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Médée #1-4
Medea
Who was Medea, really?
Beyond the hearsay, exaggerations, and distortions inflicted by time, this is Medea’s story in her own voice, from the luxuriant gardens of her childhood in Colchis to the mysterious island from which she gives her final confession.
An intoxicating graphic novel reimagining the story of one of the biggest female figures in ancient Greek mythology, for fans of Lore Olympus and Circe.
The legendary sorceress from Greek myth has been cast as many things—a caring mother and a passionate lover who was thwarted by her desires; an independent woman vilified for refusing the tyranny of men; a barbarian who sowed confusion in the regimented world of the Greeks; a formidable witch, mistress of occult forces. Simply put, she was precisely what some would call a monster. And yet, there is so much more to Medea…
This provocative tale is created by writer Blandine Le Callet and artist Nancy Peña, with an English translation by Montana Kane.
Originally published in French by Éditions Casterman.
Beyond the hearsay, exaggerations, and distortions inflicted by time, this is Medea’s story in her own voice, from the luxuriant gardens of her childhood in Colchis to the mysterious island from which she gives her final confession.
An intoxicating graphic novel reimagining the story of one of the biggest female figures in ancient Greek mythology, for fans of Lore Olympus and Circe.
The legendary sorceress from Greek myth has been cast as many things—a caring mother and a passionate lover who was thwarted by her desires; an independent woman vilified for refusing the tyranny of men; a barbarian who sowed confusion in the regimented world of the Greeks; a formidable witch, mistress of occult forces. Simply put, she was precisely what some would call a monster. And yet, there is so much more to Medea…
This provocative tale is created by writer Blandine Le Callet and artist Nancy Peña, with an English translation by Montana Kane.
Originally published in French by Éditions Casterman.
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 1, 2025
Tragic story beautiful artwork!
January 2, 2025
First book of 2025!
July 22, 2024
Ancient Greek plays are one of the biggest gaps in my reading history, so I had almost no knowledge of Medea when I opened the cover of this book. She seems to be considered a major villain, but this retelling casts her as a strong-willed woman making her way boldly through a word dominated by men and their obsession with producing male heirs. She narrates the book, exposing the truth hidden by the legends and myths that make her look weak, crazed or evil.
The book excises the presence of Greek gods directly affecting the story but still has a couple of supernatural elements that, frankly, I could have done without.
The first half is pretty compelling as we see Medea grow up under her domineering father and then greet the arrival of Jason and his Argonauts. The book bogs down a bit in the middle as Medea finds herself mired in slow and repetitive court intrigue as she moves from place to place in Greece and the supernatural elements start to ramp up.
FOR REFERENCE:
Collects Médée, Tome 1 : L'ombre d'Hécate, Médée 2 : Le couteau dans la plaie, Médée, Tome 3 : L'épouse barbare, Médée, and Tome 4 : La Chair et le Sang.
Contents: Chapter One. Hecate's Shadow -- Chapter Two. The Knife in the Wound -- Chapter Three. The Barbarian Wife -- Chapter Four. Flesh and Blood, Part One -- Chapter Five. Flesh and Blood, Part Two -- Genealogy -- Appendices -- The Creators
The book excises the presence of Greek gods directly affecting the story but still has a couple of supernatural elements that, frankly, I could have done without.
The first half is pretty compelling as we see Medea grow up under her domineering father and then greet the arrival of Jason and his Argonauts. The book bogs down a bit in the middle as Medea finds herself mired in slow and repetitive court intrigue as she moves from place to place in Greece and the supernatural elements start to ramp up.
FOR REFERENCE:
Collects Médée, Tome 1 : L'ombre d'Hécate, Médée 2 : Le couteau dans la plaie, Médée, Tome 3 : L'épouse barbare, Médée, and Tome 4 : La Chair et le Sang.
Contents: Chapter One. Hecate's Shadow -- Chapter Two. The Knife in the Wound -- Chapter Three. The Barbarian Wife -- Chapter Four. Flesh and Blood, Part One -- Chapter Five. Flesh and Blood, Part Two -- Genealogy -- Appendices -- The Creators
July 8, 2025
Medea Looks Back
A review of the Dark Horse Books paperback (May 21, 2024) translated by Montana Kane from the French language original Médée (September 1, 2021) which collected the previously published individual French language comics #1-#4 (2013-2019).
