Scotland’s original battle for independence – in 3D

“Skludd!” Not exactly a term you find in most history books. Apparently it’s the sound of an English noble’s head being cleaved in two.

(Click on the images in the article to see the pages in full.)

The demise of Sir Henry de Bohun is included in a new graphic novel commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn – the legendary head-to-head between Scotland and England when the armies of Edward II were sent (in the words of Scotland’s national anthem) “homeward tae think again.”

‘On Dangerous Ground’ uses striking 3D artwork to tell the story of two nations at war. It presents, in all its visceral glory, their most famous clash (outside Wembley Stadium of course.)

It’s told through the eyes of both the English and the Scots: from gallant knights to gallus young women. There’s even a cross-border love story so that it’s not all just bloody battle-axes.

The book’s Artistic Director Adam Stanning told Channel 4 News: “Like all battles there is no black and white and we wanted to explore characters that exist within the grey regions, who’s allegiances may shift or who may have a very different perspective on the battle than expected.

“It was through this thinking that a story with multiple protagonists evolved, allowing us to explore characters with wildly different motivations.”

So it’s not quite Batman: the Stirlingshire fields don’t bear much resemblance to Gotham City. But it’s certainly miles away from the stuff of dusty history books.

The publication comes ahead of Scotland’s independence referendum in September, when the Yes campaign will be hoping to use the anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s great victory to ferment some nationalist fervour. That’s not the aim of book, but seeing the Scots beating the English in three dimensions, is sure to stir the hearts of some.