The Ghost King (Mirror Comics)
Written by Dominic Bercier
Illustrated by Dominic Bercier
Soundtrack by Nicholas Bercier
It is rare that changes come to the comic medium. Digital comics were a huge change, but even then, the main elements–serial artwork with sparse explanation in dialogue or narration–remained the same. Dominic and Nicholas Bercier are adding a third element to Ghost King, however. This book is meant to be read with a soundtrack. Needless to say, this piqued my interest, and I was not disappointed.
Ghost King is the story of a young warrior named Water Dragon who has been entrusted by the emperor of the Middle Country (China) to follow and capture or kill General Typhoon, a terrible and powerful fighter who has absconded south with the emperor’s army. On the way, he encounters several magical forces that either attempt to force him to turn back or aid him on his path. In the end, Water Dragon arrives at his destination and, in the heart of a dark temple, faces down his foe. Bercier’s writing in this novel feels like a traditional Chinese folk story. He has an obvious understanding of the cadence and style of period tales, which I always appreciate. The story, in true Chinese fashion, is elaborate and slow.
Water Dragon battles the Naga
The art in this book is a sketchbook style. To the quick initial glance, it may appear simplistic, but art deeper in the book belies this. The detail on the Naga and the Hindu temple showcase Bercier’s talent. I read the black and white edition of this book–the artist’s original vision for the piece–and I think the stark contrast of charcoal and pencil on paper gives the edge that the story needed. Interestingly, the subtitle of the novel is “A Book of Changes” which references the I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes. The original I Ching was a book used in cleromancy, a form of divination which uses six random numbers turned into a hexagram and arranged in sequence. Bercier’s key to the Ghost King symbols, at the end of the novel, is reminiscent of the I Ching.
A page from the I Ching
Cryptogram by Dominic Bercier
The last element of this collaboration is the soundtrack by Nicholas Bercier. While the edition of a musical dimension to a comic style book interested me, I have to say I was initially skeptical that it would add anything to the story. I was absolutely wrong about this. The story of Water Dragon as it is written and illustrated is heavy, and traditional. The music, while retaining some eastern elements, is modern and uplifting. My mood while reading the story was completely changed.
I was very pleased with this book, and I recommend that the book and the soundtrack be enjoyed together. Three out of five Death Stars.
Therefore I Geek 