This was a completely superb graphic novel for both its story telling and its artwork. A generous Afterword / Appendix (pgs. 304-320) provided notes on the sources and the historical references used and explains where and why the authors chose to make their own interpretation.
The original gold snake bracelet (c. 100 BC to 100 AD) from Pompeii which was the inspiration for Medea's bracelet in this book. Image sourced from the Archeological Museum of Naples.
Callet & Peña's Medea diverges from the standard Euripedes-based mythology in that they present the character not as a sorceress but as a human woman who simply has knowledge of the powers of plants and potions. This of course can be interpreted by their contemporaries as sorcery or witchcraft, but the setting is more in the real world than myth.
There are still fantastical elements though, including a talking snake bracelet which acts as Medea's dark side. Also, the end of the story is set on a magical island where Medea's life is extended by centuries so that she learns how her life has become legend and mythology in the rest of the world.
The 4 covers of the original French language comics as released 2013-2019. Images sourced from Goodreads.
There is of course no escaping the revenge tale against Jason with the infanticide of their children and the further murders of Glauce and Creon. But Blandine Le Callet still manages to make her a sympathetic figure regardless. Nancy Peña's detailed and meticulous artwork enhances the experience.
Trivia and Links
I did a Medea binge last year and read 4 different translations / adaptations of the Euripides play and reviewed them as A Basic Medea, Machemer and Collier's Medea, Thoroughly Modern Medea and A Fierce Modern Medea, with a Scots Inflection.
There seemed to be a 2024 Medea zeitgeist in the air and two different novelizations and a graphic novel appeared in quick succession. I've now caught up with Eilish Quin's novel Medea: A Novel and Blandine Le Callet's graphic novel so that only Rosie Hewlett's novel Medea remains for my 2024 binge extension into 2025.
A review of the Dark Horse Books paperback (May 21, 2024) translated by Montana Kane from the French language original Médée (September 1, 2021) which collected the previously published individual French language comics #1-#4 (2013-2019).
Placing Medea back into historical context in this way allows us to pose the question: Why is Medea the one remembered for her monstrosity, when as many horrific crimes that have been committed by men against humanity have been forgotten?
This was a completely superb graphic novel for both its story telling and its artwork. A generous Afterword / Appendix (pgs. 304-320) provided notes on the sources and the historical references used and explains where and why the authors chose to make their own interpretation.
The original gold snake bracelet (c. 100 BC to 100 AD) from Pompeii which was the inspiration for Medea's bracelet in this book. Image sourced from the Archeological Museum of Naples.
Callet & Peña's Medea diverges from the standard Euripedes-based mythology in that they present the character not as a sorceress but as a human woman who simply has knowledge of the powers of plants and potions. This of course can be interpreted by their contemporaries as sorcery or witchcraft, but the setting is more in the real world than myth.
There are still fantastical elements though, including a talking snake bracelet which acts as Medea's dark side. Also, the end of the story is set on a magical island where Medea's life is extended by centuries so that she learns how her life has become legend and mythology in the rest of the world.
The 4 covers of the original French language comics as released 2013-2019. Images sourced from Goodreads.
There is of course no escaping the revenge tale against Jason with the infanticide of their children and the further murders of Glauce and Creon. But Blandine Le Callet still manages to make her a sympathetic figure regardless. Nancy Peña's detailed and meticulous artwork enhances the experience.
Trivia and Links
I did a Medea binge last year and read 4 different translations / adaptations of the Euripides play and reviewed them as A Basic Medea, Machemer and Collier's Medea, Thoroughly Modern Medea and A Fierce Modern Medea, with a Scots Inflection.
There seemed to be a 2024 Medea zeitgeist in the air and two different novelizations and a graphic novel appeared in quick succession. I've now caught up with Eilish Quin's novel Medea: A Novel and Blandine Le Callet's graphic novel so that only Rosie Hewlett's novel Medea remains for my 2024 binge extension into 2025.
