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General Chat => Books & Comics => Topic started by: Bat King on 23 December, 2014, 09:26:24 AM

Title: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 23 December, 2014, 09:26:24 AM
Never read it before. Never read any of the series before. Loved it!

Written in the 70s set during WWI. Reduces the dating of the material (not that I actually worry about dates stuff).

Really good read.

(http://judgetutorsemple.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/corto-maltese-under-the-sign-of-capricorn-spoiler-light-3-preview-pages-included/%20Link%20to%20the%20preview%5B/url)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 December, 2014, 09:41:44 AM
Did you get a preview copy as I didn't think this was out yet? Mine my Amazon order date does seem to be a moving target!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 December, 2014, 10:32:36 AM
Seems to be fixed now Colin and it'll land in the next fortnight or so. :D
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 23 December, 2014, 11:37:11 AM
Yes. I have a preview pdf copy.

Should be out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 December, 2014, 11:52:33 AM
It'll hit certain retailers shelves tomorrow i'm sure but Amazon tell's me I wont get it until January (as well as Jaco the Galactic Patrolman).
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 23 December, 2014, 01:25:47 PM
I don't use Amazon much so no idea how often this happens. I imagine it is connected to the delays IDW have receiving things from printers initially, I assume Amazon don't have to wait for them from Diamond... or do they?

The Pdf pages look great so I think the finished product should be lovely.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 December, 2014, 04:34:45 PM
Also there's the fact that owing out on X-Mas eve so just going to delay it getting sent and arriving?

In I've been waiting years for Corto Maltese to come out and getting Ballad (all be it with quality issue according to many) and now these IDW releases feels like hog heaven.I can wait a few extra days.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Paul Moore on 23 December, 2014, 06:24:15 PM
ive not read this one but i have most of the 90s English language volumes, and they are great, theyre set in such an unusual era (especially in comics) and pratt creates such a great atmosphere
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 30 December, 2014, 09:39:23 PM
Judging by a few pics on facebook it's landed in book shops across the English speaking world. I'm expecting a dispatch within a few hours. :D
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 December, 2014, 03:34:34 PM
Has anybody got this yet? The one copy left in FP has internal pages slightly wider than the cover and I wanted to check if that's standard or a dodgy copy as it's bending the corners and I'm a dick about things like that.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 31 December, 2014, 04:42:45 PM
Forgot to check in my LCS
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 December, 2014, 06:07:48 PM
The Amazon date has slipped to 6th Jan. So hopefully we'll see at the beginning of next week.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 January, 2015, 09:44:17 PM
Was the entire run of Corto done in black and white or did Pratt ever utilize any of his gorgeous watercolour art for the interior pages?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Paul Moore on 02 January, 2015, 07:27:40 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 01 January, 2015, 09:44:17 PM
Was the entire run of Corto done in black and white or did Pratt ever utilize any of his gorgeous watercolour art for the interior pages?

The original printed series was all in B+W but there was one Corto Maltese: 'The Early Years' which is shorter than the others, i thinks its in watercolour but looks very like flat colour
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 January, 2015, 07:53:29 PM
I see. Considering the number of WC sketches Pratt did before writing the comic I assumed their would have been more than that...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 04 January, 2015, 09:31:25 PM
Just got a dispatch email. Should be with me Tuesday.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 04 January, 2015, 11:12:41 PM
I'm interested to hear what it looks like in print.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 January, 2015, 10:49:26 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 04 January, 2015, 09:31:25 PM
Just got a dispatch email. Should be with me Tuesday.

Just checked mine and I'm still showing an estimated delivery of 15th - 16th Jan. Oh the vagaries of Amazon delivery dates!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 January, 2015, 11:07:34 AM
Weirdly so is mine. Even though the header say's dispatched and I got the email. I've even been charged £15. Ah well. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 January, 2015, 08:15:53 AM
...and this morning I've got an e-mail saying they are going to be delivering today, hope it makes it colour me (or black and white me) excited!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 January, 2015, 09:30:44 AM
Oooh. Me as well. Plus a copy of Lazarus volume one. To be honest I got that to off set the delivery cost for Phantom Blood volume one next month but i'f i'm getting it now then I won't complain.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 January, 2015, 01:23:15 PM
Mine is here. And it's bloody gorgeous.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 January, 2015, 07:18:40 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 06 January, 2015, 01:23:15 PM
Mine is here. And it's bloody gorgeous.

Yes, yes it is.

That is all.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 January, 2015, 07:45:01 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 31 December, 2014, 03:34:34 PM
Has anybody got this yet? The one copy left in FP has internal pages slightly wider than the cover and I wanted to check if that's standard or a dodgy copy as it's bending the corners and I'm a dick about things like that.
Well?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 January, 2015, 08:04:32 PM
Actually now you mention it and looking very closely I'd say yes but its miniscule and probably down to the fold in the fold-out cover (both front and back). Its a lovely heavy book, bigger than the Battle reprints (I note as mine happens to be standing next to one) with really nice heavy paper a deep blacks.

Buy it The Cosh or I will lose all respect for you and mock you to your dieing day.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 January, 2015, 08:43:40 PM
I actually forgot about what Cosh mentioned until I noticed it myself. It's really not that noticeable and honestly doesn't make any difference to the structure of the book.

But it is a handsome volume by all accounts. I'm slightly stunned by just how nice a presentation it is.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 06 January, 2015, 08:47:25 PM
Glad it looks good in the hand, I often wonder when looking at the previews I get.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 January, 2015, 11:14:33 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 06 January, 2015, 08:04:32 PM
Actually now you mention it and looking very closely I'd say yes but its miniscule and probably down to the fold in the fold-out cover (both front and back). Its a lovely heavy book, bigger than the Battle reprints (I note as mine happens to be standing next to one) with really nice heavy paper a deep blacks.

Buy it The Cosh or I will lose all respect for you and mock you to your dieing day.
Yeah, that sounds the same as the one I saw. I'll definitely be getting it but might be a couple of weeks now.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 January, 2015, 06:44:15 AM
Its also surprising how thick it is as its only 140 pages (ish) long. Down to the heavy, quality (I assume) paper.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 January, 2015, 09:26:18 AM
The paper stock is great. Theirs no light reflection off the blacks so it looks solid. Really good production.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 07 January, 2015, 11:07:00 AM
Paper stock, in graphic novels and reprints like Underbelly I really want great paper (Underbelly was marvellous).

