It was inevitable that cartoonist John S. Jamtli’s series about the Norwegian resistance movement would come to this chapter in war history sooner or later. The drama in Rjukan has previously been filmed twice (1948 and 1965), there is a TV series (2015), and books have been written. Only now, then, a cartoon. The heavy water actions at Rjukan Photo: Unknown photographer / Norsk Hydro’s photo collection The actions against Norsk Hydro’s plant at Rjukan during the Second World War were military measures carried out by Kompani Linge. The production of heavy water was of great importance for German nuclear research. The first paratroopers landed in the area on the night between 18 and 19 October 1942. The Vemork station was destroyed on 27 February 1943. D/F “Hydro”, which shipped out heavy water lye after the factory was rebuilt, was sunk on 20 February 1944 .This was the last of the heavy water actions. The heavy water operations are among the most famous sabotage operations from the Second World War. Among the participants were Jens Anton Poulsson, Knut Magne Haugland, Claus Helberg, Arne Kjelstrup, Joachim Rønneberg, Knut Haukelid, Kasper Idland, Fredrik Kayser, Hans Storhaug and Birger Strømsheim. Source: Store norske lexikon For those who know the earlier “Sabotør” editions, it is no surprise that it is good. This applies to form as well as content, narrative drive and alternation between action, humor and dark seriousness. Illustration: John S. Jamtli Young readers “The Heavy Water Action” tells the story from the perspective of saboteur Einar Skinnarland, from the first action against the plant at Vemork to the sinking of D/F “Hydro” in 1944. Jamtli’s series targets young people, from the age of twelve and upwards. Only it is a commendable project in an age that does not always have enough time and attention for important storytelling. That said, there isn’t a single reason why adult comics and history buffs should pass up this release. John S. Jamtli has a personal conversational tone with lines and colors that offer joys of their own. Genre and effect The characters’ mimicry is in and of itself traditional in a tradition of drama and suspense that Jamtli sets out to do. Faces and movements never become flat and predictable. Although drops of sweat also splash here and the eyeballs bulge out of the heads of people under stress. It kind of has to be, and works when done well. Details in the spotlight It also belongs to the genre, but Jamtli is almost playful in his work with details – to the delight of those of us who like such things: overview images, vehicles, aircraft and equipment, buildings. An acquaintance, who grew up in Rjukan, was somewhat surprisingly able to point out that, strictly speaking, a couple of smaller ones are missing in the lower right-hand corner of an overview drawing. That says something about the level of ambition. Jamtli is his own master. At the same time, I sometimes think, also somewhat surprisingly, to see nods in the direction of Kjell Aukrust. Just look at the skier on the cover, where he is floating in the air above Vemork. Or the image of a rucksack with explosives, a thermos and a pair of seal mittens. The many depictions of wintry telemark terrain and nature are perhaps the elements I most often sit and study and admire. I have mentioned John S. Jamtli’s dealings with color already. When I bring the light or lack of it, some really nice drawings occur. War and heroism Books like this, exciting war events told as comic novels for a younger target audience, can quickly become heroic in a way where pain, suffering and seriousness fade in favor of action and humor. The dilemma is real, and perhaps we care less about this now, as the situation in Europe is. At the same time, I think John S. Jamtli also comes well from this problem. The book’s emphasis on correct information, told through references to short historical texts, almost like notes at the back, contributes to this. There is certainly room for a fifth volume in John S. Jamtli’s excellent series “Saboteur”. COMICS ON NORWEGIAN WAR HISTORY: Cartoonist John S. Jamtli has created four volumes of cartoons on the Norwegian resistance movement. See the portrait from the Saturday revue. news reviewer Photo: Strand Forlag Title: “Saboteur – Tungtvannsaksjonen” Author/illustrator: John S. Jamtli Genre: Historical comic book Publisher: Strand Number of pages: 127 Date: 28 February No. documentary. In this program from 1984, we meet both saboteurs and survivors from the dramatic torpedoing at Tinnsjøen in February 1944. The action which cost a total of 18 lives and which was the last of several famous actions against the Germans’ heavy water production at Rjukan during the Second World War.
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“Saboteur – Heavy Water Action” by John S. Jamtli – Reviews and recommendations
