Immortality at all costs – review of the comic book “Knights of Heliopolis” vol. 1-2

A pinch of history and a handful of fantastic

The action of the Knights of Heliopolis takes place at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. Attempts were made to weave this story into the framework of the story to some extent, which is why historical figures such as Napoleon or the guillotined Louis XVI appear on the pages of the comic. The main character, the son of this ruler, is unique because he has two sexes. According to one of the alchemists, he is the chosen one whom they have been waiting for for centuries. This is roughly how the action of volume I begins. First we get to know the protagonist, and then we hear the story of the knight Heliopolis about his past. The situation is similar in the second volume. An interesting procedure is weaving into the course of the main story, quite a long story of another alchemist about his adventures with Napoleon.

Alchemicy

The main character is Louis XVII. Apart from him, there are nine alchemists: these are historical figures such as Imhotep or Nostradamus. Napoleon also turns out to be an important figure in the second volume. Generally speaking, the characters are one-dimensional. The protagonist is an arrogant individual, perfectly trained in combat. Somehow I did not like it in particular. I will say more, I am completely indifferent to his fate, because he is arrogant and devoid of charisma. Alchemists appear as law-abiding observers who are trying to protect the world and recruit more members to their association. Napoleon or Louis XVI are presented in a rather negative light and it is rather impossible to feel even a hint of sympathy for them.

What about Napoleon?

The graphic design has its charm, but I am not convinced personally. This is especially true of the depiction of the heroes. Their faces seem to me at times artificial, unrealistic. Nevertheless, there will also be much better moments, because Jérémy Periqueux cares about details. For example, the landscapes look phenomenal.

The release is at a decent level: hardcover, chalk paper and a suitable format that allows you to admire the Periqueux line. However, I saw an error in the text in one of the frames (“I will resign from participating in this duel”).

I also have doubts about the chronology. This is a fantastic comic, but since the author tries to place the action in time and gives the dates, it would be appropriate to stick to the reality to a greater extent. I am surprised, for example, that in the first volume, Louis XVII first steals the crown from Louis XVIII in 1814, and then after a few months he takes part in the coronation of Napoleon. It can be said that the historical background is highly arbitrary.

Would I like to be one of the Knights?

It’s not a bad comic. It has its moments. In my opinion, however, he is average and I do not feel the need to know the further fate of Louis XVII. The thread of the alchemists and their lofty texts also offend me. The heroes lacked charisma, they do not stand out from the crowd of other characters. An interesting idea, but the execution is not impressive. In the Knights of Heliopolis, I lacked any greater depth.