December 6, 2022
Los grandes mitos perviven porque nos dejan volver a ellos las veces que haga falta. Funcionan como espejo que ilumina algunos de los rincones más oscuros de nuestra nuestra alma y, por eso, se dejan adaptar, actualizar y contextualizar siempre que el autor o la autora y sus lectores sean capaces de expresar sin reparos su amor y respeto hacia ellos. Blandine Le Callet y Nancy Peña hacen un trabajo exquisito prestando su sabiduría y su talento gráfico a Medea para que ella misma pueda volver a revisarse e interpretarse una vez más ante nosotros: como alma traicionada y traicionera; atrapada y luchadora, detestada y compasiva a partes iguales.
Bienvenida pues esta nueva Medea. A partir de ahora viviremos con ella y, a través de ella, también nos (re) conoceremos.
Bienvenida pues esta nueva Medea. A partir de ahora viviremos con ella y, a través de ella, también nos (re) conoceremos.
June 17, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
October 15, 2024
This art style is so beautiful & very fitting for the story being told. I don't know as much about Medea compared to some of the other women in myth, so I appreciated her full background given. I have to give this graphic novel my utmost respect & flattery, as I have been spurred to write about the depiction of witchcraft & magic in Greek tales. I greatly enjoy books such as this one that open my mind & challenge what I know.
January 28, 2025
The illustrations by Nancy Peña were beautiful and at times quite dark. I read this comic almost in one sitting, it was that captivating. I also appreciated that Blandine Le Callet (translated by Montana Kane) chose to use language that was familiar to me, instead of using outdated words to give the narrative an ancient feel. I do ponder if this work made me understand Medea more. However, the question why her crimes are remembered, compared to the deeds of other Greek heroes or villains, is valid and important to ask.
June 7, 2024
Really enjoyed the retelling of the classic tale as well as the visual art - especially because Medea is not portrayed as either good or bad, just as a woman doing what needs to be done to survive in a world of men to protect her family.
Good quotes:
- We think that loving someone passionately gives us a claim over them. But that is false. Love isn't a claim. It is a miracle that, oftentimes, turns into a mirage.
- We each have the right to choose our destiny.
- So many crimes have been commited over the centuries. Why have I been singled out, and depicted as the worst monster of all? Is it because I came from a barbarian country? Because I was a learned woman? Because I was a woman who refused to be more than just a victim? Or was it to forget the crimes that others commited?
- Violence is a trap into which life drags us, but a trap we build ourselves, with our foolishness and vanity.
- We each carry inside us an opaque substrate where evil lurks, like a hidden, undecipherable enigma.
Good quotes:
- We think that loving someone passionately gives us a claim over them. But that is false. Love isn't a claim. It is a miracle that, oftentimes, turns into a mirage.
- We each have the right to choose our destiny.
- So many crimes have been commited over the centuries. Why have I been singled out, and depicted as the worst monster of all? Is it because I came from a barbarian country? Because I was a learned woman? Because I was a woman who refused to be more than just a victim? Or was it to forget the crimes that others commited?
- Violence is a trap into which life drags us, but a trap we build ourselves, with our foolishness and vanity.
- We each carry inside us an opaque substrate where evil lurks, like a hidden, undecipherable enigma.
October 19, 2023
„Zašto me prikazuju kao jedino čudovište? Zato što dolazim iz barbarske zemlje? Zato što sam učena? Zato što sam žena koja je odbila biti žrtva? Ili da bi se zaboravilo zlo koje su počinili drugi?”
Vekovima se o Medeji pripovedalo kao zloj veštici, ubici i čudovištu. Sada smo dobili mogućnost da čujemo NJENU priču a na nama je da odlučimo kome ćemo verovati.
Ova grafička novela je za vas ako volite grčku mitologiju, priče o čarobnicama, jakim ženama, porodičnoj drami, borbi za moć, izdaji i osveti.
Ovo je priča o jednoj ženi, barbarki u mizoginom i ksenofobičnom društvu koja želi da bude slobodna, želi da trči poljima, da uči. Ženi koja je divlja, opasna i slobodna.
Međutim, moramo prihvatiti da Medeja nije savršena fem ikona jer ne preispituje neke važne stvari kao što je na primer položaj njenih ropkinja. Potlačena, ali privilegovana. Ako ne ulazite sa ovim očekivanjima u ovu priču, uživaćate jer niko nije savršen.
Vekovima se o Medeji pripovedalo kao zloj veštici, ubici i čudovištu. Sada smo dobili mogućnost da čujemo NJENU priču a na nama je da odlučimo kome ćemo verovati.
