… Other than graphic novelizations of the Shakespeare plays set in “Italy” does anyone know of English-language graphic novels set in or about Italy?
Thank you!
Endless Nights by Neil Gaiman had one story (Death’s tale, illustrated by P. Craig Russell)) set in Venice.
Torpedo 1937 is mainly set in New York, but has many flashbacks to the protagonist’s childhood in Italy.
There are several graphic novels by Milo Manara set in Italy. But this is kind of a cheat - Manara is Italian and his work has been translated into English.
Several episodes of the French comic series Asterix play in ancient Rome. They have been translated into English.
Master Keaton is set in Japan, England and Italy. Aria is set on a terraformed Mars, that is fashioned to be like Venice.
The Corto Maltese graphic novel “Fable of Venice” by Hugo Pratt is elegant. It mixes up a treasure hunt with the rise of the fascist movement, tosses in some mysticism and secret societies, and then slaps a murder mystery right on top. Very elegant. The art is quite fine, some of the best black-and-white art ever, backing up some of the finest “intrigue” writing.
Okay, to be honest, the art is a little sketchy at times. The actual printing plates weren’t produced as well as they should. Those of you who have the joy of knowing the other Corto Maltese books – Banana Conga, Voodoo for the President, etc. – will easily see the difference.
I put that in a spoiler box to warn you that these scans give away some of the secrets of the story’s ending! It’s safe till about halfway down.