In a Germanic village near the border of the Roman Empire the Abrafaxe meet Spurius Superbificius Spontifex who wishes to establish an entirely new kind of circus with his crew: Instead of chariot races, gladiator fights and animal hunts he and his circus cew want to inspire their audience with acrobatics, dance and dressages. Sometimes this works more and sometimes less. The world seems to not yet be ready for the Spontifex’ art. At the same time in distant Rome there are disputes among the advisers of the Emperor Trajan over the future Germania-policy. To seal the peace with the Germanic tribes, two children of the Germanic princes are invited to Rome. What the circus staff and the Abrafaxe have to do with the whole situation and which path eventually leads to Rome, you will learn in this new adventure series.
Titus is the spoiled son of the influential senator Marcus Julius Prudentio. Growing up in luxury in Rome's ruling class, his greatest concern is that there suddenly could be no more roasted Flamingo tongues. But when his father sends him on a journey to distant Germania, the adventure of his life begins!
The power in the Roman Empire is still in the hands of the emperor. But even if the Senate no longer decides the fate of the empire, some of its members act as advisors to the Emperor Trajan and therefor influence his politics greatly. Marcus Julius Prudentio is such a Senator. Twice already he held the office of consul, and if he has something to say, Trajan is inclined to listen. Marcus wants peace with Germania, because it is useful for Rome.
Aulus held the office of consul two times already on the side of Prudentio. His advice is important to the Emperor. But unlike his colleagues, he sets his own interests always higher than those of the Empire. Because he wants to get back some of his lost possessions in Germania, he urges the Emperor to a new war with the neighbors to the north.
Occius is the secretary of Senator Aulus Flavius Improbus. Although a slave, he attends to all important affairs. Due to his wisdom, his perseverance and his faithfulness Occius is the main support
of his Lord. He knows this well, yet he
always makes to attempt to hide Occius’ lower rank.
Occius hopes that one day he will be a free man.
Vada and Ule are the children of two Germanic princes. The Roman emperor Trajan wants to take them to the city of Rome, where they will live in his house and undergo training. So on one hand they will come to appreciate the amenities of the Roman way of life. On the other hand, the Emperor assures the peacefulness of their tribes. For their fathers will certainly not attack Rome, when their children are in the hands of the emperor.
Spontifex is a Roman citizen. Well, at least he says he is. In his travels he has collected a troupe with which he wants to bring a completely new kind of circus to Rome. Artistry, dance and animal performances instead of chariot races and gladiator fights. But it seems like the time has not yet come for his idea to strive. But when Spontifex meets Titus new possibilities seem to open up, because Titus has an impact on the program of the games in Rome.
Trauthelm is Cheruscan just like the legendary Arminius, who defeated three Roman legions in 9 AD. No one is as strong as he is, but out for fear of a curse he never dares to use his powers. Trauthelm’s name means "the powerful protector". And in this role, he is faced with the beautiful Thusnelda. The two apparently joins a mystery.
Selene wears a mask, since she escaped from slavery in Egypt. Her best friend is Avicula, a high-spirited elephant lady. Even if Thusnelda doesn't like to hear it - Selene and Avicula are the main attraction of the small circus. How to Selene came to be a slave and how
she got the elephant, initially remains a mystery.
Whereever she performs, Thusnelda stands out for her beauty. Men are often more interested in her than she likes. But because Trauthelm is watching over her, she is never in any real danger. Thusnelda came Circus Spontifex because she has been promised a performance in the Eternal City. And Thusnelda wants to go to Rome at any cost.
Leonidas performs as a lion tamer. He is faced with three lions at once in front of the audience. Without him Circus Spontifex would not even be half as interesting. At least that’s what Leonidas thinks. Because since his lions are only disguised dogs, his audience appears more often amused than impressed.
When the Abrafaxe reached the Roman times, Trajan is the Emperor of the Roman Empire. Unlike many of his predecessors, he seeks the advice of Senators and sees himself as first among equals. To the Roman historiography, which was traditionally supported and recorded by members of the Senate, Trajan is considered the best of all rulers. During his reign, the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent.
Klein, drollig und voller Charme [...] Mosaik ist ein Stück Leben.
Angesichts der Omnipräsenz der elektronischen Medien in Kinderzimmern ist die Comiczeitschrift „MOSAIK“ ein liebenswerter Anachronismus. Und ein erfolgreicher dazu.“
Zeichnerisch weiterhin auf höchstem Niveau, ist das Heft ein gelungener Start für die Serie.