Ova grafička novela je za vas ako volite grčku mitologiju, priče o čarobnicama, jakim ženama, porodičnoj drami, borbi za moć, izdaji i osveti.
Ovo je priča o jednoj ženi, barbarki u mizoginom i ksenofobičnom društvu koja želi da bude slobodna, želi da trči poljima, da uči. Ženi koja je divlja, opasna i slobodna.
Međutim, moramo prihvatiti da Medeja nije savršena fem ikona jer ne preispituje neke važne stvari kao što je na primer položaj njenih ropkinja. Potlačena, ali privilegovana. Ako ne ulazite sa ovim očekivanjima u ovu priču, uživaćate jer niko nije savršen.
July 24, 2024
3.5 stars. This was interesting and I liked the approach of a greek myth retelling without the fantastical elements of the gods. I didn't love the portrayal of Medea, I never knew how I was supposed to feel about her and she went from a sympathetic character to evil witch with seeminingly no motivational changes. Still, it was a fresh retelling and fun that it was in the form of a graphic novel.
November 28, 2022
Bel album, je crois que c'est l'histoire la plus complète que j'ai rencontré en BD. C'est rare de ne pas être déçus de la fin d'un album, il y a toujours (ou souvent) un goût de pas assez, là ce n'est pas le cas. Tout est complet du début à la fin et c'est satisfaisant. L'histoire est réaliste, belle et horrible à la fois.... Gros coup de ❤️
July 4, 2024
Gorgeous art in this retelling of Medea's myth, that delves more in the historic than the fantastic elements of the story, and let the main character being the narrator of her own life.
Great read over all.
Great read over all.
February 20, 2024
I love this retelling/portrayal of Medea. Ever since I read it in college her story has stuck with me and now the story being told from her point of view and giving her the chance to share her truth. The art style was spectacular, and the story was captivating and fresh even though it’s been retold again and again throughout history. Highly recommend!
December 16, 2024
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. I absolutely adored the art - the color choices are stunning and so purposeful. The story is wonderful, and it expertly balanced staying true to the myth while adding creative flair. I feel such a strong connection to this story—there is something so powerful about exploring the pains of being a woman. I immediately want to start it all over again.
May 31, 2024
Wow so good. What an interesting and fresh take on Medea’s story! Loved it in a graphic novel too! I loved the art style! Super captivating !!
March 13, 2025
Dark, Horrifying and Depressing!
As someone who was only aware of Medea in passing, I was curious to know about the myths surrounding her. This graphic novel encapsulates all those and creates a gripping narrative.
A perfect dichotomy of rooting for the main character and being equally appalled at her actions, is the core of this novel.
As someone who was only aware of Medea in passing, I was curious to know about the myths surrounding her. This graphic novel encapsulates all those and creates a gripping narrative.
A perfect dichotomy of rooting for the main character and being equally appalled at her actions, is the core of this novel.
September 9, 2025
4.8 Qu’elle magnifique réécriture innovatrice tirée de la mythologie grecque, soit celle de l’histoire de Médée. Une adaptation fine au scénario, presque totalement épuré de l’aspect magique et prenant socle sur un récit plus réaliste. Testes très à propos et modernes. Dessins et couleurs superbes. Fortement recommandé pour les amateurs du genres.
March 19, 2025
This adaptation was honestly incredible. My husband got me it for my birthday after I finished Glorious Exploits (which has The Medea at the core of it) and I didn’t know if this adaptation would be up to much. Adapting a Greek tragedy into a graphic novel seemed a bit wild to me, but it’s pretty perfect. Big recommend.
October 4, 2025
Found this browsing the adult graphic novel section of my local public library. A beautifully illustrated and intriguing retelling of Medea's story from her own perspective. It was largely grounded in rational explanations for things, with a few mystical/madness parts that make you question the narrator's reliability or sanity, apparently intentional by the author according to the insightful appendices. Some small textual typos.
August 1, 2022
Ne vous fiez pas à la couverture trop sobre à mon goût. La BD nous présente réellement Médée dans toute sa complexité de femme, de mère mais aussi de sorcière. Elle remet en perspective l’image du héros antique et la construction de son mythe.
Finalement Médée mérite bien c’est 300 pages !
