I Made 20 Comics Featuring Historical Characters In Modern Struggles

I’ve always loved reading about history, but it’s always focused on the big stuff -long wars, great conquests, and ambitious leaders. But what about the daily struggles? Where’s the Roman soldier having an existential crisis in the middle of a battle? Or Spartacus regretting his life choices during a particularly bad day on the rebellion job? What about an emperor trying to avoid awkward small talk at the Senate or a scribe running out of ink right before a deadline?

That’s the side of history I love exploring in Hysterical Chronica: the lighthearted and relatable moments that often don’t make it into textbooks.

The idea for Hysterical Chronica came from a simple thought: history is full of people who probably had days just as simple as ours. I’ve always enjoyed drawing, and combining that with my interest in history felt like a natural way to share these stories. It’s fun to imagine the everyday challenges of historical figures and bring them to life with a bit of humor.

When it comes to ideas for my comic strips, I start with a historical fact or event that catches my attention. Then, I ask myself, “How would someone actually feel or react in this situation?” It’s a mix of research and imagining their human side, which often leads to scenarios that are relatable. For example, I can’t help but wonder how a gladiator might deal with stage fright or how a Roman senator might dread another endless meeting.

If this sounds like your kind of journey through history, check out my website and follow along on Instagram.