️TW: religious persecution, death, violence, gun violence
Taking place in London and further afield Christy makes her way across the country due to being framed for a crime she didn't commit. On her journey across Britain she meets various characters as she gets in trouble with the true church.
For its time, I appreciate the artwork and the illustration style reminds me of Sin City. It also gives me a nostalgic A Pilgrim's Progress vibes crossed with the religious connotations/Christianity entwined throughout.
This alternate universe with extreme religious groups whereby anyone deviating from their God or succumbing to their sins is to punished or killed. The followers appear to be brainwashed and the pacey action throughout kept me turning the page...
⚠️TW: religious persecution, death, violence, gun violence
Taking place in London and further afield Christy makes her way across the country due to being framed for a crime she didn't commit. On her journey across Britain she meets various characters as she gets in trouble with the true church.
For its time, I appreciate the artwork and the illustration style reminds me of Sin City. It also gives me a nostalgic A Pilgrim's Progress vibes crossed with the religious connotations/Christianity entwined throughout.
This alternate universe with extreme religious groups whereby anyone deviating from their God or succumbing to their sins is to punished or killed. The followers appear to be brainwashed and the pacey action throughout kept me turning the page...
June 2, 2019
I always love a book that goes against the system. This graphic novel is very much along the same vein as V for Vendetta, it has all the action, anarchy, rebellion, resistance, revolution. I enjoyed the characters although the plot and dialogue isn’t extremely memorable. I will take the overall theme of individualistic spirituality as well creating my own system with me. I also really appreciated hearing the back story of the two brothers and how this idea was sparked.
“And we need to quieten- and listen to the imagination. The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. But to the eyes of the person of imagination nature is imagination itself.”
“And we need to quieten- and listen to the imagination. The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. But to the eyes of the person of imagination nature is imagination itself.”
January 27, 2017
It's more a novella than a graphic novel due to the picaresque nature of the plot and the fact it deals with quite a large story arc in a short space.
The plot bleak in tone, people have referenced V for Vendetta but I'd go back more to 1984 and Brave New World. Very appropriate as in some ways it feels like the mid 30s all over again now (Great Depression followed by quasi-religious fundamentalism?).
The art style which is somewhere between woodcut and Chiaroscuro suits the subject matter but also runs in counterpoint to the thrust of the plot - the world isn't black and white despite what zealots may tell you.
The plot bleak in tone, people have referenced V for Vendetta but I'd go back more to 1984 and Brave New World. Very appropriate as in some ways it feels like the mid 30s all over again now (Great Depression followed by quasi-religious fundamentalism?).
The art style which is somewhere between woodcut and Chiaroscuro suits the subject matter but also runs in counterpoint to the thrust of the plot - the world isn't black and white despite what zealots may tell you.
January 7, 2018
The idea behind this is excellent. But the end result is frustratingly bad almost entirely due to the artwork, but also because of the realisation of the story - it makes jumps that the contents of the frames can't keep up with. A LOT. (Hence the 2 stars.)
However it's still worth reading in exactly the same way that a bad Jess Franco film is still worth watching, because the bones of the idea shine through, and if you have imagination you can imagine what might have been.
However it's still worth reading in exactly the same way that a bad Jess Franco film is still worth watching, because the bones of the idea shine through, and if you have imagination you can imagine what might have been.
December 19, 2019
I expected to like this more than I actually did, what with the summary being what it is. But I found the graphics style a bit difficult to grasp at times, especially within the action scenes. Also, it was very fast-paced at points, which was good, but sometimes a little confusing in terms of what was happening with who where. But I liked the prose quotes and occasional captions spread throughout: I thought they made it feel more atmospheric.
November 6, 2020
Artwork was excellent, but a little confusing. The strong contrasts give the feeling of staring at a HD screen display too long. The Blake(? Milton?) literary references are visually pretty, but narratively they aren't woven in very subtly nor smoothly into the story. It's like being whacked with monochromatic, LITERARY hammers every few pages.
Plot is confusing, and the "post-apocalyptic Christian extremist" trope is overdone, and has been done better elsewhere.
