This month, Titan unleashes writer Jean-Pierre Pécau and artist Max von Fafner‘s trilogy Caesar’s Spy to English language readers in a complete omnibus format. Originally released between 2020 and 2022 as L’espion de César by French publisher Delcourt, it offers a visual treat for readers who enjoy gorgeously-rendered battle scenes and political intrigue.
Caesar’s Spy follows a warrior called Coax, a former Gaul slave who ends up in service to an ambitious young General Caesar as his troubleshooter. With each mission, Coax hopes to get closer to the vengeance he seeks, regardless of the consequences.
Pécau and Von Fafner are not entirely unknown names to English-language readers. Pecau is a prolific French writer of historical comics whose longest series, The Secret History [L’Histoire secrète] (with Igor Kordey), was released in English by Boom Studios’ Archaia imprint in the 2010s, releasing 20 of the series’ now-37 albums in omnibus format. Von Fafner is based in Serbia and has a lengthy career in French comics, having previously partnered with Pécau on instalments in ongoing anthology historical series L’Homme de l’année [Man of the Year] for Delcourt. In English, Von Fafner is best known for contributions to the Savage Sword of Conan anthology series published by Titan, as well as AWA & Futurific Studios’ Entanglement, written by Joshua Lak Kim and Ciara Ni Chuirc.
The Beat spoke to the pair about their partnership, the story of Caesar’s Spy, and its potential future.
Dean Simons: How did the two of you first meet and decide to work together on this project?
Max von Fafner: We had previously worked together for about four years and had three major historical projects behind us. Caesar’s Spy was the crowning achievement of our collaboration as an already well-established creative team.
DS: How did the idea of a Gaul serving General Caesar originate? And why this period, prior to his ascension?
Jean-Pierre Pecau: It is often thought that the war between the Romans and the Gauls was like our modern wars, which is entirely false. Caesar had Gauls in his troops, spies, translators and ambassadors. In the story, the hero, Coax, carries a heavy secret: he is cursed by the gods for something he did in the past – that we only discover at the end.
DS: The story intriguingly interweaves Roman politics with the motivations of Coax. How much did you need to research and how easily did the concept fall into place?
JPP: The Gauls and Romans knew each other well when Caesar began his conquest. Coax himself was familiar with Rome and its customs, and even had friends who had settled there. It would be wrong to believe that the ancient world was compartmentalised; all around the Mediterranean basin, people travelled, settled here and there, and knew each other very well.
DS: Max, what was your approach with designing the character of Coax? Did you have any specific instructions to work from? Was there much visual research for the series?
MvF: I already had extensive experience working with the subject of ancient Rome. For Coax, I did extensive research and based it on the historical figure of the great Gallic leader and warrior Vercingetorix.
DS: The comic has a number of elements that would make many artists hesitate – dense crowds, battlefield sequences, horses etc. What is your personal approach to mastering these? Did you find them difficult?
MvF: You’ve perfectly listed the elements that I love to do. I absolutely love challenges and complex scenes and plots. My love for comics and storytelling has guided me since childhood.
DS: Max, did working on Caesar’s Spy / L’espion de César have an immediate influence on getting the job drawing Conan in 2024 for John Arcudi? Are you a fan of Conan?
MvF: Oh yes, I’m a huge Conan fan, and I agree that Caesar’s Spy probably brought my talent to the forefront. Interestingly, the writers and editors I’ve worked with have always chosen me when they needed to do complex epic and historical themes with archetypal heroes freeing slaves or fighting for freedom. Why that is, I don’t really know, but I’m glad it is.
DS: The series was originally published as three albums between 2020 and 2022 – during the peak of COVID. How much did that period affect how you both typically work/collaborate and influence the overall direction of the story?
JPP: To be honest since we weren’t in the same country and everything was done online, I don’t remember COVID having any impact on our work. Perhaps, on the contrary, we had more time to work in peace!
MvF: Caesar’s Spy and Coax helped me a lot during that period. It was a very difficult period for me personally, and I lost a lot at that time. Coax inspired me with his strength and determination.
DS: How strong is the appeal for historical bande dessinée for you both personally and also in France more broadly?
JPP: It’s true that in France there is a lot of interest in history, and not just in comic books; history books and historical novels sell very well. Why is that? I don’t know the answer. But it should be noted that the vast majority of these stories are about the Second World War.
DS: At the end we see Coax’s personal quest for vengeance somewhat fulfilled, with the character walking away from Caesar, seemingly without a purpose. Are you tempted to continue Coax’s story? Where would he go considering everything he has done? Is there a continuation in the works?
JPP: At first glance, Coax’s adventures seem to be over, but it’s true that I had planned a sequel to his adventures until Caesar’s death. Perhaps one day!
Caesar’s Spy is out now from all good comic shops and bookstores