Call me a dinosaur but I miss the old comic news print era and the old 2000AD ratio. Ah, my dim and distant youth.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 January, 2015, 04:09:00 PM
Just noticed next volume up on Amazon for a May release

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-Beyond-Windy-Isles/dp/1631403176/ref=sr_1_20?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420819681&sr=1-20 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-Beyond-Windy-Isles/dp/1631403176/ref=sr_1_20?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420819681&sr=1-20)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Bat King on 09 January, 2015, 06:09:47 PM
Oh good!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Paul Moore on 09 January, 2015, 08:00:06 PM
When it gets to Corto in Africa youre in for a treat, its my favourite of the series, i lost my copy so ill be picking that up
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 January, 2015, 08:38:00 PM
Well I blitzed through the first volume over the last few night so this is and instant pre-order. I'm really rather chuffed with this. Part turn of the century adventure saga, part epic fantasy. Just my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 January, 2015, 09:12:43 PM
Bah, missed the edit button but can anyone shed some light on why the volumes are being published out of order? I mean, Sign of Capricorn is as good a place to start as any I guess but still...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 January, 2015, 09:24:10 PM
Off the top of my head I thinks its in story chronogical order but they've clearly choosen to skip to The Sign of Capricorn as a starting point due to the relatively recent edition of Ballard of the Salt Seas.

As ever I'm happy to be corrected on this but that's what I recall and a quick Google seems to confirm.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 January, 2015, 09:27:56 PM
It did strike me as odd, because to people who haven't read the previous edition of Salt Sea the Rasputin sub-plot in Capricorn would be lost on them...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 15 January, 2015, 04:47:34 PM
I picked this up last week on the reccommendation of my local comic store guy (he knows what I like). I'd not read any of this stuff before, and I absolutely loved it. There were enough hints in the text about Rasputin's previous dealings with our hero for it to make sense, but there may be extra layers for those who know the full story. I'll certainly be picking up the next volume sharpish.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 April, 2015, 09:57:23 AM
Beyond the Windy Isles has been set back a few weeks according to Amazon. Ah well, better late than never but I do wonder why the sudden change this close to release date?....
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 April, 2015, 02:55:34 PM
To be honest I was always surprised that they were being released so clode together in the first place. One ever 6 months seems  reasonable enough.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 May, 2015, 02:40:09 PM
Might be of interest to some, but a Corto Maltese spin-off focusing on The Desert Scorpions (a British army squad who Corto has many encounters with) has been translated by Cong editions and is avialbale via Itunes. Sadly no news of a print run yet...

http://cortomaltese.com/blog/2015/03/13/ebook-the-scorpions-of-the-desert/
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 01 July, 2015, 06:53:25 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 09 April, 2015, 09:57:23 AM
Beyond the Windy Isles has been set back a few weeks according to Amazon. Ah well, better late than never but I do wonder why the sudden change this close to release date?....

Out now!! And a lovely thing it is too.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 July, 2015, 07:31:07 PM
oh that's interesting I've just had a notice pushing it back (and Bacchus) - wonder if it'll come sooner than the new date?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 July, 2015, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 01 July, 2015, 07:31:07 PM
oh that's interesting I've just had a notice pushing it back (and Bacchus) - wonder if it'll come sooner than the new date?
Me too, but it's encouraging news to hear it's on the shelves (both Corto and Bacchus). Hope it's not to long as i'd like to talk about them in the next podcast...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 24 February, 2016, 11:15:02 PM
Picked up a copy of Beyond the Windy Isles a few months ago and didn't make much of a dent in it. Started it again over the weekend and really got into it this time. Starting to really enjoy the episodic nature, see little recurrences, the seeds of future storylines and look forward to some of the characters popping up again down the line.

I understand Celtic Tales is due out this week. It'll probably be a while before I can get my hands on a copy but anyone else seen it in the wild? I'll be interested to see what the change of scenery does for the man and his escapades.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 28 February, 2016, 09:21:48 AM
Celtic Tales is really good. I loved Under the Sign of Capricorn, but thought Beyond the Windy Isles suffered from being a little samey. The change of scene - and the introduction of more recognisable (to ignorant me at least) historical characters - really makes this collection shine. Pick it up soon.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 February, 2016, 09:24:20 AM
Aye, just got a dispatch notice myself and inordinately excited for this. Corto is rapidly revealing itself to me just why it's so higly revered. That Pratt couldn't half make some good comics.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 28 February, 2016, 07:19:52 PM
Out of Celtic Tales, Under the Sign of Capricorn and Beyond the Windy Isles, which is the best starting point for a new reader?

Saw more than one episode of the animated series of Corto when I was a kid, and I remember liking it alot. Love a good adventure out on the sea, and I really like what I've seen of the art.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 29 February, 2016, 12:01:56 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 28 February, 2016, 07:19:52 PM
Out of Celtic Tales, Under the Sign of Capricorn and Beyond the Windy Isles, which is the best starting point for a new reader?

Saw more than one episode of the animated series of Corto when I was a kid, and I remember liking it alot. Love a good adventure out on the sea, and I really like what I've seen of the art.

Hmmmm. Tricky. I've found Celtic Tales the most enjoyable so far, but I suspect that's because 3 books in I've got something of a grip on the character. The stories in this volume are exciting, but disparate, so I suspect they're not the best starting point. Under the Sign of Capricorn is probably the best place to jump in.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 March, 2016, 12:09:21 PM
Celtic Tales has landed in Hawk Falls and it's once again a masterful reproduction and awesome job from IDW. Three down, nine to go (christ, it'll take another 4 years at least for them to all be released!).
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 March, 2016, 08:39:36 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 08 March, 2016, 12:09:21 PM
Three down, nine to go (christ, it'll take another 4 years at least for them to all be released!).

Now listen here young man, I've had to wait 44 years to get this far (well yeah okay that's kinda a massive exaggeration) so waiting 4 years is nowt! Let me tell you, you whipper snappers don't know your born. These days you can get pretty much any comic you want if you have a little patience. In my day you had access to The Beano, The Dandy, 2000ad, some comic a lad at school drew on some bark and when you got a little older some Hunt Emerson cat thing when the porn fairy visited. Grumble, moan, oh my back...

... or thanks hadn't released this was out, thought I'd done a pre-order, turned out I hadn't so just ordered it. Good times. 
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 10 March, 2016, 09:21:00 PM
Hey, i'll be closer to 30 than 20 by the time it's done, i'll have you know! That's a big difference! I'll nay be able to pull of this smashing dye job bye then!

Decided to let Celtic Tales cut to the top of my reading pile. Few titles have recieved that treatment (COPRA and O-Men are the inly exceptions). My god these books are just magnificent to look at.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 March, 2016, 08:19:25 PM
Ha! I'm such a numb nut. Turns out I had pre-ordered it as I thought (no idea how I missed it when I looked!) so it arrived today. Lucky the other order (the cheaper one alas, really must remember to check Wordery before I order anything off of Amazon) I'd made hadn't been dispatched yet so I was able to cancel it.

ANYWAY Flippin' 'eck these are handsome volumes, I mean really nice objects, beyond brilliant comics. Kinda like even better versions of the old Yearbooks. So yeah this one gets a massive boost up my reading spreadsheet too!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 13 March, 2016, 08:05:23 AM
Read the Capricorn book last night with two beers in my system. Must say I really enjoyed it, in every way.

I really like his character. A living legend. He's one of the underdog and honest enough to tell everyone around a poker table (playing over a man's life) that he is a cheater. And his good manners doesn't stop him from throwing the first punch or blowing up someone with dynamite. Love it.

And with vooodoo and stuff thrown in, I was pleased to see that characters remained characters and didn't become caricatures. Specially since there'll be more supernatural stories (I really liked the episodic story.)

I'm sure to pick Windy isles next weekend :)

Thanks everyone for recommending it!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 March, 2016, 08:40:30 AM
A very, very kinor quible about Celtic Tales from me. Does it appear that the cover image is somewhat pixelated? Like they chose an incredibly small panel and blew it up and didn't quite manage to oull it off? The previous two didn't have this problem, or maybe Pratt's style of the time was just a bit....sketchy.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 March, 2016, 10:17:59 AM
Finished Celtic Tales last night and it's yet another superb comic, and utterly bewildering also. The decision to call it Celtic Tales is lost on me, as only one story is actually set in Ireland and the best of the bunch it is too, but as a tour of Europe after the tour of the west indies over the last two volumes it made for a nice change of scenery and I can't wait to see Pratt draw more of Venice, one of the best visual representations of one of my favourite cities in the world. Oh, and it should go without saying it was gorgeous to look at. Hugo Pratt was quite the artist.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 07 April, 2016, 07:59:19 PM
Thought it was ink at first, but now it seems like it's a bit pixely.

Btw. I just spotted this.

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/256a69c02f417aa0f2eb2a29bcb59b68/tumblr_ng2hchWK0C1s0pt79o1_1280.jpg)

To me the choice of covers are a bit strange. Looks a bit like stand in covers. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the Judge Dredd Mega Collection covers  :)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 April, 2016, 08:57:26 PM
Good find, where did you spot them?

I really like the covers and think the whole design and production of the books as been pretty much spot on. Just started Celtic Tales... more later.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Paul Moore on 07 April, 2016, 10:09:48 PM
I picked up Celtic Tales still to read, but so long as i get 'The Ethiopian' (the old 'in Africa') and the 'in Siberia' ill be more than happy, theyre the best of the ones i read
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 08 April, 2016, 09:08:18 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 April, 2016, 08:57:26 PM
Good find, where did you spot them?

I really like the covers and think the whole design and production of the books as been pretty much spot on. Just started Celtic Tales... more later.

I was googling Corto Maltese for a friend (in hopes of getting him into reading the book), and those popped up.

Having said "strange", I still kind of like them. They have a certain charm to them. And as for the production with the big sized art, great translation, articles, maps and stuff... It's a pleasure owning these books :)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 April, 2016, 09:33:46 PM
Well read Celtic Tales - Corto Maltese books always get a cheeky pass on my to read list and what a glorious cocktail it is. Its a beautiful thing on every level, that's a given BUT it also possibly has my favourite Corto tale to date. "Under the Flag of Gold" is a simply fantastic tale, the best of the best. Its use of human greed to expose the madness of war and nationalism is just sublime. It has my second favourite story to date "Cotes de Nuits and Picardy Roses" has a tone and atmosphere like nothing else I've read. It crams so much character and characterisation in so little space you'd think John Wagner had written it. Its an absolute masterclass.

While a couple of the other stories don't live up to these lofty highs and sometimes the duplicitous femme Fatale shtick wears a little thin at times (and since I'm such a big fan of The Spirit I'm not quite sure why I say that!) its always engaging. Its always fascinating and more often than not I marvel at how much more I think I should be getting from it and suspect subsequent readings will give me.

This books are just wonderful things.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 20 April, 2016, 08:47:20 AM
Corto Maltese The Ethiopean is now up for pre-order! Grab it whilst it's hot!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-The-Ethiopian/dp/1631406965/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461138377&sr=8-1&keywords=corto+maltese+the+ethiopian
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 August, 2016, 10:27:58 PM
Snapped up The Ethiopian this afternoon. Which reminded I'd planned to stick some thoughts down here after the last volume. I'd been enjoying it in patches up to that point but Celtic Tales had a lot of really interesting aspects that all came together.

Think I'll try to do a full catch-up along with this one.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 03 March, 2017, 12:59:23 PM
Only two weeks until In Siberia (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-Siberia-Hugo-Pratt/dp/1631408488/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488545419&sr=8-1&keywords=corto+maltese) lands and I see Amazon have the next volume, Fable of Venice, listed for July (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1631409263/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488545419&sr=8-4&keywords=corto+maltese).

