Full disclosure: I love the variations of the King Arthur stories. I have seen them done well, and not so well. I am also a fan of graphic novels and of mixing science fiction and fantasy. This genre-blending graphic novel by Mike W. Barr suited me to a T.
The legends of Arthur call him "The Once and Future King." It is said that in England's darkest hour he will return to lead the fight against evil. Barr takes this idea and runs with it.
It starts off in England in the year 3000 (hence the title). Earth is being invaded and the aliens seem intent upon killing all the humans. Young Tom, driven off the road by an attack, flees into an archeological dig in which he works. Getting lost in the tunnels, he finds the tomb of King Arthur.
Arthur searches for Merlin. Merlin reveals that the reincarnated souls of some of his court are currently alive. And so the search goes out for Guenivere, Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad, Percival, Kay, and Tristan. Merlin’s magic released their memories of Camelot and Arthur. The souls of Arthur’s court now inhabit the bodies of a very diverse group of people. It is not just a bunch of (formerly) dead white dudes. Tristan’s reincarnation as a woman is probably the most interesting—especially when the reincarnated Isolde is given her memory.
I found this to be full of some interesting twists and turns as Arthur and his knights work to save the Earth from the alien invaders. Intrigue abounds as post-modern life and chivalrous morals collide. And the old enemies that are behind it are less surprising than fitting.
I recommend this book whole-heartedly. It’s a lot of fun.
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