Finalement Médée mérite bien c’est 300 pages !
March 24, 2023
La réécriture de ce mythe est intéressante. Elle se détache du surnaturel pour présenter une réalité froide et violente, un drame où personne ne ressort heureux. Médée est une femme savante et intelligente, pas étrangère à la maladie mentale qui frappait son père.
Si l’histoire est prenante, je trouve le personnage de Médée trop contradictoire, d’un côté savante et rusée, de l’autre surprise des conséquences de ses actions. Et si la narration tente de l’éloigner de cette image monstrueuse qui l’accompagne en l’humanisant, le résultat reste mitigé, Médée étant tout du long une figure violente, tantôt froide et calculatrice, tantôt impulsive et frôlant la folie. Présentée comme telle, j’aurais pu apprécier la suivre comme les antihéros de House of Cards par exemple, mais là, j’avais le sentiment que le roman graphique cherchait à me faire compatir pour cette femme alors même qu’elle tuait à tire larigot.
Une lecture intéressante, plus pour son interprétation des mythes que son approfondissement du personnage.
Si l’histoire est prenante, je trouve le personnage de Médée trop contradictoire, d’un côté savante et rusée, de l’autre surprise des conséquences de ses actions. Et si la narration tente de l’éloigner de cette image monstrueuse qui l’accompagne en l’humanisant, le résultat reste mitigé, Médée étant tout du long une figure violente, tantôt froide et calculatrice, tantôt impulsive et frôlant la folie. Présentée comme telle, j’aurais pu apprécier la suivre comme les antihéros de House of Cards par exemple, mais là, j’avais le sentiment que le roman graphique cherchait à me faire compatir pour cette femme alors même qu’elle tuait à tire larigot.
Une lecture intéressante, plus pour son interprétation des mythes que son approfondissement du personnage.
December 26, 2024
Impressive. This is a retelling of Medea. I recognize her as part of the Jason and the Argonauts story. Somewhere along the way we also touch on Theseus. This is a retelling with minimal magic and mythology, really most of the magic is strictly around the framing of the story being told. The art serves the story as does the colors. The text was a little small for my taste, reading this in digital form on my monitor. It also had a pretty strong afterword.
November 22, 2025
Truly exceptional both in art and storytelling, would be an excellent companion piece to Madeline Miller's Circe, as both deal with mythical women seen through an analytical lens that strips away the myth and brings them into a real world, a world full of harshness and cruelty that tends to look down at willful, strong women and attempts to cut them down to size, only for those women to refuse to be broken.
And of course, tragedy ensues.
But such a story would not have worked had the artwork been anything less than stellar, and good lord does it deliver. The fine line work, the interplay between light and shadow, the color palette changing across the chapters of the book, everything is done with an incredible eye for detail. Just a feast for the senses really.
And of course, tragedy ensues.
But such a story would not have worked had the artwork been anything less than stellar, and good lord does it deliver. The fine line work, the interplay between light and shadow, the color palette changing across the chapters of the book, everything is done with an incredible eye for detail. Just a feast for the senses really.
December 22, 2023
Les graphismes sont incroyables, l'ambiance est géniale et c'est de la mythologie, que demander de plus ? L'idée de rendre l'histoire de Médée la plus réaliste possible c'était vraiment ingénieux, ça la rend plus sympathique.
June 20, 2025
Art was ok, story was meh. It is a translation, so I’m blaming that on some of the wonky dialogue. Felt really choppy and pacing was weird, but some parts were great. Read really fast so that’s gotta account for something.
July 20, 2024
A quick Google search of Medea shows a homocidal witch who betrayed her people and murdered her brother and her sons. And reading Hesiod's Theogony or Euridipes’ Argonautika you may get the same idea. This graphic novel delves deep into her origins and reads like an autobiography, shedding light onto a supposed murderous witch into a relatable woman of science fighting for her freedom and love against controlling kings and male centered societies.
October 15, 2024
I loved the entirety of this graphic novel and the approach they took to story telling. Highly recommend for those just entering the graphic novel category.
November 4, 2024
Une très bonne réécriture du mythe. J'ai adoré les dessins et l'histoire (bien que je la connaissais déjà) captivante. J'ai lu l'intégrale d'une traite et ai été un peu déçue quand ça s'est arrêté.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews