Customer Reviews

Valerian: The New Future Trilogy (Volume 1)

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Valerian: The New Future Trilogy marks a turning point in the long running graphic novel series created by Jean-Claude Mezieres and Pierre Christin. Fans of Luc Besson's "The Fifth Element" will immediately recognize Mezieres images, right from the cover. The flying taxi speeding through the mega-city is one of the defining elements of the movie; and, it was inspired by this book. In fact, Mezieres was one of the conceptual artists for the film, along with Jean "Moebius" Giraud.

Valerian chronicles the adventures of Valerian and Laureline, spatio-temporal agents for the Galaxity. What does that mean? They are secret agents and troubleshooters who work throughout time and space. This volume marks a turning point, as they no longer have Galaxity resources to aid them. This volume consists of three stories: "On the Frontiers", "The Living Weapons," and "The Circles of Power. "On the Frontiers" deals with a rogue spatio-temporal agent who wishes to bring about the destruction of Earth, in order to recreate the Galaxity. "The Living Weapons" tells the tale of a pointless war between two factions, and a troup of actors caught in the middle. "The Circles of Power" relates the story of political corruption and maneuvering. Each story is well told, with doses of humor and irony, and a wonderfully light graphic style. Mezieres fills his worlds with wonderfully bizarre aliens and lush architecture and scenery. His work is somewhat stylized, but very engaging. Christin is a masterful writer who imbues the dialogue with wit and intelligence.

Valerian and Laureline are two of the greatest characters of European graphic sci-fi. Laureline is one of the prototypes of the strong capable female protagonist, while Valerian often ends up as her comic foil, although he is also very capable. He just has a tendency to overdo things.

The Valerian series has been highly influential in the world of European graphic novels and science fiction. Its influence has even reached these shores, particularly in the world of Star Wars. There are numerous similarities in the look and population of both series, although Valerian predates Star Wars. From the design of Valerian's ship, to the strange alien creatures, you will find many familiar things.

This book is well worth a look and will leave you wanting more. Unfortunately, it is the only collection of Valerian currently available in the US, in English. However, despite what the Amazon listings state, previous Valerian volumes have been available in the US, from Dargaud International. These long out-of-print volumesincluded "Ambassador of Shadows," "World without stars," "Welcome to Alflolol," and "Heroes of the Equinox." I highly recommend each and every one.

This is the first English edition of a classic european series. It has been running for the past 35 years and it tells remarkable stories in an extraordinary setting. Characters are novel like while landscapes are like right out of a modern art design artist. Valerian and Laureline mantain a partnership with romantic components while they travel throughout space time visiting planets and peoples. Good for everybody, especially from 12 years old on.

I would say the stories and illustrations are just about as good as any comic or graphics novel ever gets. I just wish the publisher would offer a few more volumes.