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Adrastée #1-2
Adrastée, Intégrale
Après avoir attendu 1000 ans sur un trône de pierre, un homme, immortel, ancien roi d'hyperborée, part vers le Mont Olympe. Apres avoir vu disparaître les siens et son peuple, au fil d'une vie qui n'a que trop duré, il s'est enfin décidé à trouver les dieux pour les questionner quant à son étrange nature. Pourquoi lui ? Comment mourir ? Peut-il encore retrouver celle qu'il a aimée ?
146 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 8, 2022
In a country very reminiscent of Greece, there's a king who has lived a thousand years ruling from his throne of stone, and has lost everything along the way, all he loved and all he cared for, and to complete his . . . misfortune? curse? he has also lost any memories he had of his past times and those he had met.
One day, he goes on a quest to Mount Olympus, where the gods are, to seek answers to the mystery of his existence and his immortality filled with so much forgetfulness. The first goddess, or rather monster, he meets plays Sphinx with him and poses a riddle to him that triggers the first of his memories coming back to him. That's the start of his adventures on his way to the summit, meeting some of the Olympians such as Hephaestus and Athena, and some of the monsters and nymphs and minor immortals, and each of them gives him a hint or a lesson, some very confusingly phrased, that slowly build up layer by layer towards the king having an epiphany by the end of his questing.
What this realisation is, isn't apparent from the story per se but from a dialogue where the king is told that "the most important thing isn't what comes after a life, but rather that the life itself is worth it. Even if it comes at such a high price." In other words, his immortality was supposed to teach him a lesson about the value and meaning of life (?). At least that's what I understood, the storytelling really isn't clear or straightforward.
The pacing and the storytelling style are difficult to get used to, Bablet doesn't make it easy for the reader. He doesn't explain much, and there's long silent sequences at the start and at the end that you have to interpret because there's no text to guide you, and scenes go by rapidly, sometimes back and forth in time, so you have to concentrate and often re-read portions to understand what's going on. It's not heavy on the philosophy, not at all, but it definitely forces you to think or you'll be hopelessly lost as to the author's point.
The artwork is better than the writing, though. At least the scenery and landscapes and general atmosphere, which are very skillfully done. The characters, not so much, especially not their faces and expressions, that are wooden and rather strangely drawn. The palette is nice and used perfectly to set up the mood, one reason why Bablet's style excels at setting up atmosphere.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
One day, he goes on a quest to Mount Olympus, where the gods are, to seek answers to the mystery of his existence and his immortality filled with so much forgetfulness. The first goddess, or rather monster, he meets plays Sphinx with him and poses a riddle to him that triggers the first of his memories coming back to him. That's the start of his adventures on his way to the summit, meeting some of the Olympians such as Hephaestus and Athena, and some of the monsters and nymphs and minor immortals, and each of them gives him a hint or a lesson, some very confusingly phrased, that slowly build up layer by layer towards the king having an epiphany by the end of his questing.
What this realisation is, isn't apparent from the story per se but from a dialogue where the king is told that "the most important thing isn't what comes after a life, but rather that the life itself is worth it. Even if it comes at such a high price." In other words, his immortality was supposed to teach him a lesson about the value and meaning of life (?). At least that's what I understood, the storytelling really isn't clear or straightforward.
The pacing and the storytelling style are difficult to get used to, Bablet doesn't make it easy for the reader. He doesn't explain much, and there's long silent sequences at the start and at the end that you have to interpret because there's no text to guide you, and scenes go by rapidly, sometimes back and forth in time, so you have to concentrate and often re-read portions to understand what's going on. It's not heavy on the philosophy, not at all, but it definitely forces you to think or you'll be hopelessly lost as to the author's point.
The artwork is better than the writing, though. At least the scenery and landscapes and general atmosphere, which are very skillfully done. The characters, not so much, especially not their faces and expressions, that are wooden and rather strangely drawn. The palette is nice and used perfectly to set up the mood, one reason why Bablet's style excels at setting up atmosphere.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2024
«Quizá no deberías preguntarte el «por qué» de la vida sino el «cómo»».
1000 años han pasado. 1000 años de tristeza, soledad y olvido. Antiguo rey de Hiperbórea. El hombre inmortal. Solitario. Poderoso. Perdido. Sin recuerdos.
Necesita hacer memoria. Necesita saber por qué nació inmortal. Por qué ha sido condenado a vivir en esa odiosa soledad, en esa trampa hecha de años de vida. Necesita saber cuál es el propósito de su existencia.
Y para eso tendrá que cruzar el mundo, alcanzar el Monte Olimpo y preguntarle a los dioses.
¿Por qué no puede morirse?
¿Quién teje los hilos de su vida
¿Qué lo lleva a seguir la senda de los humanos cuando su mera existencia es un insulto?
Y así comienza su recorrido a través de sus propios recuerdos, ayudado por los Dioses que le observan sortear cada obstáculo. La desesperación incluso lo hará descender hasta los infiernos en busca de las mismísimas Moiras.
El autor plantea cuestiones que ya ha planteado en otras de sus obras pero usando en este caso la mitología de una manera curiosa y visualmente impresionante. Ya he hablado de lo mucho que disfruto de las obras y el arte del autor.
El uso del color, con viñetas más o menos vivas según el momento, se funde de manera perfecta con las batallas psicológicas de los personajes. Casi se puede palpar el dolor, la incertidumbre y el miedo. Es una auténtica gozada.
Si lo conocéis, no dudo que os gustará este cómic. Y si no, siempre es una excelente puerta de entrada a la obra de Mathieu.
Un tebeo buenísimo con una edición impecable.
1000 años han pasado. 1000 años de tristeza, soledad y olvido. Antiguo rey de Hiperbórea. El hombre inmortal. Solitario. Poderoso. Perdido. Sin recuerdos.
Necesita hacer memoria. Necesita saber por qué nació inmortal. Por qué ha sido condenado a vivir en esa odiosa soledad, en esa trampa hecha de años de vida. Necesita saber cuál es el propósito de su existencia.
Y para eso tendrá que cruzar el mundo, alcanzar el Monte Olimpo y preguntarle a los dioses.
¿Por qué no puede morirse?
¿Quién teje los hilos de su vida
¿Qué lo lleva a seguir la senda de los humanos cuando su mera existencia es un insulto?
Y así comienza su recorrido a través de sus propios recuerdos, ayudado por los Dioses que le observan sortear cada obstáculo. La desesperación incluso lo hará descender hasta los infiernos en busca de las mismísimas Moiras.
El autor plantea cuestiones que ya ha planteado en otras de sus obras pero usando en este caso la mitología de una manera curiosa y visualmente impresionante. Ya he hablado de lo mucho que disfruto de las obras y el arte del autor.
El uso del color, con viñetas más o menos vivas según el momento, se funde de manera perfecta con las batallas psicológicas de los personajes. Casi se puede palpar el dolor, la incertidumbre y el miedo. Es una auténtica gozada.
Si lo conocéis, no dudo que os gustará este cómic. Y si no, siempre es una excelente puerta de entrada a la obra de Mathieu.
Un tebeo buenísimo con una edición impecable.
July 24, 2018
haaaaaaaaaaaa c'est tellement BEAU! J'aime tellement ce style de dessin avec une infinité de détails, des couleurs douces et lumineuses. Les paysages sont à couper le souffle, les créatures mythiques et dieux et déesses sont aussi incroyable. J'aime en particulier Talos le géant couvert de métal et de plantes!
L'histoire est celle d'un homme immortel qui parcourt le monde à la recherche de réponses, rien de trop original, au début un peu difficile à comprendre. Mais cela se prête bien au voyage et aux beautés que l'auteur dessine.
L'histoire est celle d'un homme immortel qui parcourt le monde à la recherche de réponses, rien de trop original, au début un peu difficile à comprendre. Mais cela se prête bien au voyage et aux beautés que l'auteur dessine.
July 11, 2019
Mathieu Bablet is amazing at everything he does.
My goodness, the details of some drawings blew my mind away.
My goodness, the details of some drawings blew my mind away.
August 22, 2022
From the publisher: "After 1000 years on his throne, the immortal former king of Hyperborea sets out for Mount Olympus to ask the gods why he was cursed with such a condition, and how he might finally be allowed to die to be with the one he once loved. On his way, he will meet men, women, gods, and goddesses who will influence and reveal truths to the traveler that he has long since forgotten."
This was an odd one, but I really liked that about it! Sometimes, you need a good "wtf?" story. IFK (immortal former king) has been sitting in his castle alone for a long, long time, and he's a little mixed-up; the things that happened in his life, the people he knew and loved, existed so long ago that he can't remember any of it. He knows he's immortal, though he doesn't know why, and this bothers him. He decides to find out, and sets off on a journey to find the gods and ask them why he was made this way, why can't he die? As he travels, he meets gods, monsters, and humans, who cause different memories to come to the surface of his mind. Because he looks the same now as he did in the past, it's not always clear *when* he is - is he still in the present, or in a memory of the past? I liked the confusion of this, because it puts the reader into his frame of mind; this guy is a walking ball of confusion. In addition to that, everywhere he goes, people want to either kill him for whatever reason, or capture him to figure out how to take his power of immortality. This is enough to make anyone a little punchy, and the way time seemed to shift all the time really makes that feeling palpable. When he finally gets to the gods, will they be able to give him answers?
