Publisher: Image Comics
Writer/Artist: Jonathan Hickman
I can’t say that I’ve ever read a trade quite like Pax Romana. Not only is the story truly unique, but its style and imagery are set apart. It’s a big concept for anyone to tackle, especially a relatively unknown and inexperienced author like Jonathan Hickman. After reading the first few pages, I wasn’t sure he could pull it off. The very idea of rewriting history, starting nearly 2,000 years ago, seemed ludicrous… but boy did Hickman pull it off.
This isn’t the kind of endeavor you embark on without some research and foreknowledge of the subject matter. And though I can’t say how much Hickman knew and how much he learned for the story, he certainly conveys his expertise. There’s no doubt left in your mind as the reader that you’re being spoken to by a master of the subject matter.
I consider myself a well-versed fan of the graphic novel format (having read far too many comics and novels) and this is the first time I’ve felt a true synergy of two forms was reached. He pulls elements of graphic tales and foundations of novel- and novella- writing into this solid, flowing form. If Michael Crichton, may he rest in peace, had written graphic novels, this would be his style. We’re inundated with timelines, secret conversation transcripts, and historical facts amidst a quickly-moving storyline. All the while our eyes feasting on the stylized, artful images of the characters and the world they’re building.
Here’s a quick introduction to the book:
Imagine 50 years in the future, as the power of the Pope and his church dwindles, millions of dollars from the church are poured into scientific research in the hope of some kind of breakthrough that will win back souls and the authority of the church. Then picture that investment paying off in the form of time travel. So what to do with this newfound power? Send a massive special ops force back to the time of Constantine, and the foundation of the Catholic Church, to rewrite history and solidify the power and pomp of the church. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned.
Regardless of your stance on the Catholic Church, it’s important to remember that they were the staple image of Christ’s presence in this world for quite some time, as evidenced by the history presented in this book. We all know the travesties that have befallen the world at the hands of bad priests, worse popes, and poorly executed policies. In some way, I’m sure we would jump at the chance to go back and change those things, to avoid the catastrophes and failures of anyone who acted in the name of the Savior. But as the book lays out, even saving lives involves making a lot decisions about who’s bad, who’s good, who lives, and who dies.
Pax Romana is really a story of the church’s salvation, not man’s. The men sent back to change the course of Catholicism decide that they must do more than that. The power they’ve been given must not be so provincial. If it is truly the will of God which sends them back, then all men should benefit from the gift of hindsight. They honor the Catholics by saving the world from poverty, famine, disease, and war. Sure, they make some mistakes, and things don’t change easily, but the possibility and hope of freedom keep those who understand focused.
It’s hard to say this story has a happy ending. It’s not sad or depressing, it’s just unexpectedly simple, and deeply reflective. Watch especially the lineage of who comes to rule and rule honorably the race of man. Just like the lineage of Christ, it’s hardly the deeply religious and upstanding citizen whose children bring peace to the planet.
History is changed, in a truly foundational way, and arguably for the better. But you still feel as if there should be more. More story, more revelation, more time in this fascinating universe. Here’s hoping Hickman delivers on that hope, but until then it’s a book worth reading over and over.
For a more in-depth look at the creators and content of this book, check HERE.
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