Episode 41: First Look, Peter Milligan’s 'Egypt'

Il-wey! In Episode 39, I briefly mentioned I had purchased DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint comic book series Egypt written by Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, Bad Company), and published between August 1995 and February 1996.  The first issue was illustrated by Glyn Dillon and the remaining six issues by Roberto Corona.  This is not Milligan’s only foray into ancient Egypt; he penned Titan’s The Mummy Volume 1: Palimpsest (Titan).  And as mentioned in my prior episode, I was attracted to the title because I seldom find comics centered on this ancient civilization.  

In the opening pages of the first issue, Calvin Klein briefs strewn the streets of New York City as Vincent Me pontificates about his latest failed relationship. Self-absorbed and lacking any desire to claim responsibility for his part in the chain of failures in his life, he takes up with a group of college students thinking he might find his next easy ride.  The students have more than a passive interest in ancient Egypt and specifically after-death experience, believing there are secrets to be unlocked. 

A failed experiment sends Vincent time travelling to ancient Egypt in a sort of backward reincarnation.  He finds himself in the body of Vin Centhotep, who serves as a double-agent. Like Vincent, Vin is also not the nicest guy around.  As Vincent becomes acclimated to his new surroundings, readers get a glimpse of the high priest Soter, filling the role, at least initially, as villain.  Behind the crass veneer, there are hints that that Vincent’s life took a wrong turn in his childhood when his sister died at a young age.  One of main themes that Milligan explores through Vincent, is redemption and coming to terms with oneself. 

Having read the first two issues thus far, Milligan incorporates Egyptian gods, religious rituals, and provides readers with a peek into the ancient civilization. For instance, Vin is a cutter, the person who makes the incision to the abdomen for removing the lungs, liver, stomach and intestines.  And as portrayed in the comics, cutters were at a lower social status because of the impurities they were associated with in the mummification process.  The series promises to include more intriguing and insightful moments in the series, especially with the closing pages of the second issue in which Milligan teases readers with the appearance of the god, Seth, so I’ll be looking forward to writing a full review once I have completed all seven issues. 

Senebti! 

Image from Google search.