The personal stories from Hugo Wilmar's letters lend themselves perfectly to a Graphic Novel. This is because Hugo was part of some defining and signature episodes in his short life.
Three layers of information
World War II was still in full swing. World history took off at a rapid pace, thundering through to the advent of television and beyond. Information was already becoming increasingly important and accessible at that time. This also increased the need for images. This also created the need and desire to master and control the same image.
These broad outlines of world history were featured in the Polygoon newsreels. Historians can compile the timeline based on these sources, among other things.
Hugo Wilmar captured some of these historic moments with his camera. With his photos and films he added information that turned out to be defining for the period. In this way he makes connections between different events. This forms the cement between the main lines and adds the context.
Room for interpretation and fantasy
It is the special and personal stories that Hugo Wilmar writes in his letters to his parents that make the Tintin-like story so suitable for a Graphic Novel. These stories cannot be tested. In addition, the circumstances and personal state of mind of Hugo Wilmar play an important role.
While world history and local reporting can easily be fact-checked, it is precisely these Tintin-like stories that offer free space for free interpretation and fantasy. These stories are so exciting that you wonder what must have been going on in Hugo Wilmar's head. These are the descriptions that literally burst with guts, lack of fear, risk and tension. It is precisely these stories that bring the person Hugo Wilmar to life.
There is at least a personal story of every phase in Hugo Wilmar's life. The kind of story that really belongs in a boy's book.
Watching stories and reading pictures
Photos and films appeal to the imagination. Good photos like this don't just tell the story that's going on in the picture. The story also takes place outside the frame of the photo. This is precisely where there is room for wonder and imagination. And which medium is better suited to allow the viewer to answer these questions themselves? A Graphic Novel!
Seven stories
Hugo Wilmar's short life has seven phases. These phases are all characterized by one special story. We have a script ready for this story. Each script has a different storyline and tension. What connects all the stories is that they are all based on an interpretation of Hugo Wilmar's anecdotes and descriptions from one of his letters to his parents.
1943 – The Razzia
1944 – Escape from Paris: Gare de Lyon
1945 – The General
1947 – The Hostile Jungle: Pig Hunt in the Dutch East Indies
1950 – Expedition Kruger Park
1953 – Reflection in Loneliness
1957 – The Black Panther
How, what and who?
It goes without saying that there are endless possible interpretations. There are also just as many detailed forms. It is not yet clear what a graphic novel should look like. In addition, we are looking for enthusiastic illustrators, graphic artists, (comic) artists or animation experts who want to contribute ideas or implement. Are you interested? Then take contact with us!