Really looking forward to this one. Maybe I'll even manage that reread I mentioned up there as preparation.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 03 March, 2017, 01:42:01 PM
Blimey! I've still not picked up The Ethiopean yet!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 22 March, 2017, 10:09:23 PM
In Siberia is quite a different beast from the short stories we have had so far. There are double-crosses galore, some tense action and, of course, lashings of romance. I think it might be my favourite of the series so far (although Celtic tales was a beauty too).
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 April, 2017, 10:12:46 PM
Finally got around to reading this (well of course given that it takes two years for things to normally get to the top of my list it got quite the short cut) and by George its a fascinating beast.

This is a graphic novel in its truist sense, as opposed to a collection of inter-related shorts as previous volumes have been, yet strangely on one level this doesn't make that much difference. The themes and ideas are familar and the story is still presented in short chunks. Corto still drifts through the tale meeting numerous fascinating characters. Motives are often oblique and enigmatic. Greed seems to be the underlying motive to violence. Yet here we get an interesting insight into the political and personal greed that drives the characters. Gold is the aim, but not an end in itself.

Look its late, I'm tired you don't need me to tell you anymore. After reading this I'm still processing and trying to reflect on the glory I have digested. If you don't buy these overpriced yet beautiful products you not only hate yourself but all the lovely kittens and puppies the world blesses us with.

Don't hate yourself

Don't hate kittens

Don't hate puppies

Do buy this.

There sorted that for you then huh.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 10 August, 2017, 12:52:53 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 03 March, 2017, 12:59:23 PMI see Amazon have the next volume, Fable of Venice, listed for July (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1631409263/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488545419&sr=8-4&keywords=corto+maltese).
So, Amazon told me last month this was being delayed until August and now it has disappeared completely from the UK site. Hope all is well. Particularly galling when I saw the new German version of this one in the local comic shop at the start of the week. They get better extras too.

Edited to add: Okay, just found this post (http://euro.idwpublishing.com/corto-in-venice/) on the IDW site, so I guess everything's in hand.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 August, 2017, 01:03:10 PM
That link just goes to show how great these new editions are though!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 10 August, 2017, 01:54:35 PM
The comic book shop who's getting me these says it should be out in the end of August. Hope its so. Love these.

And I agree. That comparison idw posted is amazing :P
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 27 September, 2017, 10:53:16 PM
Well Fable of Venice is finally out. It's the shortest book so far - and there are some big exposition dumps in places - but it's also the rollicking adventure we have come to expect. I was amused that the Masons in the book reminded me very much of the secret criminal gang in The Blue Lotus.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 September, 2017, 09:24:32 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 27 September, 2017, 10:53:16 PM
Well Fable of Venice is finally out.
That's interesting. Amazon cancelled my order a few weeks ago and it looks like they still don't have it on sale direct.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 September, 2017, 08:54:52 PM
I got my dispatch notice yesterday from Wordery so with any luck it will land soon.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 October, 2017, 02:19:23 PM
Finally got my copy on Friday morning but haven't had a chance to read it yet.

While we're waiting for the next volume, I see IDW have The Man from the Great North (http://euro.idwpublishing.com/one-man-one-adventure/) listed to fill the gap. Never heard of it before but sounds pretty interesting.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 October, 2017, 06:16:04 PM
Nope never heard of that one but by George sounds right up my street. Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 December, 2017, 09:09:56 PM
Finally got around to reading 'Fable of Venice' absolutely exquiste. Superb (if as Timothy says below a little exposition heavy) story, with a lovely weavey plot, the art, laways fantastic managed to raise up a level and boy wasn't that ending a gem.

Possibly my favourite to date.
Title: Corto Maltese
Post by: Timothy on 26 March, 2018, 09:05:35 AM
The Golden House of Samarkand is out and, for the first time in this series, I have some slight niggles.

First though, the good stuff. It's a belter of a story crammed full of betrayals and double crosses. The translation of the dialogue is a step up from previously. Rasputin's dialogue in particular is spot on. It's also nice to have a longer story for a change rather than a linked narrative split into chapters. I enjoyed it lots.

So why the niggles? Well the price has shot up compared to previous volumes (the Brexit effect perhaps), and there is then the issue of the first page. Most of the book is in the usual Corto inked style, but the first page is in watercolour. It is reproduced clearly and looks pretty but it is in black and white where it should be in colour. The colour version can be seen online and is vastly superior. For a premium price book of this kind I think we could have expected a proper colour reproduction of that page. It's not as if a single page of colour is going to destroy budgets. Am disappointed (a little).
Title: Re: Corto Maltese
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 March, 2018, 09:41:28 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 26 March, 2018, 09:05:35 AM
The Golden House of Samarkand is out and, for the first time in this series, I have some slight niggles.
Where did you get it from? I've been refreshing my amazon links on a daily basis but still no joy.
Title: Corto Maltese
Post by: Timothy on 26 March, 2018, 10:23:06 AM
FLC shop.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 March, 2018, 12:55:01 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 26 March, 2018, 09:41:28 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 26 March, 2018, 09:05:35 AM
The Golden House of Samarkand is out and, for the first time in this series, I have some slight niggles.
Where did you get it from? I've been refreshing my amazon links on a daily basis but still no joy.

I'm getting bad at spoting when these come out. Anyway pop over to Wordery Cosh as they have some there for the much more palatable price of £22 (gulp!)

https://wordery.com/corto-maltese-the-golden-house-of-samarkand-hugo-pratt-9781684051861
(https://wordery.com/corto-maltese-the-golden-house-of-samarkand-hugo-pratt-9781684051861)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 May, 2018, 09:26:48 PM
Just read The Golden House of Samarkand and l have to be honest struggled with this one a little. I mean its still a fantastic read and the story is rich and deep, but at this extended length I was wondering if we'd have more time to explore things. But its so dense and full. The plot cracks on at an immense pace and while there are scenes that are allowed a little more space and time, so much happens and so much is covered.

I just don't think I was able to give it the good length of reading a pleasure like this deserves to get the best out of it. At some point in the future I'll have the time to devote to this the attention it deserves. As it is I'll settle happily for the shallow reading I've managed.Not had this problem before with any of this series but this one left me frustrated as I knew I was missing meaning and ideas.

