Genre
Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction
Audience
Ages 13 and Up (contains some gore & war related violence)
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2019
Themes
Joan of Arc, medieval history, heroism, saints, apparitions, French history

Reviewed by

Courtney Guest Kim
The Mission of Joan of Arc opens in the middle of the action at the crisis point of 15th century French history, with the siege of Orléans. Visually, the vantage point is that of the French soldiers defending the medieval city from the top of its ramparts. They can’t hold out much longer against the English troops. We learn from these French defenders of a prophecy about a Maid of Lorraine, who will save France. Then the illustrations cut to young Joan, receiving a vision of Michael the Archangel. At first, she refuses the strange commission to put the French crown prince on his rightful throne. She prays to St. Catherine for advice. And the rest is history….

Part one of this graphic novel goes on to tell how Joan overcomes the skepticism of the French leaders. She cuts her hair and dresses like a soldier—a decision that will have fateful results. A revelation shows her the location of an ancient sword buried at the church of St. Catherine. She claims this sword as her own, although she herself does not kill anyone in battle, despite being on the front lines, leading the French troops. At the height of success, she receives a supernatural warning of her own future suffering and personal defeat, which will however contribute to the success of her mission.

Part two takes us back to the city of Orléans after it has been captured by the English. Now the roles are reversed, and Joan is leading the French troops in the assault to take back the city. She is victorious, and as a result, the French prince is crowned Charles VII. He himself is no saint, and the political intrigues of the day result in the betrayal of Joan, who is captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English. Imprisoned in Rouen, she is charged by her captors as a heretic and interrogated for weeks. Condemned to death, she is burned at the stake on 29 May 1431. The final image is of Joan both burning and beholding St. Michael in heaven, calling to Jesus.

Voyage Comics’ interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and an afterword gives some background about that source material, as well as filling in some historical details. (Declared innocent by the Church in 1456, St. Joan of Arc was canonized in 1920.) The dynamic, vivid illustrations capture the sheer energy of the life and times of the peasant girl who would become a saint. The medium of the graphic novel makes it possible to apprehend the brutality of her environment and the mysterious quality of her calling, without such shocking images as to make the narrative unsuitable for young readers. It is an excellent rendition in its faithfulness to source material. Both the knowledgeable adult reader already familiar with Joan’s story and the young comic book fan with no prior information can enjoy and learn from this fantastic resource: a saint’s life truly brought to life by the intertwined narrative and visual art of the graphic novel.

Live and Let Bite Review by Declan Finn

The battle with the demons of San Francisco left Marco broken and now Amanda isn’t answering his messages.

Secrets Visible and Invisible, An Anthology 

Tales of courage, compassion and virtue in compelling and naturally engaging Y.A. short stories.

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

North Pacific: A Story of Life, Love, Suffering, and Grace by Michael Steffan

Joseph & Miku’s love was already illegal. Then WWII began. Now home, disabled, and questioning God’s love, he still searches for her.

The River of Life by Diana González Tabbaa

The death of little Anthony’s father shakes his faith until a heaven-sent friend helps him find his way back to God.

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?

Battle for his Soul by Theresa Linden

Bereft of a mother & betrayed by his twin, Jarret fights for a place to call home, unaware a supernatural war threatening to damn him to hell itself.

Me, Ruby & God; A Journal of Spiritual Growth by Linda Crowley

A beautiful memoir about the love of God and the love of a good dog.

Secrets of Successful Financial Planning by Dan Gallagher

“Where the heart is, there will your treasure be.” Uncover what is most important to you regarding your money.

The Grace Crasher by Mara Faro

The Grace Crasher is the ecumenical romantic dramedy that everyone who has ever had family members in split churches needs to read.

Treason by Dena Hunt

When the Queen Elizabeth’s agents are sent to investigate a small town, Protestant & Catholic alike must work together to avert tragedy.

Freedom & Responsibility in “Citizen of the Galaxy” by Robert Heinlein

One of the masters of science fiction delivers a story exploring the limits of freedom and the ongoing battle against fallen human nature.

680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone

Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?

I, Claudia By Lin Wilder

Will the extraordinary events lead the wife of Pontius Pilate, Claudia Procula, to the Son of God?

The Saving Power of Suffering By Father Jacob Powell

A Catholic guide to taking up our cross and following Jesus.

Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush

She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

Navigating Deep Waters: Meditations for Caregivers Jeannie Ewing and Eileen Benthal

If you’re a care-giver for a chronically sick family member or friend, this book is for you and your healing.