The Secret History Omnibus 1: From the Dawn of Time to 1917

L'histoire Secrète #1-6

by Jean-Pierre Pécau, Igor Kordey (Illustrator), Manchu (Illustrator)

Four immortal brothers and sisters are entrusted with ivory cards in the dawn of prehistory by a dying shaman, and told never to use the cards together. Four immortal brothers and sisters, four archons, leaping through time, consumed in an epic struggle to influence and shape the history of Western civilization. From Moses’ challenge to the Pharaoh to the origin of the Grail myth; from the Pope’s extermination of the Cathars to Nostradamus’ travels in Italy; from the Spanish Armada and the Great Fire of London to Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt; and finally to the Angel of Mons appearing over the trenches of World War I. A secret occult history of the world told in seven chapters. Collects the first Secret History series in preparation for the second, coming in 2010.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Bande Dessinée

336 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2005

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel collection was very clever. The storyline was quite complex and a bit confusing, but was dynamic and interesting. Since there's a Volume 2, it didn't exactly resolve, but that's okay. The individual chapters themselves were a little up and down. Several (1, 3, 5) were really good, while others were disappointing. I also think I was expecting more paranormal stuff with mythological beasts and the like, although there was still a good mix. Overall, a decent read.

[David Schwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot. A good alternate history with a strong conspiracy element--basically mankind's history represents a big game played by four people (the Archons). Nice graphics. The text is a bit rough in places--probably due to it being translated from French.

[Thierry Sagnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a glorious two-volume illustrated history of the world as manipulated by four siblings who have the power to alter events and who fall prey to warring against each other. Beautifully drawn and very well translated from the French, it's a set of books that every graphic novel fan should own.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternate history with a little fantasy through in. It's huge and fairly complex, but once you get into it, you won't want to put it down.

[Virgopunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of the Euopean 'bande dessinee' style, I came across The Secret History years ago and was immiediatly hooked. I won't go to deeply into the plot (because it's huge) other than to say it tells the story of Aka, Reka, Dyo and Erlin, 2 sisters and 2 brothers who are made immortal during the Neolithic period. What follows is a massive story spanning time to the present day as they fight with each other and attempt to save humanity.

It's sounds pretty ho-hum, but in actuality this is an amazing tale that takes in Knights Templars, the French Revolution, WWI and II up to Watergate and all points in between, as they enagage in a battle of wits through time.

It's a pretty big commitment to complete all 20 volumes but its hugely rewarding as the characters are very well written and the artwork by Igor Kordey is also of a very high calibre. At the end of the day, whether you'll like it depends on whether you are interested in occult history and conspiracies but, due to the length it manages to create an absorbing story and characters that you become emotionally engaged with (not easy in the medium of graphic story telling.

I recently saw the Eternals movie and to me The Secret History is a far superior tale of immortals battling to protect humanity. I definitely recommend it.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this story and the concept behind it, but the pacing and character development could use a lot of work. Instead of really going in on the idea and teasing it out well and stringing certain characters along throughout, it's a rush to connect a million different points in history and jump from one action scene to the next.

[Anton Creemers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throwback naar mijn jonge woensdagen in de bib van Leuven (S/O Bibliotheek Etterbeek voor de volledige selectie!)
Eerste paar boeken wel te stroef om echt van te genieten ondanks al de historiciteit (de autobiografie van Cellini gekocht...), Vanaf Boek 6 (peak, ik denk dat Pécau Napoleon-kenner is??) begint het op volle toeren te draaien

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four immortal siblings are given the power to destroy the world and then use them to shape important historical events dating back to 1500 bc or something.

It is probably one of the most epic stories I've read with centuries going by between stories. I got kind of bored, and there was a lot if dialogue the dragged down the story.

Igor Kordeys art was great though. If I remember correctly he is a veteran of the conflicts in the Balkans. He was living in Winnipeg for a while, I wonder if he moved back to Europe.

[Heine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very ambitious story. I can't help but feel, though, that it falls a little short of its potential. Perhaps the storytelling - both in regards to writing and art - should have been a little clearer.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating series! Really enjoying this alternate history. Also, a plus that it's a European product. I enjoy the differing perspective.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, looking forward to the next volume.

[Anneleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

uitgelezen juli 2013