Graphic History: Joan Book I

Joan seemed an interesting selection to discuss for two reasons: (1) it's manga, but about European history, and (2) it deals with an interesting subject, Joan of Arc. But while I had high hopes going in, there was one overwhelming flaw that pulled me out of the story.

• The plot revolves around Emil, another girl dressed as a man, who follows in Joan's footsteps ten years later. The similarities don't end there. She was also raised by Baudricourt, the same man who ostensibly mentored Joan. She also talks to the dead Joan of Arc in visions.
  
• And I just have to ask: why? If you're going to do a story about a woman in Joan of Arc's period, who dresses as a man and goes to the same places, why not just do the story of Joan of Arc? As it stands, Emil is a pale shadow of Joan.
  
• It's not like freeing the story from Joan's specific events helps it any. Instead of some strong narrative pull, the reader just gets some meandering from one mild adventure to another.

As you can see, the art on this graphic novel is beautiful. But, in general, I can't help wondering if the story isn't trying a little too hard.