The Man in the Iron Mask

by William B. Jones Jr., Alexandre Dumas

A graphic novel that is based on the final section of the novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas, pere, which was itself based on the 18th century legend of The Man in the Iron Mask. The plot often involves D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers and an identical twin brother of King Louis XIV of France, and it is considered a sequel to The Three Musketeers. Beautifully illustrated, this classic tale will capture children's interest and spark their imagination inspiring a lifelong love of literature and reading.Optimized for Kindle devices and featuring Panel Zoom facility.

Genres: Classics, Graphic Novels, Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1850

Reviews

[Osama Siddique · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one quite matches the mystery, mood and impact of the clock and dagger mysteries and thrillers by Alexander Dumas. And yet while weaving tales that are essentially suspenseful and full of intrigue and drama he managed remarkable insights into human mind and its machinations such as in The Count of Monte Cristo. This novel is set in the mid seventeenth century and starts with twins born to King Louis XIII of France and his Queen. However, the identity of one of the children is kept concealed for as 'one prince is peace and safety for the state, two competitors are civil war.' So one child - Phillipe - is sent into exile to be raised secretly, and later, for his own safety, imprisoned in the Bastille under the name of Marchiali.

Many years later, it is while in captivity that Phillipe is secretly approached and confronted with news of his royal birth (which he suspected since childhood), and he is then promised support to regain his rightful rank and power. Interestingly, Aramis - a former member of the musketeers from Dumas's famous novel The Three Musketeers - is the key character L'Abbe D' Herblay who endeavours to restore Phillipe to power. Other famous musketeers D'Artagnan and Pothos also figure as the story unfolds. Phillipe is presented the choice of retiring to a peace and prosperity in the country or to seek the crown with its attendant risks of possible assassination and revolution.

What follows is the clandestine replacement of the weak and financially compromised king by Phillipe and the incarceration of the former in the Bastille in Phillipe's stead. Meanwhile, the man manipulating the replaced King, M. Fouquet, endeavours to rescue him out of a sense of loyalty. The enraged prisoner doesn't trust him since his kidnapping had taken place at his very house but is persuaded once he learns for the first time of the existence of his twin brother. A confrontation takes place between the brothers and Phillipe is exiled to an island and required to cover his face with an iron visor which he couldn't raise without peril of life. In abiding by it willingly and with courage, Phillipe proves himself to be as much of a king in dignity and spirit as the incumbent king.

This of course is the version of the comic book and the Dumas book is different in important details. This story is also inspired about an actual mysterious prisoner in French history who has inspired much speculation and literature. The real attraction of the story of course lies in the dreadfulness of political prisoners kept in enigmatic captivity for such long periods and the brutal exercise of power to preserve power and rule. The comic book has the conventional flavour and charm of this series in its artwork.

[Michelle Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes me back

I love these comics as a child. So glad they are available. Hope to have a complete electronic set. Fun

[dejah_thoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad adaptation. I'd hate having to draw all those ruffles though.

[Canavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

✭✭½