By The Eternaut: Exploring the First Volume of a Comic book Legend Argentine
El Eternauta is a masterpiece of the comic argentino, stands as a landmark in the graphic narrative, not only in their country of origin, but in all of Latin america. Written by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and illustrated by Francisco Solano López, this first volume of the series, published in 1957, immerses us in a post-apocalyptic world where mankind is facing an alien invasion.
The Eternaut: an odyssey against the invasion
Something that showed from the beginning that The Eternauta was not a comic of the bunch was the fabulous decision of the screenwriter Oesterheld to be inserted within the story. His role involves listening to the story of Juan Salvo, known as “El Eternauta”, who unexpectedly appears in your home. Through this character, tells Oesterheld a series of incredible happenings..
The story narrated by The Eternauta begins on a quiet night in the neighborhood of Vicente Lopez at the city of Buenos Aires, he (John Saved) and their friends gather to play cards. Suddenly, a news item on the radio announces a nuclear test in the Pacific contaminated the air. A nevada fluorescent begins to fall, and at the contact, death is inevitable.
Unless and their loved ones, they take refuge in his house, where survival is the only goal. Anarchy and violence take over the city while they are attempting to understand this new hostile world.
They soon discover that the nevada was a weapon of an alien race, dubbed the “them” that has invaded the Earth. These beings, with superior technology, control the surface with robots and “man-robot”.
A group of survivors, led by Unless, you decide to join together to fight against the invaders. Soon, the group is forced to face not only the adversities of the weather, but also the fearsome alien invaders, whose intentions are unknown and seemingly hostile. As they struggle to survive in an increasingly hostile environment, the ties between the characters grow stronger, and together they face challenges both physical and emotional.
The narrative cleverly constructed plunges us into a world full of danger and tension, where every moment is a fight for life. Through the eyes of John and his group, we witness the despair and the value of those who refuse to give up in the face of adversity, even when the target seems to be against you.
With a visual style to a captivating and a narrative rich in nuances, “El Eternauta” takes us on a thrilling journey and disturbing, where hope and fear intertwine in an epic struggle for survival. This first volume lays the foundation of a saga legendary that continues to resonate in the imagination of the readers long after it closed its pages.
The Eternauta immerses us in a Buenos Aires dystopian, with empty streets, dilapidated buildings and an atmosphere of fear and desolation. Science fiction mixed with action and suspense, inviting us to reflect on the human condition.
The story ends with an open ending, leaving the reader in suspense about the fate of the resistance and humanity. The final battle against “them” and the origin of the Eternauta will be disclosed will be in The Eternauta II.
The Eternauta has become an emblematic work in the comic book argentina, recognized for its narrative quality, its political message and its cultural impact. An odyssey that invites us to fight for survival and the hope.
Authors: Héctor Germán Oesterheld, a renowned argentine writer, was the genius behind the history and development of the characters in “El Eternauta”. His ability to weave a narrative that is complex and multi-faceted, as well as his talent to address social and political issues, contributed in large measure to the lasting impact of the work.
Francisco Solano López, the visual artist of the series, endowed “El Eternauta” of his signature graphic style, creating striking images that perfectly compliment the intensity of the story. His talent for capturing the atmosphere gloomy and oppressive post-apocalyptic world contributed significantly to the success of the work.
Legacy and Impact: Since its publication, “El Eternauta” has been the object of critical acclaim and popular, becoming an icon of the comic argentine and Latin american. The work has been the subject of numerous adaptations, re-editions and tribute, and his influence extends far beyond the realm of the comic, to inspire generations of readers and artists.
The story is deeply human and exciting of “El Eternauta”, combined with its powerful exploration of universal themes such as the resistance, solidarity and the struggle against oppression, turn it into an enduring testimony to the power of art to reflect and question the reality.
In summary, the first volume of “El Eternauta” not only establishes the foundation of a saga legendary, but also transports us to a world of fascinating and dangerous, where hope and despair intertwine in an epic struggle for survival.