I'm not going any farther than that. The ending is ambiguous, and I'm not sure what I think happened. It was a satisfying ending, though; I thought it was, at least. Following the story is a glossary of characters, creatures, gods, and goddesses with a blurb about each. Now then, the art! Wow, it was pretty amazing! The characters do have a unique style, and while it's odd and not really my favorite, the style grew on me, and did add to the weirdness of the story. The landscapes and settings though! Oh my gravy, but the world was beautiful and intricate, the coloring so moody and evocative, and the last six panels of the IFK were so quiet and lovely. All together, I really enjoyed this, but as I said, I like a bit of wtf now and then.
#Adrastea #NetGalley
This was an odd one, but I really liked that about it! Sometimes, you need a good "wtf?" story. IFK (immortal former king) has been sitting in his castle alone for a long, long time, and he's a little mixed-up; the things that happened in his life, the people he knew and loved, existed so long ago that he can't remember any of it. He knows he's immortal, though he doesn't know why, and this bothers him. He decides to find out, and sets off on a journey to find the gods and ask them why he was made this way, why can't he die? As he travels, he meets gods, monsters, and humans, who cause different memories to come to the surface of his mind. Because he looks the same now as he did in the past, it's not always clear *when* he is - is he still in the present, or in a memory of the past? I liked the confusion of this, because it puts the reader into his frame of mind; this guy is a walking ball of confusion. In addition to that, everywhere he goes, people want to either kill him for whatever reason, or capture him to figure out how to take his power of immortality. This is enough to make anyone a little punchy, and the way time seemed to shift all the time really makes that feeling palpable. When he finally gets to the gods, will they be able to give him answers?
I'm not going any farther than that. The ending is ambiguous, and I'm not sure what I think happened. It was a satisfying ending, though; I thought it was, at least. Following the story is a glossary of characters, creatures, gods, and goddesses with a blurb about each. Now then, the art! Wow, it was pretty amazing! The characters do have a unique style, and while it's odd and not really my favorite, the style grew on me, and did add to the weirdness of the story. The landscapes and settings though! Oh my gravy, but the world was beautiful and intricate, the coloring so moody and evocative, and the last six panels of the IFK were so quiet and lovely. All together, I really enjoyed this, but as I said, I like a bit of wtf now and then.
#Adrastea #NetGalley
June 5, 2022
3.5 stars rounded to four.
I'm not usually a fan of anything that features Greek mythology or the meaning of life stories, Adrastea happens to be both of those things. It was unique in both the art and the story but I felt like it went too quickly and not fast enough at the same time.
The Immortal King has lived a thousand years and now travels to Mount Olympus to discover why he was cursed in this manner. He has lost everything he has ever cared for, his memories as well. Along the way he will face trials, meeting with monsters and gods alike. And even though the journey is difficult he must know why he is like this.
The art in this is unique, and I think the depictions of humans would be hard to get used to for some, however, the landscapes, use of shadows, and lighting in this are breathtaking. I think I spent more time looking at the pages without words than I did those with words, to be honest.
In the end, the moral of the story is that life is worth living. That life in itself is precious and should never be taken for granted. And I did indeed like the moral, however, getting to it took a bit, and some of this was a bit confusing. The king goes back and forth between his memories and his quest and sometimes it was difficult to tell if he was in a memory or the present. I also was very confused about the fact that once he meets with Fates he discovers he never really existed to begin with...maybe? It was a bit of an odd twist given the moral.
Overall, I found the moral of the story and the last few pages to be far better than the story leading up to it. However, the art in itself is worth the read and I think that we all need a reminder that life is worth living sometimes.
As always thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the eArc, this review has been left voluntarily.
I'm not usually a fan of anything that features Greek mythology or the meaning of life stories, Adrastea happens to be both of those things. It was unique in both the art and the story but I felt like it went too quickly and not fast enough at the same time.
The Immortal King has lived a thousand years and now travels to Mount Olympus to discover why he was cursed in this manner. He has lost everything he has ever cared for, his memories as well. Along the way he will face trials, meeting with monsters and gods alike. And even though the journey is difficult he must know why he is like this.
