The Professor's Daughter

Module 7

Sfar, Joann and Emmanuel Guibert. 1997. The professor's daughter. New York: First Second.

A professor’s daughter takes a mummy for a walk on the streets of London. The mummy, Imhotep IV, who is thousands of years old, falls in love with her. The two are having a good time being together, but all sorts of bad things happen. Imagine a prim and proper young Victorian lady, sheltered and protected, being in such a situation. In addition to going out alone with “man” (something her society frowns on) they are chased by the police, go through a trial, have an “audience” with Queen Victoria and are also pursued by the mummy’s father. This book takes a little bit of information about mummies and creates an unusual story presented as a graphic novel. The setting is Victorian England which makes the story more ridiculous. As in most graphic novels, the characters are bizarre and almost laughable, but for some this is most enjoyable. There is action for those who enjoy it, and also lively humor. One theme seems to be that of the sheltered daughter and the mummy both breaking free from restrictions placed on them (her of her society, him of his casket). Also, the theme of forbidden love will be a draw for some teens. The watercolor illustrations add life to the story/ There is no excess violence in this graphic novel and it is more humorous than anything else. It is recommended. for grades 10 –12.