Visualizing Armenian History: From Literature to Film and Graphic Novels
Visualizing Armenian History: From Literature to Film and Graphic Novels
May 8, 2025
The UCLA Library coordinated this online program with renowned Armenian American cinematic artist Roger Kupelian.
Roger Kupelian explored how historical narratives are brought to life through graphic novels, digital art and film. Kupelian discussed his creative process and how passion projects like his recently launched web series 'Warrior Saints' evolve from concept to screen. This program was offered as part of the UCLA Library Opening the Doors to Contemporary Literature series and in celebration of Armenian History Month.
Organized by Alena Aissing (Librarian/Curator for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies at UCLA Library).
Speaker
Raised in Sierra Leone, Roger Kupelian is a multi-faceted cinematic artist who has contributed to major Hollywood productions for nearly three decades. Fluent in Krio, English, and Armenian, his love for cinema began in the rustic theaters of 1970s Freetown.
His extensive credits include The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Flags of Our Fathers, Alice in Wonderland, Space Jam, Marvel’s Moon Knight, and Signs of Life for the Griffith Park Observatory. His visual work appears in official Lord of the Rings publications and a New Zealand stamp collection, and spans film, television, commercial projects, and his East of Byzantium graphic novel series. The third volume in the series is titled The Hammer, which centers on the Maccabees.
Kupelian was also an embedded filmmaker during the conflicts that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in the Caucasus, experiences that continue to inform the depth of his storytelling. Bridging traditional and modern techniques, he remains active in cinematic and educational spheres, most recently launching a new web series, Warrior Saints.
Recording
Webinar recording forthcoming.
Selected Works
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War Gods
by
ISBN: 9780615572062Date: 2011-12-25At the Edge of Rome and the Gates of Persia, Warrior Gods and Warrior Saints change the course of Empires. -
Glaring Through Oblivion
by
ISBN: 9780062012050Date: 2011-03-22In this strikingly illustrated book of original poetry, System of a Down fans gain an intimate glimpse into the soul of the band's frontman, Serj Tankian. For fans stirred by the cerebral lyrics of SOAD albums Hypnotize, Mesmerize, Steal This Album!, Toxicity, and their first, self-titled breakthrough--and for everyone enthusiastic about Serj's solo album, Imperfect Harmonies--this essential, one-of-a-kind collection of Tankian's innermost thoughts and feelings is a must-read. Unique illustrations punctuate nearly 70 poems--almost none of which have ever been published before. Glaring through Oblivion is an indispensable find for any true fan. -
After the Hailstorm: A Photo Essay byDate: 1994-08-20The camp was full of children, and quite a few them were orphans, some too young to even understand the concept of death. The reason they were smiling today was that people from the outside were visiting, breaking the monotony of the hot June sun. A puppy playfully nudged its nose into my outstretched hand. Its little master told me the pup's name was Jack (pronounced 'Jake') after Jack London. A group of children had collected around us, and Chahe, also from the States, asked them if they could sing us some songs. They happily obliged. In this T.V. -less, Nintendo-less world, songs made up a child's entertainment, songs that must have been handed down through generations. What were they of? Bravery, perseverance, and a beautiful place where children like [Marina Babajanian] used to play, a green heaven called Shahumian.
Published in The Armenian Reporter, 1994-08-20, Vol.27 (44). -
Heritage: Ancient Wars, Modern Games byDate: 1994-10-31A staple of any Armenian army, either of flesh or lead, was the cavalry. Good horsemen, both lancers and archers were an integral part of any war strategy - the former being the early version of a tank, the latter of artillery. The Osprey books, published by Reed International Books, Ltd of Great Britain, bear this out in their brisk descriptions of Armenian war technology, uniform and weaponry. From Byzantine treachery to Persian loyalty and honor, rich possibilities lie in wait for any potential player. Each game takes a bit of preparation - time and place must be agreed upon and a realistic scenario devised. The fantasy world of elves and ogres are replaced by archers and armored horses; knights and clerics by nakharars and vosdigans. Allies and enemies are revealed amidst fluctuating politics. Trade routes, forts and cities are established and defended, and players spend hours learning about and acting out actual war strategies, letting the dice determine the winds of war.
Published in the Armenian International Magazine (Glendale, Calif.), 1994-10, Vol.6 (1).
