The critique of a flawed government is timeless. Its harm is vast, spanning the pain caused by bad governance and the missed opportunities good leadership should have delivered. This reflection remains fresh in the current climate, echoing through discussions that touch politics and society alike across centuries. The line of thought traces back to the medieval thinker Ramon Llull, whose Book of Monsters offers a fable where animals speak to reveal the human condition and the struggle for power. The work endures as a universal mirror of behavior, warning that the ascent to power often reshapes those who seek it. In the realm of Catalan letters, the graphic artist known for bold storytelling has taken on this material to craft a contemporary edition that respects the original while translating it into a visual language for modern readers.
“Book of Monsters” / “Llibre de les besties”
In a careful reimagining that stays true to the text, the material is presented in a vivid graphic form, available in Catalan, Spanish, and French. The edition includes multiple covers and a foreword by a Llull scholar, who explains how the parallels with today are inevitable. The tale shows creatures gathering to choose a king, with the herbivores favoring a horse while the carnivores lean toward a lion. A wily fox seizes the moment to press his own agenda, climbing the machinery of power to fulfill his ambitions and avoid accountability. The creator notes the bridge to Llull’s themes, drawing on the historical context of governance and moral choice.
Power is framed as temptation. The commentary suggests that politics, at its core, is a battlefield where different social strata and interests vie for control. Some characters speak, others stay quiet, and hierarchies shape every move. The narrative reflects how a society organizes itself—whether in a royal court or a political party—around leaders and their deputies, with the many observing or playing along in different roles. The examination becomes a candid portrait of how power corrupts and how groups rationalize their choices in pursuit of influence.
The animals in the fairy tale also visit the human king. The artist believes the Llull material carries a provocative edge, showing the creatures confronting moral failure in their new political arena. They witness jealousy, greed, cruelty, and a lack of compassion, all of which challenge the notion of a just rule. The work invites readers to rethink how leaders are chosen and the ethical price of those choices.
Gender and voice
One notable artistic decision is a shift in gender portrayal for a central character. The fox, traditionally male in the origin, is reimagined with a female identity in this adaptation. This character remains driven by a desire for power, yet is portrayed with cleverness and agency that propel the story forward. Other figures receive nuanced treatment, highlighting how roles and perspectives shape the narrative without diminishing the overall message.
The creator explains a broader aim: to translate Llull’s monumental work for a wider audience by pairing it with illustration. The goal is to keep the essence intact while letting the artwork interpret the themes, offering a readable, respectful homage that ensures the material remains accessible for future generations.