pencil: Milo Manara

story: Alejandro Jodorowsky

Historical reconstruction of the rise to power of Roderigo Borgia, from his election as Pope with the name of Alexander VI.
The story begins with Cardinal Borgia, Vice-Chancellor of the Vatican under Innocent VIII, in the last stages of the old Pope's life.
Roderigo saves his lover Vannozza from the doctors, who believe her to be ill with the plague.
While Vannozza is treated, Roderigo takes his three children, Giovanni, Cesare and Lucrezia, to safety, hosting them with his cousin Adriana Orsini.
Giovanni is initiated into a military career, Cesare into an ecclesiastical one, while Lucrezia ends up in a convent.
Upon the death of Innocent VIII, Roderigo uses his intelligence to collect enough votes to be elected Pope.
Meanwhile, Lucrezia, at the convent, starts an intimate relationship with Giulia Farnese, who is however discovered by the nuns.
Giulia is whipped, while Lucrezia will have to marry Giovanni Sforza, nephew of the Prince of Milan.