Still a glory to behold and even read with the lack of insight I managed I fantastic tale. At moments its just breath-taking and Rasputin has turned here into one of my all time favourite comic characters, just a joy. So no problems and I should be happy that I know this has so much more to offer when I return to it.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn
Post by: Timothy on 21 May, 2018, 08:45:37 AM
I know what you mean about it needing time to soak in. I have been going back through the series recently and, by and large, have enjoyed the shorter stories more easily. There is much to love in the longer stories, but they do require more space and more work on the part of the reader to get the most out of them.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn
Post by: Timothy on 20 August, 2018, 03:02:41 PM
I have not read it yet, but Tango is out. I picked it up at lunchtime today and will dive in while on holiday next week. It's another slim vol.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 December, 2018, 09:44:14 PM
As well as reading the X-Mas Prog read Tango over the last couple of nights and its a delight.

I whined last time about the story moving at such break neck speed that I know I missed stuff and nothing had room to breathe  well Tango doesn't make this mistake is 48 pages still tell a tight muscular story cracking along but its not quite so breakneck and feels compact rather than chaotic.

Now that's not to say I think I've cracked the themes and ideas there's much still to draw out of this. As with the very best literature in any format I know future reading will give me so much more insight but this one felt far more balanced and focused. Just a delight and possibly my favourite to date (If I exclude Ballard of as its not been in this series).

A glorious mystery to indulge any comic reader.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages
Post by: Apestrife on 12 January, 2019, 10:37:41 AM
Anyone seen this? Secret rose and Early years coming in March and August.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-Secret-Hugo-Pratt/dp/1684054028/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547288980&sr=8-2&keywords=corto+maltese

https://www.amazon.com/Corto-Maltese-Early-Hugo-Pratt/dp/1684055032/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547289012&sr=8-1&keywords=corto+maltese

I feel a reread is imminent, Capricorn up to the upcoming Rose :)

Also. That makes 10 of 12 total? Last two should be The Ballad of the Salty Sea and Mu right?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 January, 2019, 11:50:11 AM
Nice one. It'll be interesting to see what the do with Ballard as it a different scale page countwise. It's either going to carry a hefty price tag or be split?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages
Post by: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:03:26 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 12 January, 2019, 11:50:11 AM
Nice one. It'll be interesting to see what the do with Ballard as it a different scale page countwise. It's either going to carry a hefty price tag or be split?

Looked at the page count for it, and that's an interesting question! How many pages long is it? I've seen it differ from 160 to 250 on amazon.

I'm thinking they'll add a 10 to the price. Hoping for a nice fatty on the shelf :)

Anyone read Mu? Thoughts?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 January, 2019, 08:20:30 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:03:26 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 12 January, 2019, 11:50:11 AM
Nice one. It'll be interesting to see what the do with Ballard as it a different scale page countwise. It's either going to carry a hefty price tag or be split?

Looked at the page count for it, and that's an interesting question! How many pages long is it? I've seen it differ from 160 to 250 on amazon.

I'm thinking they'll add a 10 to the price. Hoping for a nice fatty on the shelf :)

Anyone read Mu? Thoughts?

I've got a copy of the Universal (I think it was) edition in the nerd cave and I think the 250 page is nearer the mark. Is a good hefty read. That edition isn't a patch on the one's we're getting currently so alas whatever the cost I'll be getting the new version!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 January, 2019, 04:29:03 PM
Remember that one of the issues with that edition was that pages were cropped and labels rejigged to fit the shaker format so I'd imagine a significant reduction in page count. That's still going to make it bigger than most though so another tenner seems fine.

Haven't posted my thoughts on the last few, mostly because I keep promising myself I'll do a reread to pick up more on the recurring characters and ideas.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 January, 2019, 09:17:37 PM
Man....I'm WAY behind on the Corto releases. Still have The Ethiopian and beyond to read...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages
Post by: Apestrife on 29 January, 2019, 08:49:19 PM
Having just finished reading:
Under the sign of the capricorn
Beyond the windy isles
Celtic tales
The Ethiopian
In Siberia
Fable of Venice
Golden house of Samarkand
Tango

--I must say. Damn good stuff. What I enjoy the most about Corto is how two sided he is. Always smooth, but always getting himself in trouble. Likes to tell people how little he cares, only to risk his life for someone first chance he gets. I also enjoy how the places he visits feels like actual places. The feeling I get is similar to that of reading Don Rosa's duck tales as a kid. Making me want to travel and meet people, listen to their stories.

The secret rose is out next month. Can't wait to pick it up :)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 03 March, 2019, 02:58:09 PM
The Secret Rose is out there. I must admit I was dubious. Dream stories, with the obvious exception of The Sandman, often leave me cold. Having read it though I am happy to say that I was completely wrong. It is thoroughly charming and some of the characters are hilarious. Although the tone is lighter than some other Corto books there is still a lot to digest, but it is handled so beautifully that it never seems like a chore. Not a typical Corto by any means, but still a cracking read.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 March, 2019, 04:19:15 PM
Wow is that out alerady - does that just leave Early Years and then  bacl to Ballard?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages
Post by: Apestrife on 03 March, 2019, 08:00:11 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 03 March, 2019, 02:58:09 PM
The Secret Rose is out there. I must admit I was dubious. Dream stories, with the obvious exception of The Sandman, often leave me cold. Having read it though I am happy to say that I was completely wrong. It is thoroughly charming and some of the characters are hilarious. Although the tone is lighter than some other Corto books there is still a lot to digest, but it is handled so beautifully that it never seems like a chore. Not a typical Corto by any means, but still a cracking read.

Read it tonight. Enjoyed it alot. I can somewhat agree to the thing you say about dream stories, as well that The secret rose was really good. Fitting as well having Corto enter such realm as it, after seeing two moons, meeting a double ganger and so on in the adventures before it.

I think the "court scene" more or less summed up why I like the character as much as I do. His dream also left me with a desire to dream as interesting as him  :lol:

Quote from: Colin YNWA on 03 March, 2019, 04:19:15 PM
Wow is that out alerady - does that just leave Early Years and then  bacl to Ballard?

