Women Who Were Kings

“The storytelling is well-researched and presented for kids aged 10 years and over, with great detail into the sociological environment at the time.” — Ann-Marie Cahill, Bookriot

“Full of interesting and historical facts, [Catherine the Great] is sure to spark your interest and leave you wanting to learn more about the other intriguing women of the past featured in this series. It will best suit readers in lower secondary.” — Sam, Lamont Books

“Women Who Were Kings” is a series of non-fiction biographical comics based on the lives of famous historical queens. It’s suitable for ages 10+, and depicts the lives of powerful women from all over the world. Well-researched and properly footnoted with bibliographies, it aims to portray the political challenges these women faced in their struggle to rule.

You can buy them off Amazon, or buy these from my store, and I also sell them at conventions I attend. If you live in Australia, you can order some of these books from Scholastic or Lamont.

Next: Sondok of Korea & Suiko of Japan OR Njingas of Ndongo and Matamba

Catherine the Great: Book #4

Many would have heard of Russia’s most famous Empress CATHERINE THE GREAT, though few may know her life story. From a insignificant German princess to a loveless marriage, she got a “divorce” when she seized the Russian throne from her husband. Her remarkable reign ushered in a new Golden Age for Russia and the height of its European influence, and as a tireless reformer, this story documents her many achievements. What is her story?

Awards: Shortlisted for the Notable Australian Graphic Novels of 2023 – The ALIA Shortlist

Elizabeth I: Book #3

The Golden Age of ELIZABETH I, Queen of England, is well-known by many, and this story depicts her rise from the illegitimate daughter of a king to her death as the ‘Virgin Queen’. As a highly-private woman who learned to mind what she said even before she understood why, what were Elizabeth’s private struggles and moments of doubt?

Awards: Shortlisted for the 2021 Ledger Awards for Excellence in Australia comics

Wu Zetian: Book #2

Hailing from the Tang dynasty (7th Century AD), WU ZETIAN was a commoner who became a concubine, and didn’t stop climbing until she ultimately became China’s only female Emperor. In a civilisation that devalued women, how did a 13-year old girl grow into a woman who could seize the Dragon Throne?

IMPORTANT: This book was produced as part of a 2019 Masters thesis for Macquarie University, which can be read here, and the two parts (graphic novel and written thesis) are meant to be read together. It received a score of 85/100 (HD) which led to my PhD scholarship. Note that the history of Wu Zetian in this book is based on academic history, NOT popular history. For example, few modern historians believe that Wu Zetian murdered her own daughter to frame Empress Wang — that is a historical fabrication that happened 300 years after Wu’s death. See the Footnotes & Bibliography section for the proper sources.

Hatshepsut: Book #1

HATSHEPSUT (throne name MAATKARE) was one of the greatest pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, and remarkably–a woman. In a civilisation that didn’t allow women to rule, how did Hatshepsut ascend to the throne? What did she achieve, and what were her policies as a female politician?

Praise for the Series

“In true Chan style, the artwork is amazing and so expressive in the faces of each character. However, the part I really love is the list of references included in the back of the books PLUS a full set of footnotes and artistic sources on Chan’s website. The storytelling is well-researched and presented for kids aged 10 years and over, with great detail into the sociological environment at the time. An excellent starting point for younger kids looking at specific historical figures.” — Ann-Marie Cahill, Bookriot: 7 of the Best Educational Comics for Your New Homeschooling Journey

“An engaging and informative text which captures the life of one of Egypt’s most successful rulers – Hatshepsut. Well written from an historical perspective, the graphics and narrative capture the struggle that women faced to gain and maintain power in the past. A welcome addition to any school library it can be used successfully in both the junior history programme, and just for fun, in senior classes.” — Ms Denise Templeman, Ancient History Teacher

“Looks incredible! The author has done their research!” — Victor Davidson, Teacher-Librarian at Birrong Girls High and Egyptologist

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