"Corto Maltese?" Topic

Any fans of Hugo Pratt's Corto Maltese out there? I am curious about the series, but would like to know a bit more before investing in any books. Wikipedia has been helpful for facts; now I seek opinions. Thanks!

Ron

I am a big fan, and have most of the series in its Greek translation plus The Celtique in Italian. It is without question a exceptional piece of art. Corto himself is a great character, and he is surrounded by interesting characters(including Rasputin). Exceptional. I also love the use of history,and the political and philosophical themes that rise in the stories.

For a wargamer there are multiple stories that can lead to scenarios.

Bear in mind that there is also a series of animated films produced, that follow closely the original stories. Also recommended.

Again I cannot recommend enough Corto Maltese. It will be money well spent.

One big theme in Pratt's work, and especially in the Corto Maltese series, is romanticism. Corto travels the world, looking for adventure, fighting along the downtrodden and the freedom fighters, but also mingling with the elites, the nobles, humanitarians and despots. Pratt was born and grew up in the original Fascist society and was living in Ethiopia the British liberated it from Italian rule. Very often in his work, you can see a romanticisation of the colonial and the pointlessness of the colonizer.

Thanks, fellows.

Ron