The graphic novel I selected is “Cleopatra.” Using the graphic novel format it examines the life of Cleopatra, and the impact she had on Egypt. Her life was defined not only by her contributions to her country but also by the contributions, positive and negative, that Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Octavian had on her life.
I was able to design the spine, flaps, and back cover fairly easy. I used the color black for the spine and back cover to represent a sense of mourning for the death of Cleopatra, and I used a soft brown for the inside flaps to bring to life the desert feel. However, when it came time to design the front cover, I had no idea where to begin. This graphic novel was so full of great information that I was at a lost of what should go on the front. I started with looking at what comes to mind when people think of Egypt. Most would say the pyramids and so this is where I started. Next, I knew that Cleopatra needed to go on the front somewhere, but I did not fully know where or in what context she should be presented. I chose to place her on the left so she could look out at the rest of the cover. Since she faced many battles, I decided to include boats on the Nile River, to look as though they are approaching her land to begin an invasion. Next, I wanted to convey the message of how the Romans wanted her dead, specifically Octavian. The Romans are most noted for their red outfits and silver armor, so I placed them at the bottom, with their arrows pointed up to Cleopatra.
A crucial metaphorical addition to the front cover that I incorporated was Mark Antony. Their love for one another was so great that it drove Cleopatra to kill herself before the Romans killed her. I placed Mark Antony on the top opposite side of Cleopatra, to make it seem as though he is looking down on her. I also created a sword going through his chest, as this is how he died. The last image I added was the cobra coming out of the jar. Cleopatra ordered her aides to bring her two cobras, so that she may end her life before the Romans were able to take it. Ironically, Cleopatra was often noted as having a crown with Cobras outlining it, as well as garments depicting the cobra, and then it was the Cobra that ended her life.
Furthermore, this project taught me not only what a graphic novel is, but also how I can use this book jacket assignment in my future classroom to teach not only about reading and summarizing, but also about history. This assignment helped me realize that a book report can be more than just writing a paper, or giving a speech. A book report can be engaging and creative simply by creating a book jacket.