The Adventures of Loupio: Crusaders and Pilgrims

Kate Taliaferro offers her impressions of the newest graphic novel by Jean-François Kieffer.

The Adventures of Loupio: Crusaders and Pilgrims

By Jean-François Kieffer

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Jean-François Kieffer, author of the Adventures of Loupio series, has done it again. The most recent installment in this series, Crusaders and Pilgrims, is another fabulous tale of Loupio and his faithful companion, Brother Wolf. 

About the Adventures of Loupio series

This series of graphic novels are imaginative tales following the wolf Saint Francis of Assisi is said to befriend. After the famous incident with the people of the town of Gubbio, Brother Wolf discovers a new companion in the orphan, Loupio. Together, they go on a number of adventures throughout the Italian countryside.

My kids have enjoyed each of these graphic novels, discovering that the challenges of the Middle Ages are very often relatable to challenges we face today. While we might not need to stand up to knights with swords, we do have bullies to be strong against. Friendship is important, even friendship with outsiders. We must strive to be honest, good, and faithful.  

This is a wonderful series of books, and our family has thoroughly enjoyed them.  

About Crusaders and Pilgrims

In Book 8, Crusaders and Pilgrims, the story begins by Loupio expressing his loneliness. Saint Francis has left for the Holy Land and Loupio wishes he could have gone as well. Through a series of events, Loupio ends up with a group of pilgrims who are trying to go to the Holy Land as a peaceful crusade. Things turn upside-down when the group meets a group of soldiers and has to decide whether to stay as a peaceful, unarmed group, or accept the soldiers’ accompaniment.

As the story goes, the group if further splintered. How will they get to their destination when so many continue leaving? The tale teaches us to rely on God’s providence and perfect will for our lives. We may not understand the circumstances we face in the moment, but we can trust that God will take care of us and all things will work together for our good.  

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Copyright 2025 Kate Taliaferro
Images: (top) detail from cover