Plot is confusing, and the "post-apocalyptic Christian extremist" trope is overdone, and has been done better elsewhere.
January 28, 2018
An ambitious good if flawed graphic novel that draws a picture of a dystropian Britain in the hands of populist politicians. It features a strong female lead, an atheistic Doctor and religion bent to the will of a populistic right wing government. Aside from the science fiction pieces it feels like a parable of what may come to pass if Britain First garners more support.
February 28, 2022
This was an enjoyable fast-paced page-turner. I love anything with William Blake and the themes of authoritarianism and religion have a lot of potential.
The artwork (black and white) is evocative if busy in places, and some of the two page spreads are memorable.
Only three stars because it felt like it needed more development and that the starting point wanted to go further.
The artwork (black and white) is evocative if busy in places, and some of the two page spreads are memorable.
Only three stars because it felt like it needed more development and that the starting point wanted to go further.
June 9, 2024
I picked this up because the title is from William Blake's Jerusalem and I'm a big Blake fan. Other references to that and other work by him are used effectively throughout.
This graphic novel is quite on-the-nose and there isn't any room for character-building in its slim volume but the artwork is nice and it was a perfectly enjoyable way to pass half an hour.
This graphic novel is quite on-the-nose and there isn't any room for character-building in its slim volume but the artwork is nice and it was a perfectly enjoyable way to pass half an hour.
January 9, 2025
Some striking, cinematic art goes alongside a story with a lot of ideas and influences that I think can be a bit cliched at times and I'm not sure of the mixed messages. The characters aren't too developed apart from what they are mainly meant to represent, I think. It asks questions that have been asked many times before, although it goes down some interesting but expected and murky avenues.
January 4, 2023
Interesting project loosely based on William Blakes epic poem Jerusalem. Set in a near future England, ravaged by the effects of climate change, an organisation of religious fanatics attempt to seize control of a fractured landscape by seditious means.
March 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book, the plot was interesting and gripping but I don’t think I’d reread however it was a nice time pass and I liked the illustrations style.
May 24, 2020
Great story, a bit too close to the bone for comfort at times, but the art work didn't do it for me so sticking at a 3.
February 17, 2023
I liked the artwork in this graphic novel but I think the story took itself far too seriously for something was, at heart, quite silly and light.
March 21, 2023
Religious dystopia, very dark - both visually (black and white graphics, lots of shadows) and figuratively. Interesting use of colour right at the end.
July 9, 2023
Entraining UK set dystopian strip with plenty of decent artwork and storytelling to recommend it. Highly Recommended.
November 8, 2023
I could see what it was going for, but it was a bit charmless.
March 12, 2019
London lies shattered beneath vital space mirrors and encroaching floods - a still recognisable vista that is barely surviving under the brutal True Church regime. In this world Atheism is outlawed, many do not believe in the use medicine or science anymore and extreme Fundamentalism rules. The environment is damaged and in places so irradiated it is lethal.
Christy England is a bike messenger who fails to make a time sensitive delivery after rescuing Thomas Aikenhead from a beating. He invites her to join him at a rally on Saturday and after being fired she decides to go. When it is disrupted by the Church Militia, she decides to lie low for awhile at some old friends. However, they have converted to the True Church and she sees first hand how entrenched the beliefs are. She tries to rescue their sick son by bringing him to Thomas but it is too late and when they are ambushed by the militia once more, they go on the run together.
They head up north, where there is supposed to be a miracle but where the land is the most damaged. En route they learn what is in the package Christy failed to deliver. It is an expose of True Church and the man who was supposed to accept delivery was the murdered editor of the last free newspaper Jerusalem. As they move north they encounter anti-sci gangs, dodge the militia and rescue two apparent blasphemers - Lila and Cantor. They discover that the miracle is at Eden compound the base for a dissenting believer Father Blake and Lila's mentor. As the story winds to its conclusion the four are captured and the setting for an epic finale begins but will any of them survive to embrace once more 'the green and pleasant land'?
