By How many books make up The Eternaut?
“The Eternaut”, one of the most emblematic works of the comic argentine, has captivated readers around the world since its first publication in 1957. However, the question on how many books make up this saga can be confusing due to the various editions, versions and volumes that exist. In this article, we will explore the various iterations of “El Eternauta”, along with their authors, years of publication and distinctive features.
First Edition (1957): The story of “El Eternauta” began in 1957, when the writer Héctor Germán Oesterheld and artist Francisco Solano López presented for the first time this epic science fiction in the magazine Zero Hour Weekly. The first edition consisted of nine chapters, published on a weekly basis, and followed the adventures of John Saved, and their group of survivors in a Buenos Aires ravaged by a nevada alien.
Second Edition (1961): The popularity of “El Eternauta” led to a second edition in 1961, this time under the imprint of the publishing house Ediciones Record. This edition is divided into three parts: “The World Sorry”, “The Iron Men” and “The Days of the Future”. In addition to collecting the nine original chapters, this version included new drawings of Francisco Solano López and some modifications in the script Oesterheld.
Later Editions: Since then, “El Eternauta” has been the subject of numerous editions and reprints, each with its own variations and additions. In 1969, he launched a revised and expanded version of the original work, entitled “The Eternaut II”, which continued the original story with new chapters and characters. Other editions notable include the black and white version published by Editorial Meridiana in 1976 and editing “Integral” launched by Ediciones Colihue in 1991, which collected the entire series in a single volume.
Over the years, there have been other re-issues, the most prominent are:
Eternauta: original Edition (2007): Editorial Colihue re-released the original story in two volumes, in compliance with the formatting and pagination of the magazine Zero Hour Weekly.
The Eternauta: full Editing (2015): Editorial Sudamericana published an edition integrated in a single volume that recounted all the stories of El Eternauta, including the two original parties, The Eternauta 1969 and The Eternaut 3.
Authors and Contributors: Héctor Germán Oesterheld was the genius behind the script of “El Eternauta”, bringing his creativity and unique vision to the story. Francisco Solano López, with his skill in drawing and visual storytelling, gave life to the characters and scenarios in a masterly manner. Other important contributors include Alberto Breccia, who illustrated the sequel to “El Eternauta II”, and various editors and translators who helped bring the work to new audiences around the world.
In short, “El Eternauta” is a monumental work that has been the subject of multiple editions and versions over the years. Since its debut in 1957 to the latest editions, this saga has captivated generations with its engaging narrative and its shocking imagery. Whether in their original form of nine chapters, or in its various reinterpretations, “El Eternauta” remains a masterpiece of the comic book that endures over time.
