(EDITOR’S NOTE: Sometimes the best comics and graphic novels don’t come from big publishers like Marvel and DC.

Today, Paint Monk’s Library scribe Bob Freeman takes a look at the three-part serial graphic novel called “Amiculus” by Ohio native Travis Horseman and popular artist Giancarlo Caracuzzo, whose resume includes work for Marvel, DC and Image Comics. The series was created by Horseman via three different Kickstarter campaigns from 2015-2017. You’ll find Amazon links to each volume in the image gallery contained in the review.)

By BOB FREEMAN – Paint Monk’s Library Writer

I received the three volumes of Amiculus: A Secret History from our esteemed and fearless leader, Wally Monk, some time ago. I apologize for just now getting around to reviewing them, but, well, you know, life sometimes gets in the way.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but if you look out the window, Rome is burning. The pandemic is one thing, but the civil unrest, well, if that’s not ‘barbarians at the gates’, well, what is?

In that light, Amiculus is even more powerful. I hate clichés, but the old adage about history repeating itself sure seems prescient right now.

Amiculus is a three-volume graphic novel series written and created by Travis Horseman, with skillful draughtsmanship from artist Giancarlo Caracuzzo. The story concerns itself with the fall of Rome but written as a sort of “lost history” of the events surrounding the Imperial collapse.

Historical accuracy is interwoven with wild speculation and dramatic license to create an intricate tapestry of conspiracies within conspiracies. It is a tragedy. A story of loss and betrayal.

It’s also pretty darn good.

Artistically, Giancarlo Caracuzzo’s architecture and costumes take center stage and are the highlights of the tale, but wonderfully complimenting the art are the color choices of Flavia Caracuzzo. With a muted palette accentuated by warm pastels and thematic shifts, there is an emotional weight to the work as the father/daughter team blends color and contrasting line weights to create an immersive composition.

As for Horseman’s story, his historical detail is impressive, and the narrative additions are compelling. The characters are vibrant, believable, and the intricacies of the court are riveting.

My one complaint is in the use of more ‘colorful’ language. While I am far from prudish in regard to cursing, each instance pulled me right out of the story. It just seemed out of place and made the book one I would be hesitant to share with young readers, which is a shame.

The first volume, titled “Roma Aeterna“, introduces us to Procopius of Caesarea, a historian riding with the Eastern Roman army of Byzantium, sixty years after the Fall of Rome. Intent on discovering the fate of the twelve-year-old Emperor, Romulus, and of what events led to Rome’s collapse, the historian is led to the boy’s secret journals, beginning a sordid tale where one figure stands at the center of it all — Amiculus.

Volume two, “Flagellum Dei“, delves deeper into Amiculus’ origin, as he leads the barbarian Odoacer effortlessly through the secret breach in Rome’s defense, signaling the end of its dominance. While the title character remains in the shadows, the stage is filled with fascinating characters including, and most prominently, the Boy-Emperor’s father, Flavius Orestes.

The final volume, “Damnatio Historiae“, reveals the secret of Amiculus and the true fate of Rome as Odoecer storms the palace gates. As Procopius learns the awful truth, and the reader is immersed wholly into this alternate history, there is an emotional resonance that settles on you. To say more would be to ruin the tale for those who would read it, and read it they certainly should.

All in all, this is a series I would highly recommend. Horseman has some real writing chops, and the Caracuzzos do an amazing job of bringing his narrative to life. And with everything that’s going on in the world, it’s a very timely read.

On a scale of 1-10, the trio of Amiculus graphic novels get a solid 9 from me.