The Secret History Books 1-6 (of 13 Released)

is a European comic book series republished in the US by Archaia Press, just like and the cycles. It was originally planned for seven issues but proved to be so popular they released an issue #8 in April of 2010 and it seems it is now an ongoing. This comic book series is written by Jean-Pierre Pécau, and the artists are Igor Kordey (issues #1, 2, 6, and 7), Goran Sudžuka and Geto (issue #3), and Leo Pilipovic (issues #4 and 5); Carole Beau colors it (with some help from Isabelle Rabarot), Edward Gauvin translates it, and Marshall Dillon letters it (with some help from Joyce El Hayek and Scott Newman). Essentially the story is this: 5000 years ago, an old man gives four runestones to four children to keep them from falling into the wrong hands (their village is being pillaged). The runes are: the Chalice, the Lance, the Sword, and the Shield. The children who receive them are, respectively, Dyo, Reka, Aker, and Erlin. The shaman implores them never to use the runes together and never let them rule their hearts, but once he dies, the children go on their own separate ways, plotting and scheming to collect all four runestones and posess ultimate power, down through the ages--the rune-holders, or archons, as they're called, seemingly given immortality by the runes. Each book is a standalone story in itself, at the same time tying the threads of forward story development. Pecau brings the reader through several key events in history, inserting historical facts, events and figures then weaving them into his stories as part of the archons machinations--and therein lies the interest and fascination that the comic book holds. Characteristic of European comics, emphasis is on story and plot development--most obviously and recently encountered in Matz's and its sequel, (allegedly soon to be a major Hollywood motion picture starring Brad Pitt). Characteristic, too, of European publications, the artwork does not draw attention to itself but perfectly blends with the storyline to give a compelling narrative. None of the socko-4-page action spread one would expect from Marvel here. Despite heavy themes at times, this comic book series is an interesting read, just like its other imported cousins. Thus far 6 books/issues of the 13 already published have been scanned and released, all by Vague Prophet--and very good quality scans they are, too; the remaining books are definitely something to look forward to. The 6 books and their titles are: Book 1 - Genesis Book 2 - Castle of the Djinns Book 3 - The Grail of Montsegure Book 4 - The Keys of St. Peter Book 5 - 1666 Book 6 - The Eagle and The Sphinx The books/issues are packed by twos into 3 RAR archives.


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