Bratchikova, N. S. GRAPHIC NOVEL AS A REIMAGINING OF THE KALEVALA EPIC. Proceedings of Petrozavodsk State University. 2026;48(5):96–105. DOI: 10.15393/uchz.art.2026.1340


Literature of the peoples of the world

GRAPHIC NOVEL AS A REIMAGINING OF THE KALEVALA EPIC

Bratchikova
N. S. 		Lomonosov Moscow State University, Mos- cow State Linguistic University
Keywords:
Kalevala
Filonov
Huitula
Makkonen
graphic novel
dark fantasy
visual philosophy
verbal language
onomatopoeia		 Summary: The primary focus of the study is the analysis of the innovative adaptation of the Kalevala text into the graphic novel format by Kristian Huitula and Sami Makkonen. The work reveals how the visual-textual means of co- mics transform the epic poetics of the Kalevala. The forerunners to the reinterpretations in character portrayal were the illustrations by students of the Filonov school. The innovation of Huitula and Makkonen lies in the radical shift from canonical illustrations to comic panels and, ultimately, to the aesthetics of dark fantasy, with an emphasis on character psychology, surreal landscapes, and horror elements. The study reveals unique techniques for synthesizing text and vi- suals: multi-level diagrams of runes, the use of color as a narrative tool, and ethnographic ornaments. Among the artistic innovations is a visual reinterpretation of key symbols: the Sampo mill, for instance, is presented as a multidimensional artifact combining magical and technological properties. The analysis also addresses the accentuation of “dark” plot- lines (the tragedy of Kullervo, the aggressiveness of Louhi, the motif of death), which reveals the psychological depth of the characters. The graphic novel bridges the gap between the ancient text and a young audience by using a format familiar to the digital era. The study demonstrates that the visual narrativization of the Kalevala not only preserves the mythological essence of the epic but also creates new layers of meaning. The author concludes that Huitula and Mak- konen’ adaptation affirms the status of the Kalevala as a “living” cultural code capable of regenerating itself through modern media. This points to an emerging dialogue between tradition and contemporary art, in which the hybridization of formats enriches the perception of archetypal images, ensuring the epic’s relevance for new generations through the interactivity of visual narrative.


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