5 books and comics to delve into myths and legends

1 Omul and Remaby Yves Sente and Jorge Miguel

With the saga Omul and RemaYves Sente and Jorge Miguel offer their own interpretation of the myth of Romulus and Remus. Like a mirror story around the beginnings of Rome, the authors twist the principles known to all by entrusting the destiny of this ancient city to two twin sisters. While retaining the divine dimension which surrounds the legend of the two enemy brothers, the saga of Omula and Rema is nevertheless imbued with a fascinating SF dimension, thus reminding our memory of a certain Dune.

Between SF universe, political conflicts, and futuristic legends inherited from Ancient Rome, as well as religion, this dense franchise offers, at the same time, a gripping political intrigue, while depicting the story of two rival sisters.

Almost Shakespearean, this comic strip tells a story mixing the codes of science fiction with ancient myths and legends. Even more, the political rivalry and the intimate resentment of the sisters give the story a particularly tragic tone, the consequences of which could have a major impact on the history of humanity. Exciting !

2 The figure of Dracula, Journey through the darknessby Robin Nègre

Dracula has never ceased to fascinate. This is why Third editions, written by Culture journalist Robin Nègre, have chosen to devote a beautiful work to him covering the different facets of the character, imagined by Bram Stoker in 1897. From the gestation of a myth to its evolution according to the times and the media, The figure of Dracula, Journey through darkness explores the metamorphoses of this dark legend in an unprecedented way.

Readers will undoubtedly sink their teeth into this book, which is as dense as it is complete. From the greatest literary works devoted to the emblematic vampire, to the most cult films, including series and video games, Robin Nègre deciphers this timeless myth. A must-have for enthusiasts, like the author, of this creature, which will also be entitled to a new iteration, as the holidays approach, in front of the camera of Robert Eggers, with Nosferatu.

3 Grimm, tales and legends, from Hachette Éditions

Christmas time is definitely a time for stories. So what could be better than delving into a very beautiful edition published by Hachette Heroes, bringing together the greatest stories and legends written by the Brothers Grimm?

In a substantial volume, the publishing house has, in fact, compiled the mythical stories of childhood as Hansel et Gretel, Little Red Riding Hoodor Tom Thumbin order to take readers on a journey through fantastic and extraordinary universes populated by creatures as exciting as they are frightening.

This beautiful work, bathed in the colors black, red and white, is also an opportunity to discover myths little known to the general public such as L’oie d’or, The fisherman and his wifeas well as The devil's golden hair. Varied illustrations matching each story also complete this volume, the cover of which should attract the eye of readers eager for the best tales during the holiday period.

4 La BD Erostratesby Martin Veyron

With this eponymous album, Martin Veyron presents a fable around the character of Erostratus, known throughout history for burning down the temple of Artemis in Ephesus in order to gain fame. Through a dense comic strip, the author takes readers into a scathing and political tale about the vanity of men. Published by Dargaud Editions, this comic strip narrates, in fact, the desire for fame through the character of Erostrate. His trial against the great sages thus serves as a demonstration to Martin Veyron in order to enlighten our time on the need for conceit.

Erostrates is also a real journey into history and myths which allows us to question both the past and the present. Moreover, in this approach, the author does not only focus on his main character, but also uses the contours of his story to bring out the legends of Antiquity. Gods and goddesses rub shoulders with the greatest philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle. Reality then mixes with fiction, while myths and legends join History.

5 Thorgal, Volume 42 – Özurr the Varangianby Yann and Frédéric Vignaux

the saga Thorgal continues his adventures. In November 2024, the 42nd volume was published by Le Lombard in which the valiant science fiction and heroic fantasy hero must face a former enemy returning to his native village. After 30 years of exile, the terrible Özurr is, in fact, ready to pay the price of blood in a merciless duel.

Thorgal will then have to face this new rival in a comic book with cold colors, but with a fluid narrative. A true return to the sources and faithful to the spirit of the original work, according to fans of the famous viking, this new volume is carried by the very beautiful drawings of Frédéric Vignaux, but also by the vitality, courage and strength of his characters. Between a successful transition album and the emergence of a new cycle, this comic could complete the collection of Thorgal aficionados this winter, or represent a very nice gift idea, under the tree, for neophytes wishing to delve into the universe of the most famous viking of the 9th art.