Made for a nice surprise at my LCS. I think it's Early years, Ballad and MU. 
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: CalHab on 15 May, 2019, 09:44:24 AM
I just read The Man From the Great North and really enjoyed it. Is there a best place to start or a particular highlight with Corto Maltese or with any of Pratt's other work?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 May, 2019, 08:14:31 PM
Quote from: CalHab on 15 May, 2019, 09:44:24 AM
I just read The Man From the Great North and really enjoyed it. Is there a best place to start or a particular highlight with Corto Maltese or with any of Pratt's other work?

Glad to hear you enjoyed The Man from the Great North its working its way up my read list. As for best Corto safe to say any will do its all excellent. If I was going to pick one Celtic Tales for a superb series of short stories, Siberia if you'd prefer a long form.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 15 May, 2019, 08:49:40 PM
Christ almighty, I know nothing, Jon Snow.  This is the first time I've ever heard that Corto Maltese was anything other than an island in the DCU.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 May, 2019, 09:24:27 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 15 May, 2019, 08:14:31 PMAs for best Corto safe to say any will do its all excellent. If I was going to pick one Celtic Tales for a superb series of short stories, Siberia if you'd prefer a long form.
I'd say you get the best out of it if you start from the start. The stories are episodic and largely self-contained, but there are recurring characters and themes which are developed as it goes on.

Only problem with that is that the current - beautiful - IDW reprints started with the second volume! Colin's recommendation of Celtic Tales is also solid as it was the first one where I really felt the mix of realism and metaphor worked together.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: CalHab on 16 May, 2019, 01:22:46 PM
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll maybe pick up Celtic Tales to start.

I'd definitely recommend The Man From the Great North. For such a short story there is an incredible amount going on and depth to it. I think I need to read it a few more times before I can get some kind of a grip on it.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 06 June, 2019, 11:04:32 AM
Old news, but I re-read In Siberia last night and it continues to be wonderful. Possibly my favourite of the longer stories.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 09 June, 2019, 01:46:38 PM
Lookie here! Ballad of the salty sea in Feb next year! :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corto-Maltese-Ballad-Salty-Sea/dp/1684056411/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=corto+maltese&qid=1560084254&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Before that The Early Years now in September. Guessing MU in a year.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 June, 2019, 03:17:59 PM
This is all such good news. When the last edition of Ballard of the Salt Sea came out 7 years (or so) ago and got slated I couldn't have imagined we'd have a complete set of neigh perfect English language editions in only 8 years. I was happy just to finally have got hold of some of this classic stuff. Its a big tribute to IDW that they've pulled this off.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 24 August, 2019, 04:50:11 PM
Picked up The early years today. Read it on the train home. A bit like Fable of Venice and Tango it's short on page, but it delivers when it comes to story.

It was supposed to be a much longer story (which Hugo didn't finish due to something something issues with the publisher), but I think it serves well as a little intro the character as well as how Corto met Rasputin.

Besides the main story there are a couple of unfinished pages of what would happen next, as well as a bit of reading reading Corto, and also some colour pages.

Now one just needs to wait till next year for Ballad of the salt sea and then MU  :)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 24 August, 2019, 07:45:34 PM
I'm waaaaay behind, in fact most of my volumes are still in storage after the move. Can't wait to get them out of the attic when I move into my own place in October and start a reread before picking up the succeeding volumes!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 24 August, 2019, 08:30:28 PM
I'm in the can't be pleased camp here. A little way up the thread I complained that we didn't get the full colour reproduction of the watercolour opening page of The Fable of Venice. Well we get the colour here and it's beautifully reproduced, but it feels like padding on a very short story. It's a good story - Rasputin in particular is wonderful - but it doesn't seem good value for money on a premium book such as this.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 25 August, 2019, 09:11:06 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 24 August, 2019, 08:30:28 PM
I'm in the can't be pleased camp here. A little way up the thread I complained that we didn't get the full colour reproduction of the watercolour opening page of The Fable of Venice. Well we get the colour here and it's beautifully reproduced, but it feels like padding on a very short story. It's a good story - Rasputin in particular is wonderful - but it doesn't seem good value for money on a premium book such as this.

Said watercolour page is in House of Samarkand, but I feel you. At the time I felt both Venice and Tango should'v had a lower price than the rest of them, and I think the same holds true for Early years... But I've gotten used to it, especially now with only two books to go.

Any ideas why the watercolour page was used instead of a b&w one?

I also wonder if the six larger hardbacks are still on the cards.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 September, 2019, 09:18:17 PM
Well Early Years is possibly my favourite so far. Okay its short but he back matter, the colour bonus pages make it feel special. Though gosh that forward needs to be an Afterward. I shopped reading it when I realised it was going to tell me the whole bloody plot.

Then you get to the story and you realise it is special. Just brilliant. Superb. As Timothy says Rasputin is plain brilliant. But for me the parallels between Jack London and older Corto are just fantastic and he's the star of the show. Its an mini masterpiece.

The only downer is we don't get the longer story this set up. The few pages we get hint at how great this could have been. Still we must be grateful for what we have. Just a lovely package.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 September, 2019, 10:53:35 AM
We only have two volumes left right? Ballad of the Salt Sea and Mu?! Damn, i'm absolutely getting caught up by Christmas! Fable of Venice appears to be a bit tough to find but will be worth hunting down...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 15 September, 2019, 06:50:44 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 11 September, 2019, 10:53:35 AM
We only have two volumes left right? Ballad of the Salt Sea and Mu?! Damn, i'm absolutely getting caught up by Christmas! Fable of Venice appears to be a bit tough to find but will be worth hunting down...

I cannot wait to read Ballad of the Salt Sea. Heard so much good about it. "Only" 5 months away now  :D
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 03 December, 2019, 04:15:19 PM
The last Corto book MU will be out on the 25th of August! :)

175 pages. The longest Corto book?

https://www.amazon.com/Corto-Maltese-Mu-Lost-Continent/dp/1684056918/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hugo+pratt&qid=1575389512&sr=8-1

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91LQ66gDI0L.jpg)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 December, 2019, 08:45:32 PM
Wow they really did. They really bloody did it! Well done them and lucky us.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn –
Post by: Timothy on 05 March, 2020, 10:50:22 AM
Ballad of the Salty Sea is out there now. I have only read the first few pages so far, but it's looking like the set-up to another beauty.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn –
Post by: Apestrife on 09 March, 2020, 06:20:35 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 05 March, 2020, 10:50:22 AM
Ballad of the Salty Sea is out there now. I have only read the first few pages so far, but it's looking like the set-up to another beauty.

