Customer Reviews

The Mystery of the Great Pyramid, Part 1: Blake and Mortimer 2 (Adventures of Blake & Mortimer) (Pt. 1)

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Professor Phillip Mortimer has an interest in Egyptology and decides to spend his vacation in Egypt with his old friend, Professor Ahmed Rassim Bey. They hope to peacefully spend their time de-cyphering ancient papyrus scripts. Unbeknownst to them, the master criminal Olrik also has an interest in the same texts. These ancient documents hold the secret of the Great Pyramid and the riches buried within it.

The Franco-Belgian tradition of comic books began during the Second World War and charted its own distinct path. Many Americans know of the Adventures of Tintin and the stories of Asterix the Gaul. The Adventures of Blake and Mortimer are right up there in the pantheon of great European comic book series. Set in the years immediately following the end of the Second World War, these adventure stories combine a 1930-40's pulp sensibility along with beautifully realized "clear line" illustrations. With their exotic locales and dastardly criminal genius', I am reminded of the Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto movies I watched as a child. "The Mystery of the Great Pyramid" is teenage adventure fiction at its very best. Highly recommended.

Finally, after many years after Comcat put out a couple of B&M albums, someone is putting this series out in English. I've long heard about this series, but had never read it. It's great that they have, and I plan on getting all of them.

If there is one issue I have, it's that I wish they had reprinted them in their original order. As the the 2-part "Mystery of the Great Pyramid" comes BEFORE the Yellow Mark, its a little confusing to read them out of order. And it appears the 4th book Cinebooks is putting out is actually the thirteen story, and one NOT done by EP Jacobs!!!

I'd also love to see the Jacob's "U-Ray", the prototype standalone "flash gordon"-like story that served as a loose inspiration published as well.