The Third Testament is a French graphic novel of mystery and conspiracy. It takes place in 1306 during the dark ages a time when sciences and knowledge were neglected and the Catholic Church ruled over states, morals and people believes.
The story follows a mysterious man, Conrad of Marbug, who 20 years earlier had escaped death by the Catholic Inquisition, and who has been living hiding from everyone. He is summoned by an old friend, the bishop of Paris, to investigate a slaughter of monks who had previously discovered a strange artifact hidden in a crypt in their monastery. Marbug does not want to get involved with any of the church's business and does not accept. All of a sudden the bishop is killed and Marbug has to escape taking with him his friends protégé, Elizabeth of Elsenor. Marbug suspects his friends death has to do with the slaughter of monks and the mysterious artifact. Both Marbug and Elizabeth decide to search the truth and avenge the bishop. What follows is an adventure with the two protagonists travelling to Spain and Scotland searching for clues as to the location of the artifact which they then realise has something to do with the Third Testament.
Opinion: an entertaining, interesting and gripping story. The setting and atmosphere perfect for a mystery, action novel. I liked the main protagonist and how the authors constructed him. His past, made him what he is now and we can see that in his conviction to resolve the mystery. One thing though is Marbug's face resembles that of Sean Connery in the Name of the Rose movie. When I read the first volume of the novel I felt Umberto Eco vibes in the air but then I discarded them as this story focuses more on action and there is less brain power in the discovery of the Third Testament than strength and political negotiations. I have to say though that the graphic novel contains a good dosis of religious mysticism, and elements of supernatural existence, hmm maybe, not sure... find out reading the books.
The female protagonist, Elizabeth, while being fun to see was a character out of place and time. To start her physical appearance and her attitude and behaviour were that of a 21st century young girl. While all the male characters wore clothes of their time and weather she wore tight clothes not warm enough for winter let alone heavy snow storms. Also, she was never treated as second class human but with respect and as equal to men. Of course this aspect of the novel reduced its credibility because we all know how women have been treated in history.
All in all a good fun read for fans of mystery stories and medieval settings.
By the way, the art is outstanding. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I loved the landscapes and the almost impossible perspectives of the high castles and mountains. A pleasure to see.
My edition was published by Titan Comics, in 4 shrank (why!!!) albums.
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