Lawrence of Arabia in the Comics

This article offers an overview, moving from bad to better to the best examples of the T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) comics. It may seem that the Lawrence comics are at best just for older children and at worst superficial, sensationalist, and false—which confirms most people’s idea of the comics in general. But there is one example in particular (Tomako Kosaka’s T. E. Lawrence) that contradicts that impression. In this overview and analysis bad is defined as being historically inaccurate in word and image; better as being only partially inaccurate; best as being not only acceptably accurate but also possessing literary and artistic merit. Although it may have taken longer than in other media, the Lawrence story has indeed come of age in the comics. Tomako Kosaka’s striking example, however controversial or even flawed, holds the possibility of more serious and excellent work to come.