Valerian: The Complete Collection , Volume 1 (Valerian & Laureline, Volume 1)

Reading these for the first time though I've been aware of these stories for many years. I'm struck by how relevant and topical these stories remain to our times and can clearly see the influence on so many Sci-Fi Space Opera franchises that we know and love. This is true Science Fiction, dealing with important issues, but with fun and adventure. For contemporary comic readers, the art feels almost amateurish but is also incredibly realistic and detailed. The stories and characters feel so familiar because they have influenced so many popular franchises. If you can put yourself in the shoes of a reader in the 1960s, you can imagine how mind-blowing some of this was. Important and highly recommended for fans of science fiction and popular culture.

Grabbed this book after seeing the trailer for the upcoming Valérian movie. This is a great book, very charming as a product of the late sixties, but it inspired me to order the original French editions, too. Speaking of which, the translation from French to English is a little clunky at times, but it's fine overall. Word of warning, though: this book literally stinks. I think it's the ink used to print it, but you should read it in a well-ventilated place or air it out a little, so you don't get a headache. Don't let that be a reason not to pick this one up, though. It's fun for sure.

Valerian (also referred to as ‘Valerian and Laureline’) is a space opera comic book created by the writer and artist team of Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezieres. The inaugural episode was serialized starting in the November, 1967 issue of the French magazine ‘Pilote’ and went on to become one of the best-known, and most influential, Eurocomics of the last 50 years.The series appeared in 20 or so successive ‘album de bande dessinee’, or Franco-Belgian comics, until 2010. Only recently have more than a handful of these comics been translated into English, so for much of the period from the 70s through the 2000s, only a comparatively few Anglophone readers were aware of the Valerian franchise. These Anglophone readers would occasionally ‘borrow’ visual concepts from Mezieres, who had mixed emotions on seeing ‘Star Wars’ ……..and realized that more than a few of its designs were copied from his own artwork…....Timed to accompany the release of the feature film ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ on July 21 here in the USA, 'Valerian: The Complete Collection Volume 1' compiles English language translations of the four initial episodes of Valerian serialized in ‘Pilote’: ‘Bad Dreams’ (1967), ‘The City of Shifting Waters’ and ‘Earth in Flames’ (both 1970), and ‘The Empire of a Thousand Planets’ (1971).‘Pilote’ was intended for what in the USA is called a 'tweener' or 'Young Adult' audience, so these initial episodes of Valerian should be read with an awareness of that audience in mind. This does not mean that Valerian, like many of the comics published in ‘Pilote’, cannot be enjoyed by adults; many of the strips that appeared in the magazine have since have become comic book classics, like ‘Asterix’, ‘Lone Sloane’, and ‘Blueberry’.The premise of Valerian is straightforward space opera: in the year 2720, Valerian is an operative for the Terran Galactic Empire. Teleportation allows people to instantaneously travel immense distances in time and space. On a mission to Earth's past, Valerian befriends a peasant girl named Laureline, who soon becomes an operative herself. Together, they are sent all over the galaxy on troubleshooting missions.This volume of ‘The Complete Collection’ is a nicely produced book, with crisp color reproductions done on high-grade paper. There is an extensive Introduction section designed to acquaint an American readership with the Valerian canon, as well as pointing out how influential the series has been on sf and pop culture worldwide.As for the comics themselves, I found them entertaining despite being aimed at a Young Adult readership. Although Christin's scripts apparently were designed to provide a satiric treatment of the political stances of French president Charles de Gaulle (?!), for all practical purposes, Christin's narratives move along at a satisfying pace. In these initial issues, artist Mezieres was plainly finding his way; his depictions of the human characters have a decidedly 'cartoony' look. But his rendering of landscapes and technological artifacts is good, and makes clear that as the series progressed, Mezieres would refine his techniques and produce some memorable imagery.Given the comic's Gallic origins, there inevitably are going to be those moments that will draw a 'huh ?' exclamation from any American reader.......for example, the ‘Earth in Flames’ episode sees a reincarnation of Jerry Lewis from ‘The Nutty Professor’ (1963) ?!The verdict ? If you're a fan of those early days of ‘Heavy Metal’, and Eurocomics like ‘Barbarella’, then you may want to invest in a copy of 'Valerian: The Complete Collection Volume 1'.If you're someone who is less familiar with the Eurocomics scene, someone more at ease with US and UK sci-fi comics like ‘Star Wars’, ‘Star Trek’, or ‘2000 AD’, or more modern series like ‘Black Science’ or ‘Saga’, then Valerian may or may not be your cup of tea..........looking at a digital comic or two may be a good way to gauge whether you'll find Valerian rewarding, and whether you should spring for ‘The Complete Collection’.

Ordered as a birthday gift for my dad who loves sci-fi novels and he loves it! He was so excited to read it and especially loved the extra content and history of the story. By far his favorite gift out of the many he received!

I wanted to assure readers that "Valerian et Laureline (english version) - Tome 1 - Valerian - The complete collection (French Edition) Kindle Edition" is actually the English language edition, not the French edition. The title and description left me wondering.This volume includes three stories; the later two are sold separately as "The City of Shifting Waters" and "The Empire of a Thousand Planets". It is probably sufficient for readers who want to compare the original BD (comic) with the movie "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets". It also includes the first portion of an interview with the authors and Luc Besson who produced, wrote and directed the movie, which continues through the next two volumes.I'm giving this five stars although it's a little rough at first, because it is a solid foundation for what follows.

Very creative and intelligent

I really enjoyed reading this for the first time! I didn't really have any preconceived notions for what to expect but I think it was worth the purchasing price. For being written in 1970 it was really enjoyable

I never heard about this series growing up but I'm glad I found it eventually.Love the art style, love the crazy story ideas and the scenery.I am REALLY glad I got the hardcover edition which is perfect for the panel layouts and page structure!Looking forward to getting the next volume!!!

Great story board style

Wir leben im Jahr 2021 und ich wünsche mir von den Verlagen und Buchbindern eine moderne, coole Art die Einzelausgaben die hier zusammengefasst sind besser von einander zu trennen. Es muss nicht unbdeingt ein Register sein, aber evt doch eine spürbare Kante oder Trennung. Lasst Euch doch Mal was einfallen. Das gilt aber ganz allgemein. Also einen Punkt Abzug für die Usability.

Good book, precursor to the Star Wars movies

Reimpresión de un comic de los 60's, Valerian es un clásico, incluye extras que no esperarías como entrevistas con los creadores, las famosas imágenes que inspiraron a Star Wars, etc. La calidad de la impresión es de primera así como la encuadernación.Incluye la historia Les Mauvais Rêves su primera aventura, que tengo entendido era rara de encontrar en otro idioma que no fuera el francés. Aunque las historias se pueden catalogar como ciencia ficción de los 60's y 70's de las mismas se puede decir que superan el paso del tiempo.