Anglo-Saxons, Graphic Novels & Fables

"I will take from you your heart of stone."

The days of drawing Theseus are dwindling. Theseus Vol. 3 is over half complete now, and I’m churning through pages quickly now that I’ve finished working on a 2024 graphic novel that I still haven’t gotten clearance to talk about. But Theseus is posting regularly at theseuscomic.com where you can catch up on pages. And I’m running a sale on the hard copies of Vol. 1 & 2 over at Carthage Workshop.

A New Project Looms

With Theseus going through it’s final stages, and five years of work coming to its culmination, I’ve now begun researching for a new graphic novel set in the year 793AD in Anglo-Saxon England. I’ve been thinking about this story for years, and I intend it to be my magnum opus, my masterwork.

I’ve also dreamed of a way to make a story about faith and holiness that is beautiful, moving, challenging, and entertaining. This is my true and full effort to do so.

As the image indicates, I’m keeping a detailed journal of its creation for Patreon patrons. It’s far too granular and detailed (and filled with spoilers) to subject everyone on a email list to it, but for those interested in process, historical research, and the day to day drawing process —I’ve set it up to share.

As for the book itself, let me give you a brief pitch:

In 793AD Vikings raided the English coast, landing at the Holy Island, a quiet monastery called Lindisfarne. A handwritten, beautifully illustrated copy of the Gospels was kept in the abbey, lost its cover but survived, possibly during the raid. My story attempts to answer the questions behind that collection of the Gospels, following the journey of a Thane, converted from paganism and in search of the meanings of penance and holiness as he seeks to lose his “heart of stone.” His tale and journey will be draped in the fables, creatures, and myths of the English isles, the Germanic and Nordic traditions, and the history of Christianity in Britain.

I’ll also be drawing it entirely on paper, with watercolor instead of digital coloring, inspired by great medieval-themed works like the monumental Prince Valiant by Hal Foster.

As I study history, learn Old English (including runes) and write the story, you can follow along if that’s your sort of thing. And I’ll send out occasional updates here as Theseus finishes, Petracor begins, and other projects become available like more Panomachea decks.

Thank you for all your help and support.

J. Holt