So to continue these posts on the theme of Caligulasploitation - which is apparently a thing, seeing as the film Caligula got not 1, not 2, but three (unofficial) sequels I want to talk about the comic Caligula (no connection to the films) or how much it disappointed me
Behind a cut, because I never shut up, also - spoiler warnings
I touch on the topic of rape here, just a heads up if such things upset you
Written by David Lapham and illustrated by German Nobile
So the premise of this comic was really cool - Caligula falls ill, a demon makes him better but possesses him, then everything goes really bad, really fast.
Oh yeah, and Incitatus is a demon too. Which is just brilliant, tbh
It’s a horror story and this is the first time I’ve seen any media do a horror theme in Ancient Rome. I’ve seen sci-fi set in Rome, but never horror.
It’s a pretty basic plot but I was into how it was obviously making a nod towards how the real Caligula fell ill and “went mad”. It seems the creators did a fair amount of research.
The art is really, really nice - Nobile is incredibly skilled.
Unfortunately I find it really hard to recommend this comic.
There is a LOT of sexual violence, most of the time it’s completely un-needed, in my opinion. I’m not adversed to media going into dark subjects, but I feel that a certain level of respect is needed when you’re depicting them. Just felt really played for the shock than anything else. Cheap.
It’s six issues long, and probably because of that, certain moments felt rushed - there was sections of the story that I wish was expanded and developed on more.
I’m disappointed in this comic because as I said above - this was the first time I’ve seen horror tied in with Ancient Rome and that’s SUCH a cool concept. I’d really like to see more of this sort of thing?
It didn’t hit the mark for me, and I’m just sad such a unique concept was - in my eyes - wasted and didn’t reach it’s full potential.
But yeah, if you plan to read it be aware there’s a lot of gore (if you’re familiar with Lapham’s work, that won’t be a shock) and the aforementioned sexual violence.
brainlet: If you feel like it I'd be interested in reading some recs!
It’s 1am here right now, but I will absolutely come back to this - I wanted to make some “masterposts” on various media set in Rome, such as comics and the like anyway
Just posting this to remind myself because oh my god is my memory so awful
The great thing about that film is - at least in my experience and for some of my friends - as soon as you say you study Roman history, people instantly are all “SO LIKE, ORGIES? LIKE CALIGULA”
Then you can be “No, friend, real Roman history is even more weird than that film. Let me take you on a journey”
Everyone always hyperfocuses on Caligula when it comes to “weird Roman films” but there’s so man really old films, from like the 20s-30s that are just “what?”
It’s been a while since I watched it but iirc, Signs of the Cross had some trippy surreal moments, like when Nero was watching Rome burn
Maybe one day I’ll do a stream of a bunch of films set in Rome, might be fun?
The great thing about that film is - at least in my experience and for some of my friends - as soon as you say you study Roman history, people instantly are all “SO LIKE, ORGIES? LIKE CALIGULA”
Then you can be “No, friend, real Roman history is even more weird than that film. Let me take you on a journey”
gummygunk
titsay
2087
ellievsbear