This story has its roots in William Blake' s poem known as Jerusalem and both the authors' personal engagement with it. Their take on fundamentalism and how it can destroy a society if left unchecked is rich in depth. The story carries Blake's abhorrence of the Industrial Revolution - those "Dark Satanic Mills" - through to its conclusion that industry will eventually lead to complete environmental destruction. It is also the story of ordinary people and how they can make a stand for truth against the wrong of extreme beliefs. It recalls other journeys, such as the Wizard of Oz and intersperses it with a rich narrative that includes references to the Erlking and comic books like Judge Dredd and V for Vendetta.
The imagery used is stark and shocking where buildings are drawn to stand like gravestones to our modern world. The monchrome is present throughout the book except for the opening and closing images where it is realised in yellow that recalls the road of the Wizard of Oz. The detail and vividness is beautiful and is all the more astonishing for being in black and white.
This is an interesting book that is well framed by Blake's poem. The brothers have managed to tell a new story of a possible future through their interpretation of Jerusalem but also with a view to our society and the rise of fundamentalist attitudes and our environmental issues. I loved the look of this comic book with both Higgins and Olivent's confident imagery a real standout and worth buying for alone. The story itself is brief but rich with depth that refers back to other epic works that I have had to read it a number of times to catch all the layers. The only drawback I found was that I had to stop reading in the beginning and research William Blake's poem before I could continue, as his work is so intrinsic to the story. This may put off some readers and it is very upfront in the beginning but it is one to persevere with.
Artists: John Higgens & Marc Olivent.
Christy England is a bike messenger who fails to make a time sensitive delivery after rescuing Thomas Aikenhead from a beating. He invites her to join him at a rally on Saturday and after being fired she decides to go. When it is disrupted by the Church Militia, she decides to lie low for awhile at some old friends. However, they have converted to the True Church and she sees first hand how entrenched the beliefs are. She tries to rescue their sick son by bringing him to Thomas but it is too late and when they are ambushed by the militia once more, they go on the run together.
They head up north, where there is supposed to be a miracle but where the land is the most damaged. En route they learn what is in the package Christy failed to deliver. It is an expose of True Church and the man who was supposed to accept delivery was the murdered editor of the last free newspaper Jerusalem. As they move north they encounter anti-sci gangs, dodge the militia and rescue two apparent blasphemers - Lila and Cantor. They discover that the miracle is at Eden compound the base for a dissenting believer Father Blake and Lila's mentor. As the story winds to its conclusion the four are captured and the setting for an epic finale begins but will any of them survive to embrace once more 'the green and pleasant land'?
This story has its roots in William Blake' s poem known as Jerusalem and both the authors' personal engagement with it. Their take on fundamentalism and how it can destroy a society if left unchecked is rich in depth. The story carries Blake's abhorrence of the Industrial Revolution - those "Dark Satanic Mills" - through to its conclusion that industry will eventually lead to complete environmental destruction. It is also the story of ordinary people and how they can make a stand for truth against the wrong of extreme beliefs. It recalls other journeys, such as the Wizard of Oz and intersperses it with a rich narrative that includes references to the Erlking and comic books like Judge Dredd and V for Vendetta.
The imagery used is stark and shocking where buildings are drawn to stand like gravestones to our modern world. The monchrome is present throughout the book except for the opening and closing images where it is realised in yellow that recalls the road of the Wizard of Oz. The detail and vividness is beautiful and is all the more astonishing for being in black and white.
This is an interesting book that is well framed by Blake's poem. The brothers have managed to tell a new story of a possible future through their interpretation of Jerusalem but also with a view to our society and the rise of fundamentalist attitudes and our environmental issues. I loved the look of this comic book with both Higgins and Olivent's confident imagery a real standout and worth buying for alone. The story itself is brief but rich with depth that refers back to other epic works that I have had to read it a number of times to catch all the layers. The only drawback I found was that I had to stop reading in the beginning and research William Blake's poem before I could continue, as his work is so intrinsic to the story. This may put off some readers and it is very upfront in the beginning but it is one to persevere with.
Artists: John Higgens & Marc Olivent.
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