Gareth Brookes's Graphic Novel Reimagines the 1518 Strasbourg Dancing Plague

Gareth Brookes's graphic novel 'The Dancing Plague' revisits the 1518 choreomania outbreak in Strasbourg, where residents danced uncontrollably, sometimes to death. The work interprets the event through Mary, a composite character based on two medieval female mystics, who grapples with visions of Christ's passion. Brookes employs a distinctive visual style, blending colorful embroidered angels and satanic figures with black-and-sepia vignettes, creating stark contrasts, especially in scenes depicting the town square. The narrative incorporates Middle Age vernacular for comedic effect, such as the phrase 'By the grace of Christ’s foreskin!' It highlights the oppression faced by women, including mystics, during the medieval period, detailing physical and mental abuse from husbands, fathers, and clergy. Published by Self Made Hero, the softcover is priced at £15.99. The book explores historical interpretations of the plague, ranging from rebellion against the church to mass hysteria or divine punishment, but questions whether it offers new insights into this historical event or contemporary relevance.