pickAndrea Offermann‘s illustrations for M. T. Anderson‘s YVAIN: THE KNIGHT OF THE LION are astoundingly lovely, and the adaptation of the De Troyes epic is beautifully done. #illustration #art #arthurianlegend
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Yvain: the Knight of the Lion | 
pickAndrea Offermann‘s illustrations for M. T. Anderson‘s YVAIN: THE KNIGHT OF THE LION are astoundingly lovely, and the adaptation of the De Troyes epic is beautifully done. #illustration #art #arthurianlegend
pickI did my thesis on Chretien de Troyes, so I was super excited that MT Anderson had done a graphic novel retelling. Unfortunately, there was something awkward about Anderson‘s dialogue, like he was caught between a traditional medieval style and 21st century colloquialism. I kind of wish he‘d just chosen one or the other. It was Andrea Offermann‘s GORGEOUS art that elevated it from a so-so to a pick. It really is a stunning book.
"I shall speak of love and of hate. It is truly a marvel, but I tell you, hatred and love may live cramped together, crouching in the same heart. There are many secret chambers in our hearts where love can hide and many battlements where hate can stand, watching for enemies. There was once an age when love was honorable. Or so I've heard."
so-soThis was a nice little dip into Arthurian Lore, exploring the character of Sir Yvain who I wasn‘t familiar with. Sir Yvain sets off from King Arthur‘s court to avenge his cousin and meet an unknown foe in combat. This leads to a unwieldy turn of events that explore the notions of honour and loyalty (as all good Arthurian tales do!).
pickI went through a phase in high school where I read tons of Arthurian stuff, but I either missed this legend or forgot it. It had some really beautiful artwork throughout and an Author‘s Note that I found helpful in understanding some of the context.
pickWhat a cool story! Loved the illustrations and the retelling of this tale in graphic novel format.
I enjoyed this video. At the end, he mentions other Breton myths like the undead cat and the ghost of someone's wooden leg. 😀
https://youtu.be/zg70W_P-tEc
pickA rich, evocative retelling of one of the Arthurian tales, presented in a way that highlights the differences between men's and women's lives. A happily-ever-after for the knight is merely obligation and constrained options for the queen. It's bitter and I prefer this kind of story over traditional romance. Translation from Old French; gorgeous graphic novel art.
The twelfth century was a brutal time. I appreciate that severe injuries to men and beasts are portrayed in this graphic novel, even though it's disturbing. Andrea Offermann's digitally-manipulated ink and watercolour artwork is outstanding.
so-so... or so I heard.
I enjoyed reading about the knights adventures, but the experience was soiled by the ending: His wife is forced to stay with him—even though he betrayed her and she no longer loves him—because she was tricked into swearing it.