The art in this is unique, and I think the depictions of humans would be hard to get used to for some, however, the landscapes, use of shadows, and lighting in this are breathtaking. I think I spent more time looking at the pages without words than I did those with words, to be honest.
In the end, the moral of the story is that life is worth living. That life in itself is precious and should never be taken for granted. And I did indeed like the moral, however, getting to it took a bit, and some of this was a bit confusing. The king goes back and forth between his memories and his quest and sometimes it was difficult to tell if he was in a memory or the present. I also was very confused about the fact that once he meets with Fates he discovers he never really existed to begin with...maybe? It was a bit of an odd twist given the moral.
Overall, I found the moral of the story and the last few pages to be far better than the story leading up to it. However, the art in itself is worth the read and I think that we all need a reminder that life is worth living sometimes.
As always thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the eArc, this review has been left voluntarily.
July 29, 2022
Indeed, a book which compels you to think about it everyday. Journey of a man who could not decide whether ha has a gift or curse from Gods is extraordinary. He searches for answers everywhere and shows us the true nature of our society. How people are selfish to each other and are always indulged in wars. Also, the book focuses on all the Greek Gods and their powers. You would definitely, be intrigued to find out what happens in the end. But, the climax was the only thing I could not understand. Surely, I would like to give 4 stars to the book. Thanks to Edelweiss and Magnetic Press for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
August 23, 2019
El arte recuerda a obras clásicas del videojuego como Shadow of the Colossus o The Legend of Zelda mientras que el relato, salvando las distancias, tiene similitudes con "El Inmortal" de Borges; sobretodo en las ideas entorno a la memoria, la conciencia, la inmortalidad y el olvido.
January 2, 2024
Décidément, je n’en finis pas avec les pépites de Mathieu Bablet... Son style graphique l’emporte à chaque fois avec moi, le choix des couleurs, des ambiances, comment il fait fusionner son style à l’époque de l’Antiquité… j’ai encore Midnight Order dans ma PAL et je ne vais pas tarder à me procurer La Belle Mort pour parfaire ma connaissance de cet auteur graphique qui désormais fait partie de mes grands favoris ❤️
May 17, 2020
Une BD magnifique, tant sur le fond que sur la forme ! Ne pas hésiter à passer du temps sur chaque page pour ne rater aucun détail !
July 7, 2022
Extremely interesting. If you enjoy Greek Mythology, then you will enjoy this.
May 23, 2023
Bien loin de l’idée que je m’en faisais. C’est une balade philosophique et mythologique que j’ai pris plaisir à lire. Les dessins sont exquis.
July 11, 2022
I don't have words to describe this beauty that I have just read. Amazing, everything was amazing. The story, the illustration, the style of writing, and drawing. This is a story about an immortal man, but it's also about mortality. And life and memories. This is one of those books that makes me glad that I am a reader, that I can discover such wonderful things.
March 7, 2021
Encore une fois, Mathieu Bablet cogne fort. L'auteur nous raconte une fable mythologique qui se déroule dans un univers qui rappelle celui d'ICO, Shadow of the Colossus ou même DarkSouls. On parle ici de quête épique qui pose des questions par rapport au temps, à la mémoire et au sens de la vie. Rien de moins. Visuellement, c'est grandiose. J'en suis un peu jaloux! Si je n'avais qu'une BD à vous conseiller de l'auteur, ça resterait quand même Carbone et Silicium. Mais si vous avez envie d'un peu plus de "fantasy", Je vous conseille sans aucun doute Adrastée.
July 9, 2022
'Adrastea' with story by Mathieu Bablet is a graphic novel telling a story about an undying man on a journey to find his own death.
The king of Hyperborea has reigned for 1,000 years without aging, but immortality has its drawbacks, so he travels to Mount Olympus to ask if he can finally die and be with his loved one. Dealing with the gods is never easy and it is certainly not this time.
It's an odd tale, but it's really about the journey, not the destination. The art is worth a look, and I love how the color palette was constantly changing. The story is somewhat sparse, but the art is detailed.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Magnetic Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The king of Hyperborea has reigned for 1,000 years without aging, but immortality has its drawbacks, so he travels to Mount Olympus to ask if he can finally die and be with his loved one. Dealing with the gods is never easy and it is certainly not this time.
