In the graphic novel “Rage of Poseidon,” Anders Nilsen intertwines the mundane and tragic aspects of human life with the divine and ruthless nature of mythological gods, a theme that has been explored in various forms of literature and comics before. Nilsen reimagines ancient myths in a modern context to probe into questions about humanity and existence.
The book presents a series of short tales where classic Greek and Roman gods, along with Judeo-Christian figures, navigate through the complexities of human life by exhibiting qualities like confusion, vindictiveness, sensitivity, and self-destructiveness, despite their immortality.
What sets “Rage of Poseidon” apart is its unique accordion-like format, where each fold reveals a silhouette paired with a caption, resembling an art gallery installation mixed with ancient inscriptions. This visual storytelling technique simplifies complexity, infuses symbolism, and emphasizes the flawed nature of these mythical beings in a modern light.
Nilsen’s narrative style varies, utilizing different perspectives like second-person, first-person (from Zeus’s viewpoint in “Leda and the Swan”), and third person (from a juvenile God’s room in “The Flood”), adding layers of mystery and absurdity to the overall narrative. The ambiguous narrator and shifting voices lend a sense of intrigue and depth to the stories.
Through Nilsen’s concise and sincere writing combined with stark black-and-white imagery, the tales in “Rage of Poseidon” blend myth and modernity seamlessly, evoking iconic settings even in the most everyday places. The retellings of these ancient myths often culminate in tragedy but with a hint of dark humor, offering a comedic twist to the original somber tales.
Overall, “Rage of Poseidon” is a tribute to myth, a subtle commentary on religion, and a playful exploration of the intersection between ancient legends and contemporary life.
