The Pull List – Mata Hari #1
Spy fans will know her name. History buffs will know her life’s story. And the truth will be be conflicted for the consequences that lead to the execution of Margaretha Geertruida “Margreet” Zelle-MacLeod, better known by her stage name Mata Hari. Famed for her beauty, her charms and her performances, Mata Hari was a super star of the early 1900’s. She traveled across Europe to dance in front of high class society and made connection with people with power. She was an model, a dancer, a courtesan and a convicted spy. But even after 100 years after her death, her death is being questioned. What was the reason behind her convictions? Was she used in a great scheme? What could she had done differently? These questions and more are explored in Dark Horse Comic’s Mata Hari, a five part series that delves into the lost memoir of Margaretha Zelle-MacLeod.
In the first issue, Mata Hari completes her memoir before her execution time. She has been convicted as a dangerous spy by the French government and will stand in front of a firing squad for her crimes. She wishes the world can learn her life after her death to understand her role that had lead to her conviction. The plot jumps a few times to the past and present to show Margaretha’s journey to become Mata Hari. The memoir details the Margaretha’s time as Margaretha Zelle, a child of two Dutch parents. She grew up with expensive gifts, clothes and loving parents until it fell apart due to debt, divorce and death. She eventually gains fame by her provocative photos, her daring fashion and relationships with the wealthy.
The dazzling visuals and the emotional writing bridge a connection to the the complex and tragic life of a woman haunted by her fame, her loves and her miseries. Comic fans that enjoy historical events with their narratives should take a look at what comic creators Emma Beeby, Ariela Kristantina, and Pat Masioni have presented with Mata Hari. This comic team offers a dramatic story that offers one possibility of the truth of Margaretha Zelle-MacLeod life that will leave it’s readers in a trance by the the unbelievable life of Mata Hari.
Mata Hari #1 will be on sale February 21 2018