It's an odd tale, but it's really about the journey, not the destination. The art is worth a look, and I love how the color palette was constantly changing. The story is somewhat sparse, but the art is detailed.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Magnetic Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
May 31, 2019
Une jolie BD mêlant mythologie, immortalité, voyage et mémoire. L'aventure était dépaysante et très agréable à regarder, avec un style graphique particulier que j'ai beaucoup apprécié. Les fonds et les couleurs sont très travaillés, donnant une ambiance parfois champêtre, parfois sanglante, qui convient bien à l'aspect mythologie grecque. Le texte, dans la même veine, comporte une touche un brin poétique, toute en légèreté, malgré la difficulté des sujets abordés. J'ai bien aimé découvrir les quelques souvenirs du héros, mais aussi la curiosité de certains personnages par rapport à son immortalité, ainsi que la rancoeur éprouvée par d'autres. C'était une lecture agréable, même si pas spécialement joyeuse.
January 29, 2018
Un roi millénaire sort enfin de sa léthargie pour se rendre sur le mont Olympe et demander aux dieux pourquoi ils l'ont condamné à l'immortalité, et par là même, à voir mourir les siens, les peuples et les siècles, sans que le temps ne l'affecte. Une plongée dans la mythologie grecque, avec plein de références que les non-initiés pourront comprendre grâce au lexique situé à la fin du livre.
December 15, 2017
Coup de cœur absolu !
Cette bande dessinée, entre mythologie, quête initiatique et questionnement philosophique, est une merveille à l'état brut !
A lire absolument.
Chronique vidéo :
https://youtu.be/d_6GaQbbDN0?t=5m42s
Cette bande dessinée, entre mythologie, quête initiatique et questionnement philosophique, est une merveille à l'état brut !
A lire absolument.
Chronique vidéo :
https://youtu.be/d_6GaQbbDN0?t=5m42s
June 25, 2019
Une magnifique bande dessinée avec de la mythologie, de l’immortalité, la mémoire, et un questionnement sur la vie. Une réussite, servie par des dessins splendides.
April 17, 2024
The tale of the immortal man begins and ends with the unnatural sorrow one encounters when introduced to a life too full of ruined expectations. Now, whether those expectations were made quixotic by the presumptions of others, or whether those expectations were rendered morally impoverished due to heartbreak, the tale of the immortal man explores the troubles of the world and the troubles of all people. The immortal man is every man, and yet, at the same time, nobody else is like him.
ADRASTEA is savagely beautiful. Dreadful vistas of limestone deserts. Overgrown citadels whose only flashes of color include the jarring allure of blood-red poppies. Claustrophobic canal cities, haunted by the specter of human productivity. Windy grasslands occupied by vociferous harpies, forgotten earth deities, and tiny blue-petaled flowers.
However oversaturated and overwrought western literature's attention may be when it comes to classical Greek literature, Bablet's emphasis on environments that consume one's focus and territories that wither one's sincerity creates a representative tableau that pushes and pulls at each emotional dimension of the old gods (and also the tiny humans who scurry about their feet).
Nameless, and no longer with a kingdom, the immortal man sets out on a journey toward Olympus. He has questions. So many questions. But before he can earn an audience with the gods, he must first venture through the diverse lands of man. And, further, in journeying through deserts, cities, grasslands, caverns, and more, the immortal man must query (of himself and others) what it is that constitutes humanity. Indeed, one cannot ask the gods why one exists if one cannot first ascertain a proper definition of what it means to exist.
ADRASTEA wields its beautiful backdrops as the home domain of assorted logical puzzles, tests of grit, and in some cases, attempts at resurrecting humility. The immortal man is losing his memories of home and family, and often finds himself mumbling half-recollections to stir inspiration throughout his quest. But it's not always so easy. The sphinx is jocular but vicious and unrelenting. Polyphemus just destroys things. The peoples of foreign lands are hospitable, but they have no need for the curiosities of an ancient king. The nymphs play at debauchery, but death and destruction are more their ken.
The immortal man is more observer than participant. Remarkably, as with the stories of old, questions of whether the gods are too full of themselves to be of use and questions of whether humans are too ignorant to be worthy of the land's spoils dominate the graphic novel. Artemis's reflecting pool is probably the color of gold for a reason. A sacrificial orgy's color theory likely hinges on red-orange-gray for a reason. And Bablet's ferocious devotion to setting detail and environmental design doubtlessly give readers a sense of the impossible scale of this one man's story, of immortality and of cross-continental travel, for a reason.
ADRASTEA is savagely beautiful. Dreadful vistas of limestone deserts. Overgrown citadels whose only flashes of color include the jarring allure of blood-red poppies. Claustrophobic canal cities, haunted by the specter of human productivity. Windy grasslands occupied by vociferous harpies, forgotten earth deities, and tiny blue-petaled flowers.