I finished *reading Ballad of the salty sea this weekend. Loved it. One thing that stood out for me was the art. The way it went between fine lined and richly detailed and free and flowing almost sketchy. More so than the other Corto books from what I remember. Also the inks looked like they a touch of water colour to them at times. Often giving the blacks on the page more than just one shade of black. Really liked the story as well. Probably my favorite thus far.

Anyone else who finished reading it?

*Finished and finished, I'm picking it up all the time to rest my eyes on the art (Corto on the veranda, watching the ocean at sundown being a favorite) and doing rereads of scenes  :)

Btw. Surely Corto could'v told told Pandora [spoiler]something less confusing in good-bye (after she asked if he'd met a girl who resembled her) than "It's because you don't resemble any other girl that I've have wanted to meet your anytime... Anywhere..."[/spoiler]?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 March, 2020, 07:59:07 PM
I've not got the new edition but I've read the editon that came out a few years ago. Its a brilliant story and its longer length really lets things both breathe and move in all sorts of directions. In my head its still the best but I'm really looking forward to reading it in the context of having now read the rest.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 March, 2020, 06:27:18 PM
Well, I've just got round to reading the new edition of Ballad of the Salty Sea and it's fantastic. I was a bit worried about this. The previous Universe edition was my introduction to the character and while there are problems with that, I've always felt the language seemed to flow better in that than in some of the IDW volumes. Maybe my main problem is simply that Salt Sea works so much better as a title than Salty.

My fears were unfounded. Maybe it helps coming back to this now after knowing what follows but this was a really meaty book and I really enjoyed coming back to our first meeting with Corto and Rasputin. There's a lot going on and a lot of character revealed with a few words or a look. One of the things that occasionally bugs me about the series is the unwieldy expository speeches, usually about history or writers that Pratt likes. There's almost none of that here. Even the historical background is handled a bit more subtly than in later books.

If you have access to both versions (Colin?) it really is worth comparing them side by side. I vaguely remember reading something about it at the time but seeing how they chopped up the art for the older one is quite something. The comparison isn't all one way though: it's really interesting to see the different approaches to translating the text even if I have no way of saying which is objectively "best."

Really excited for the last volume now, which will hopefully still make it out this year, and I have plenty of time at home to reread the others in anticipation.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 March, 2020, 08:56:29 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 29 March, 2020, 06:27:18 PM

If you have access to both versions (Colin?) it really is worth comparing them side by side. I vaguely remember reading something about it at the time but seeing how they chopped up the art for the older one is quite something. The comparison isn't all one way though: it's really interesting to see the different approaches to translating the text even if I have no way of saying which is objectively "best."


Yep I have them both now and while Corto Maltese always gets a pass on my too read list want to find some time to do just what. Put both editions side by side and compare and contrast. The outrage about the Universe Edition got me intrigued and I'm glad its failed to sale at the recent comic mart I was selling at so I can do a comparison.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 April, 2020, 09:17:40 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 29 March, 2020, 06:27:18 PM
If you have access to both versions (Colin?) it really is worth comparing them side by side. I vaguely remember reading something about it at the time but seeing how they chopped up the art for the older one is quite something. The comparison isn't all one way though: it's really interesting to see the different approaches to translating the text even if I have no way of saying which is objectively "best."

Finally read 'Ballard of the Salty Sea' - the new IDW edition  and while I'll not pretend to have a view on the wording yet there is absolutely not comparison with the art reproduction. The new edition is just miles ahead. The pages in black and white and so crisp and the blacks so deep, but also faded greys as needed, you get every line of the depth and intent in the art. The Universe edition I'll appreciate for my introduction to this great work but I doubt I'll be reading it again - though I'll be looking at some text as an insight. The colours are a decent job, and do add a light and a heat to the tale, but when combined, with its chopped and repositioned panels and the poor reproduction it just muddies so, so much and its in this to lose so much compared to IDW's modern masterpiece. The precision in the art so deserves the larger page that affords so much more space and the faultess printing.

The story itself remains a classic but I have to say having read all the current editions its taken me a while to get my head into a story of this length I've become so accustomed to the adventrous pace of the shorter tales I was almost disorientationed by the meanders and twists this one took.

One day - in the none too distant future I'll do a re-read and see how these wonderful stories read together and how Ballard sets a scene for what's to come, but as the books have been produced has been.

I'm really excited to see where Mu leaves us off and once again if folks haven't been reading this series of books I can't recommened them highly enough.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 June, 2020, 05:11:17 PM
Ohhh just seen IDW have put out a new release date for 'Mu' now coming out 26th August.

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/new-schedules-for-marvel-idw-and-source-point-press/ (https://bleedingcool.com/comics/new-schedules-for-marvel-idw-and-source-point-press/)

We're almost there... almost there...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Apestrife on 26 June, 2020, 09:47:35 AM
Nice! Can't wait to read it :)
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Timothy on 13 August, 2020, 10:45:00 AM
Just picked up Mu! Now which to read first - Mu or Cruel Summer?   V excited for both.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 August, 2020, 10:19:29 AM
Quote from: Timothy on 13 August, 2020, 10:45:00 AM
Just picked up Mu! Now which to read first - Mu or Cruel Summer?   V excited for both.
Bah! People who have access to actual comic shops make my blood boil.

Had been holding off on ordering this one but it's still not available on Wordery with a week to go until the "official" publication date. Should I just give in and get it from Amazon?
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 August, 2020, 02:03:31 PM
Wow didn't realise Mu was such a beast of a volume - mines just landed today.

And that's it. Wow - less than a week after I get a full set of lovely (off topic spines aside) set of hardcover Dante volumes finished I get these beautiful collections done and dusted.

Who'd have thunk even 7 years ago that we'd end up with such a well presented, complete set of these wonderful stories? I was happy with my, now clearly shoddy, reprint of Ballad. I'm off to do a special nerd wee I think...

Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 August, 2020, 03:18:50 PM
Pfft. Now it's gone from Amazon and Wordery completely. Feel quite aggreived about this.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 October, 2020, 02:18:47 PM
Just finished 'Mu' and wow, possibly my favourite of the lot. I mean I haven't got a clue what was going on. Was it all a dream from when the islanders gases them in their sleep? What's with the return of his five o'clock shadow just as he leaves the Kingdom of the Dead and finds Rasputin again??? I mean it feels lazy to call this Corto Maltese in Wonderland but that's what it is.

Its a dreamy dream of a book and quite superb. I'm already looking forward to revisiting and discovering more. I suspect I'll be revisiting many times!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 04 December, 2020, 08:19:52 AM
Took delivery of IN SIBERIA and THE FABLE OF VENICE today. I'm about half way caught up after falling off the Corot wagon a few years back, a most egregious crime.

Six more volumes to go and yet more Pratt is still being rolled out, what a time to be alive.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 December, 2020, 09:38:48 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 04 December, 2020, 08:19:52 AM
Six more volumes to go and yet more Pratt is still being rolled out, what a time to be alive.

You have a world of wonderful to catch up on you lucky thing!
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 December, 2020, 07:37:24 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 28 August, 2020, 03:18:50 PM
Pfft. Now it's gone from Amazon and Wordery completely. Feel quite aggreived about this.
The saga continues. Finally gave in and ordered Mu from Amazon six weeks ago. Only problem is that I've moved house since I last ordered anything from them. The postcode is the same so I didn't think twice until the missed delivery.

Have another one coming now which should hopefully be here in time for Christmas.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 February, 2022, 09:28:51 PM
Oh there's nothing like a necro, and this one isn't even really in context BUT its close enough and this thread should never fall so far off the top of the topic...

ANYWAY

Just read Indian Summer by Hugo Pratt and Milo Manara in a Manara Library edition, I'll come back to that. Now its a horrible read about a terrible world, full of vicious unplesent characters, violence and ugliness ... and its bloody brilliant and beautiful. The juxaposition of Manara's simply beautiful art and the ugly world the pair create is completely compelling.

The story centres on colonial America and it harsh realities. One act of horrible violence escaltes to focus the savage world all parties live in. This though is contrasted with much harder brutalities in a family history torn out in the middle of the tale. Nothing is right here and yet it reads so well.

I would suggest its not quite as good as Corto as it lacks the enigma and charm of the lead there, but its bloody good.

The Manara Library edition is the only one I own, I only got it for the Prattness not the Manaraness - why isn't there a Pratt Library... which is churlish given we have all those lovely Corto Maltese editions now AND the Treasury books ANYWAY - its a bloody lovely book and sits well alongside the glory that is the Maltese books. Its got a second story The Paper Man by Manara alone - which I hope to read tomorrow. But yeah if you like Corto get this.

Oh and The Man From the Great North is coming up soon.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 February, 2022, 08:41:49 PM
Wow well Paper Man is a pretty great story. A down to earth flight of fantasy set in the early west. I could stretch my sense of it and say it provides potted history of America... but I think I'd be reading things that aren't there... maybe. I don't get it, I don't get what its about, but its still an absolute delight.

Wish I'd got more of the Manara Library volumes - they're crazy expensive now alas.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 03 February, 2022, 09:26:09 PM
thanks for reminding me of indian summer, colin. i remember it so fondly from back in the day. in fact i recall picking it up along with a bunch of love and rockets, escape magazine, moebius, hermann and so much else that, heretically, didn't have any spandex. and having my tiny mind blown to smithereens forever.
i see that the first manara library edition is the only affordable volume at the moment. but i'm looking forward to your reviews of the other tales within before taking the plunge ...
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 February, 2022, 09:34:47 PM
Quote from: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 03 February, 2022, 09:26:09 PM
i see that the first manara library edition is the only affordable volume at the moment. but i'm looking forward to your reviews of the other tales within before taking the plunge ...

No sorry that's it. I don't have any other volumes. I might just check my LCS as they used to have some. I'd like to get volume 2 as that has more Hugo Pratt stuff, I do wonder what put me off getting it back in the day. I remember I'd always wanted to read Indian Summer after hearing about it on some tv / film... so grabbed that and check volume 2 for the Pratt... I wonder what put me off getting it???
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 February, 2022, 09:09:55 PM
The Man from the Great North

Apparently the first English translation of Hugo Pratt's work about Jesuit Joe (there's an 1991 French film which uses that name) dressed in a red coat of a Canadian Mountie moving through the bleak snowy Canadian landscape making stark and intriguing choices. Its a fascinating read spoiled somewhat by the presentation. In an attempt to make this a complete collection of all of Pratt's work on Jesuit Joe. So interspersed with the 48 page original albums are additional pages from storyboards Pratt drew for the above mentioned film. They only serve as a distraction and would have served the story much better if presented outside the main story.

After this is a short beginning of an abandoned sequel. This resolves the wonderfully ambigious ending from the first story, but doesn't take the story elsewhere due to its aborted end.

In the end while it great to see all this its a classic case of less if more. The original story would have been far better served by being presented on its own, the rest added as seperate back matter. Shame as its all lovely and interesting, just poor used in this instance.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: CalHab on 14 February, 2022, 10:35:21 AM
That was my thought as well. I understand the desire to have a "complete" edition, but it didn't hang together and really took me out of the story.

That said, it's a striking piece of work.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2022, 11:25:42 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 14 February, 2022, 10:35:21 AM
That was my thought as well. I understand the desire to have a "complete" edition, but it didn't hang together and really took me out of the story.

That said, it's a striking piece of work.

It is that - its stunning, as ever with Hugo Pratt of course.
Title: Re: Corto Maltese: Under The Sign of Capricorn – spoiler light (3 preview pages incl
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 February, 2022, 11:42:07 AM
I feel the best approach with this kind of situation is the Fantographics boxed edition, containing the 'fiction' in one paperback tome and the ancillary material in a second. Companion pieces that serve to complement one another without detracting from the narrative intentions.