In this album there are four independent stories that are all related to the Celts. For our era, the area where the Celts lived was large, not only Ireland and Great Britain but also a large part of the continent in Europe. Today, there are only a few areas that are really Celtic, these are Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. Of these areas, the Celtic language is still spoken in certain small areas in Ireland, part of Wales and a part of Brittany. These areas have their own folklore, myths and legends. These play a role in the stories that you can read in this album.
The first print of this album dates back to 1986, contains the stories 12 through 17 and is black and white. The reprint that I have read and discusse now is from 2003, contains the stories 14 through 17 and is colored (therefore, it is technically speaking not a second print, but also a first print). Although with Hugo Pratt graphic novels my preference usually goes to his black and white work, I do not think the color of this album is disturbing. It is quite light that I find very appropriate because Corto has a positive view on life. It is also done neatly.
I noticed that in this album Corto is in charge of the story. He was still the key figure in 'In the Sign of the Capricorn' and 'The Ballad of the Silver Sea', in this album he is further helping the story, rather than a prominent leading man. In this story, Corto is clearly a spectator. Yet he get’s the lead halfway through the story 'Concert in O-Minor for Harp and Nitroglycerin’. The story already has developed to it’s crucial moment when Corto steps in to help Sinn Fein in Ireland's independence struggle.
The other stories are set during the First World War. And as you may know, if you've read more of my reviews, this is my favourite period in history. I am also pleased that Pratt has carefully examined the history before telling the story. For example, in 'Cotes the units and roses or Picardy' is shown the death of legendary German flying ace Baron Manfred von Richthofen. There are indeed indications that he was struck by one bullet in the heart, probably coming from a machine gun on the ground. But Pratt uses this for an interesting plot twist.
As for the drawings, it looks neater than I am used from Pratt. It lacks the scratch of his previous work. I suspect that this album has been edited later on because it had to be colored, but I’m not sure. I do not know the 1986 version of this graphic novel. Who has read it may clarify it in the comment box below.
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Theme: Adventure
Links:
The Celts on Catawiki
Hugo Pratt on Wikipedia
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