However oversaturated and overwrought western literature's attention may be when it comes to classical Greek literature, Bablet's emphasis on environments that consume one's focus and territories that wither one's sincerity creates a representative tableau that pushes and pulls at each emotional dimension of the old gods (and also the tiny humans who scurry about their feet).
Nameless, and no longer with a kingdom, the immortal man sets out on a journey toward Olympus. He has questions. So many questions. But before he can earn an audience with the gods, he must first venture through the diverse lands of man. And, further, in journeying through deserts, cities, grasslands, caverns, and more, the immortal man must query (of himself and others) what it is that constitutes humanity. Indeed, one cannot ask the gods why one exists if one cannot first ascertain a proper definition of what it means to exist.
ADRASTEA wields its beautiful backdrops as the home domain of assorted logical puzzles, tests of grit, and in some cases, attempts at resurrecting humility. The immortal man is losing his memories of home and family, and often finds himself mumbling half-recollections to stir inspiration throughout his quest. But it's not always so easy. The sphinx is jocular but vicious and unrelenting. Polyphemus just destroys things. The peoples of foreign lands are hospitable, but they have no need for the curiosities of an ancient king. The nymphs play at debauchery, but death and destruction are more their ken.
The immortal man is more observer than participant. Remarkably, as with the stories of old, questions of whether the gods are too full of themselves to be of use and questions of whether humans are too ignorant to be worthy of the land's spoils dominate the graphic novel. Artemis's reflecting pool is probably the color of gold for a reason. A sacrificial orgy's color theory likely hinges on red-orange-gray for a reason. And Bablet's ferocious devotion to setting detail and environmental design doubtlessly give readers a sense of the impossible scale of this one man's story, of immortality and of cross-continental travel, for a reason.
June 6, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Diamond Book Distributors for an advanced copy of this new graphic story of both mythology and abiding love.
"Those whom Jupiter wishes to destroy, he first deprives of reason". This quote has been translated in numerous ways and been the subject of many books, paintings, poems and even Star Trek episodes, but the meaning has never been lost or confused. The gods do not play fair, and if you become their enemy, or even worse a plaything or a pawn in some grand game, well good luck to you. Adrastée written and exquisitely drawn by noted French artist Mathieu Bablet and edited by Mike Kennedy, is a graphic novel that tells the story of a great king, who seeks the gods to find out why they so blessed him with immortality, but took away his reasons to live.
The immortal King of the land of Hyperborea, whose name and past are lost to himself and others, finally gets the momentum to leave his dead kingdom and journey to Mount Olympus to ask the gods the only question worth asking. Why? Why this gift of immortality this curse that makes him outlive everything and everyone he knows. As he wanders more thoughts come to him, his parents, his wife, a war, his people long long years of emptiness. Above him the gods watch his journey, helping sometimes, hindering him many times, watching his path and those he interacts with. Finally after much walking, and much discord left in his wake, the immortal king gains his audience.
This is a graphic novel that is hard to describe. The story is not an easy A to B and C, kind of story, but one that floats in time, forward, past, and full of fragments as our endless living king walks. There is a helpful guide in the back which describes the mythology of the gods and places that he travels to, which is very helpful. The ending is a little vague, but it is supposed to be, as life is not what we ask of it, but what we make of it. The art however is outstanding. So much detail, so much going on per panel. The gods look so much different than one would think they should, which really shows off their differences to mere mortals, and really sets them apart. The cities are very lush and one wishes to explore every nook and cranny just to see the detail and the time put into it. One of the better illustrated graphic novels that I have seen.
I enjoyed this, though the story was like I said a tad vague, the art was beautiful and really worth exploring. There are so many great European artists in comics and grahic novels I feel bad that I will never know about. I'm glad that I was introduced to the work of Mathieu Bablet, and can't wait to see more.
"Those whom Jupiter wishes to destroy, he first deprives of reason". This quote has been translated in numerous ways and been the subject of many books, paintings, poems and even Star Trek episodes, but the meaning has never been lost or confused. The gods do not play fair, and if you become their enemy, or even worse a plaything or a pawn in some grand game, well good luck to you. Adrastée written and exquisitely drawn by noted French artist Mathieu Bablet and edited by Mike Kennedy, is a graphic novel that tells the story of a great king, who seeks the gods to find out why they so blessed him with immortality, but took away his reasons to live.
The immortal King of the land of Hyperborea, whose name and past are lost to himself and others, finally gets the momentum to leave his dead kingdom and journey to Mount Olympus to ask the gods the only question worth asking. Why? Why this gift of immortality this curse that makes him outlive everything and everyone he knows. As he wanders more thoughts come to him, his parents, his wife, a war, his people long long years of emptiness. Above him the gods watch his journey, helping sometimes, hindering him many times, watching his path and those he interacts with. Finally after much walking, and much discord left in his wake, the immortal king gains his audience.
