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Artesia is an epic fantasy comic book series authored and illustrated by American artist Mark Smylie. Artesia is also the name of the heroine of the series, described by the Smylie as a "Pagan Joan of Arc," while noting that the closest historical model is the Irish Queen Medb. The series includes themes such as feudal politics, intrigue, power struggles, complex mythology, and world history, with strong female characters.
The series is currently composed of four "books": Artesia, Artesia Afield, Artesia Afire, and Artesia Besieged. Each book is composed of six episodes, or standard American comic book sized episodes. Each book has been followed by an annual compendium including short stories and details of the history, geography, and mythology of Artesia's universe. The books together constitute part of a cycle called The Book of Dooms. Noting that it would take 22 books to tell Artesia's story in full, the author has committed to at least 7 for completion.[1]
Artesia's first two books were published by Sirius Entertainment. Later being published by Archaia Studios Press, founded by Smylie.
In 2005, a role-playing game was released, set in the world of Artesia. It uses the Fuzion role-playing system, and is called Artesia: Adventures in the Known World.