The Armed Garden and Other Stories

David B., the creator of the acclaimed Epileptic, gives full rein to his fascinationwith history, magic and gods, not to mention grand battles, in this literate,witty, and absorbing collection of stories - all based on historical fact, or atleast historical legend, and delineated in a striking stylized two-color format.

"The Veiled Prophet": During the 8th century (the time of Harun al-Rashid,the Caliph of 1001 Nights fame), Hakim al-Muqanna, the lowly Persian fabricdyer, is assaulted and enveloped by a piece of white cloth come from the sky.When a bystander recognizes in the folds of the cloth the visage of Abu-Muslim,defender of the oppressed, al-Muqanna becomes a prophet and great leader- and within a year his followers have defeated seven armies sent to stop him!

"The Armed Garden," set in the 15th century, tells the story of the bloodyquest for a Paradise on Earth. Rohan, a humble Prague blacksmith, is visitedby Adam and Even who urge him lead his followers,soon dubbed "Adamites," on this mission.They soon must contend, bloodily, withthe rival Paradise-seekers the "Taborites," led byJohn Zizka.

"The Drum Who Fell in Love," a sequel ofsorts, begins with Zizka's death: His people havehim skinned and his skin stripped onto a drum,and the drum, speaking in Zizka's voice, leadsthe Taborites into battle anew. But the touchof a beautiful girl softens Zizka's spirit, and theunlikely couple begin a journey together.