This is a graphic novel that is hard to describe. The story is not an easy A to B and C, kind of story, but one that floats in time, forward, past, and full of fragments as our endless living king walks. There is a helpful guide in the back which describes the mythology of the gods and places that he travels to, which is very helpful. The ending is a little vague, but it is supposed to be, as life is not what we ask of it, but what we make of it. The art however is outstanding. So much detail, so much going on per panel. The gods look so much different than one would think they should, which really shows off their differences to mere mortals, and really sets them apart. The cities are very lush and one wishes to explore every nook and cranny just to see the detail and the time put into it. One of the better illustrated graphic novels that I have seen.
I enjoyed this, though the story was like I said a tad vague, the art was beautiful and really worth exploring. There are so many great European artists in comics and grahic novels I feel bad that I will never know about. I'm glad that I was introduced to the work of Mathieu Bablet, and can't wait to see more.
November 1, 2022
"Those whom Jupiter wishes to destroy; he first deprives of reason". This quote has been translated in numerous ways and been the subject of many books, paintings, poems and even Star Trek episodes, but the meaning has never been lost or confused. The gods do not play fair, and if you become their enemy, or even worse a plaything or a pawn in some grand game, well good luck to you. Adrastéa written and exquisitely drawn by noted French artist Mathieu Bablet and edited by Mike Kennedy, is a graphic novel that tells the story of a great king, who seeks the gods to find out why they so blessed him with immortality, but took away his reasons to live.
The immortal King of the land of Hyperborea, whose name and past are lost to himself and others, finally gets the momentum to leave his dead kingdom and journey to Mount Olympus to ask the gods the only question worth asking. Why? Why this gift of immortality this curse that makes him outlive everything and everyone he knows. As he wanders more thoughts come to him, his parents, his wife, a war, his people, long years of emptiness. Above him the gods watch his journey, helping sometimes, hindering him many times, watching his path and those he interacts with. Finally, after much walking, and much discord left in his wake, the immortal king gains his audience.
This is a graphic novel that is hard to describe. The story is not an easy A to B and C, kind of story, but one that floats in time, forward, past, and full of fragments as our endless living king walks. There is a helpful guide in the back which describes the mythology of the gods and places that he travels to, which is very helpful. The ending is a little vague, but it is supposed to be, as life is not what we ask of it, but what we make of it. The art however is outstanding. So much detail, so much going on per panel. The gods look so much different than one would think they should, which really shows off their differences to mere mortals, and really sets them apart. The cities are very lush and one wishes to explore every nook and cranny just to see the detail and the time put into it. This is one of the best illustrated graphic novels that I have seen.
The immortal King of the land of Hyperborea, whose name and past are lost to himself and others, finally gets the momentum to leave his dead kingdom and journey to Mount Olympus to ask the gods the only question worth asking. Why? Why this gift of immortality this curse that makes him outlive everything and everyone he knows. As he wanders more thoughts come to him, his parents, his wife, a war, his people, long years of emptiness. Above him the gods watch his journey, helping sometimes, hindering him many times, watching his path and those he interacts with. Finally, after much walking, and much discord left in his wake, the immortal king gains his audience.
This is a graphic novel that is hard to describe. The story is not an easy A to B and C, kind of story, but one that floats in time, forward, past, and full of fragments as our endless living king walks. There is a helpful guide in the back which describes the mythology of the gods and places that he travels to, which is very helpful. The ending is a little vague, but it is supposed to be, as life is not what we ask of it, but what we make of it. The art however is outstanding. So much detail, so much going on per panel. The gods look so much different than one would think they should, which really shows off their differences to mere mortals, and really sets them apart. The cities are very lush and one wishes to explore every nook and cranny just to see the detail and the time put into it. This is one of the best illustrated graphic novels that I have seen.
June 5, 2022
Well, this might mean something to someone, but that someone wasn't really me. An immortal bloke of sort of Grecian king-like demeanour goes walking. And walking... And walking... His path takes him through fantasy building and estate after fantasy realm and country, and it all looks absolutely brilliant, almost Escheresque at times and utterly devoid of health and safety in the example of his own huge palace complex. He quickly gets rid of a Sphinx and her riddles, he tries his hardest to remember people he's known and loved, and his earlier memories, but someone joins in with the walking and walking, and he never shuts up.
