Wagner, Matt and Hadley, Amy Reeder. Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted. New York: Vertigo/DC Comics, 2009. 240 pages. $12.99 ISBN 9781401222918
Readers Annotation: Over the centuries, Madame Xanadu has used magic, divination and spirit to influence great world events. However, her frustration with "The Stranger" causes her to allow great evil to enter the world.
Plot Summary: From before the time of ancient Druids in Britain, Nimue has used her magical divinations to guide her on her path of imortality. Her first encounter with "The Stranger" causes her to ensnare her beloved Merlin, fleeing, a wanderer over the centuries. She is welcomed in Khubla Khan's Asia as a revered seer, and renames herself Madame Xanadu. Here "The Stranger" enlists her help and that of Marco Polo to prevent bad relations between East and West. She then flees to France during La Revolution, but it seems that her divinations come too late. She makes a pact with Death to keep her on earth to be of help to humanity. She later finds herself in Victorian England and 20th century New York City. Each place she travels, she finds herself face to face with the ellusive "Stranger" who infuriates her more and more each meeting. Although both of their intentions are "pure" they find themselves unable to work together to save humanity. In the end, her actions will lead to the creation of a great evil.
Critical Evaluation: Madame Xanadu creatively incorporates magic, divination and history to tell a piece meal story of world history. Not so much an alternate history as it is a suggestion of outside influences that cause history to happen. The illustrations are fantastic, and Madame Xanadu's costumes, while always green when doing something magical, reflect the costumes of the era she is in. It is interesting how the authors combine fantasy with real history to explain the influence magic had in certain events. Although a bit graphic at times in the gore and mild sexuality, it is nothing when compared to movies being made with real graphic imagery. Madame's speech is eloquent, and while she does use magic to influence events she uses her own strength, determination and power to get things done. She portrays a woman who steadfastly hopes to keep the world in balance and bring as little harm as possible. Not necessarily a good role model, but the kind of empowering character teens could use.
Information about the Author: Matt Wagner is most famously known for his work on Grendel, Sandman Mystery Theater and his creation of Mage. Since the early-80's he has become well known in the comic world as one of DC Comics best authors and illustrators. Amy Reeder Hadley is the main illustrator for Madame Xanadu. Her works include Madame Xanadu for Vertigo and Fool's Gold for Tokyo Pop. She is in the best of both worlds as an illustrator for the manga world and also for the world of comics.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Age Level: Mature readers, ages 16 and up
Curriculum Ties: No curriculum ties.
Book talking ideas: Discuss the benefits of learning about history through fantasy. Does it change the truth of history when surrounded by magical elements?
Challenge Issues: There are some instances of crude sexuality including rape, but they reflect the savagery of the times in which they're committed. It may, however, cause some parents to frown upon their teens reading this graphic novel.
Why I included it: When the first issue came out a year ago I was hooked on it, but didn't read the rest of the issues until the graphic novel came out. I am fascinated by the combination of magic, fortune telling, and lore from different cultures but also love the powerful female character. Although this graphic novel is considered more of an adult book, I found that there is often a cross over between what are considered teen graphic novels and adult graphic novels.
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