The Middle Ages A graphic guide

Coming to us from the Icon Books Graphic Guides series, this continues their tradition of combining scholarly expertise with reinforcing illustrations to create what is almost more an illustrated textbook than a comic. Dr. Janega, who readers might know from the blog Going Medieval, brings her expertise to bear, dispelling myths about the Dark Ages; spilling all the details about the rise and fall of cities, states, and empires; and introducing readers to an eclectic cast of characters from history (including some rather naughty saints). Importantly, the comic also addresses those often ignored or shunned in history--the collective Other--with sections on antisemitism, gender, and race. Black-and-white illustrations by Emmanuel, drawn in a mix of modern and medieval styles, add humor and useful context to the text. Full of gloriously bad jokes such as, "I said 'canon,' not 'cannon'! Did you go all the way to China for that thing?" this comic offers an enjoyable, comedic entryway into understanding the Middle Ages.