After that there's the second half of this, as it came out in two books originally, and it's still more wonderful scenery and walking, until he gets an audience with some incredibly ugly Greek gods – Aphrodite really rocking the bulimic junkie style. It does eventually prove itself a kind of melancholic, 'hey, it's not the kind of life you leave it's the kind of life you live' moral, but if this had started with a quote from Proust, first and foremost in the world's warnings that a book is pants (either Proust or TS Eliot, both apply equally) I would not have been at all surprised. Its ravishing look demands the biggest presentation format possible, to pore over the architecture and scenery; its elusive point demands a bigger patience than some will find themselves having.
After that there's the second half of this, as it came out in two books originally, and it's still more wonderful scenery and walking, until he gets an audience with some incredibly ugly Greek gods – Aphrodite really rocking the bulimic junkie style. It does eventually prove itself a kind of melancholic, 'hey, it's not the kind of life you leave it's the kind of life you live' moral, but if this had started with a quote from Proust, first and foremost in the world's warnings that a book is pants (either Proust or TS Eliot, both apply equally) I would not have been at all surprised. Its ravishing look demands the biggest presentation format possible, to pore over the architecture and scenery; its elusive point demands a bigger patience than some will find themselves having.
May 12, 2021
On y découvre un homme qui erre dans les ruines de sa cité, sans que l'on saisisse qui il est. Ses souvenirs sont fragmentés, il semble avoir du mal lui-même à savoir. Des flash lui reviennent, et il se souvient de cette femme. Sa femme. Son amour de toujours. A quoi ressemble-t-elle ? Sa mémoire défaillante lui cache ses traits, il ne parvient plus à la voir. L'homme se lance alors dans une quête pour savoir pourquoi lui survit depuis tant de siècles, alors qu'il a tout perdu.
Et on le suit dans ce voyage à travers ce monde aux couleurs chatoyantes : tantôt douces et reposantes, tantôt vives, agressives, elles donnent à chaque page, à chaque planche une aura particulière. Les détails ajoutent de la profondeur, les paysages sont à couper le souffle, et on se laisse guider dans cet univers où cohabitent les créatures mythologiques, les dieux et les hommes.
Un régal pour les yeux pour passer un moment reposant à voyager à travers les planches du dessinateur.
Et on le suit dans ce voyage à travers ce monde aux couleurs chatoyantes : tantôt douces et reposantes, tantôt vives, agressives, elles donnent à chaque page, à chaque planche une aura particulière. Les détails ajoutent de la profondeur, les paysages sont à couper le souffle, et on se laisse guider dans cet univers où cohabitent les créatures mythologiques, les dieux et les hommes.
Un régal pour les yeux pour passer un moment reposant à voyager à travers les planches du dessinateur.
June 6, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Adrastea by Mathieu Bablet is a fantasy graphic novel that brilliantly retells Greek mythology. The story reolves around the immortal former king of Hyperborea who sets off on a quest to meet the gods and goddesses. According to the description, this book mixes "intimate character details with grand landscapes in a visual style uniquely his own."
Overall, Adrastea is a fantasy graphic novel that will appeal to fans of The Odyssey or any retellings of Greek myths. One highlight of this book is the amazing artwork, which is wonderfully vibrant and colorful. I found myself astounded by how good the art was. I did take off 1 star, because I didn't really connect to the main character. If you're intrigued by the description, you can check out this book when it comes out in June!
Adrastea by Mathieu Bablet is a fantasy graphic novel that brilliantly retells Greek mythology. The story reolves around the immortal former king of Hyperborea who sets off on a quest to meet the gods and goddesses. According to the description, this book mixes "intimate character details with grand landscapes in a visual style uniquely his own."
Overall, Adrastea is a fantasy graphic novel that will appeal to fans of The Odyssey or any retellings of Greek myths. One highlight of this book is the amazing artwork, which is wonderfully vibrant and colorful. I found myself astounded by how good the art was. I did take off 1 star, because I didn't really connect to the main character. If you're intrigued by the description, you can check out this book when it comes out in June!
October 2, 2024
Me gustan los cómics en los que el autor es al mismo tiempo dibujante y guionista porque reflejan aún más el mundo personal, original e íntimo del artista.
Adrastea nos cuenta la historia del rey inmortal de Hiperbórea que ha tenido que sobrevivir a su mujer y a su hijo a la vez que ve derrumbarse todo el reino que ha heredado. En un viaje donde atraviesa Tracia, el Peloponeso, el Olimpo y llega al Inframundo buscando respuestas a su condición de inmortal, reflexiona sobre el sentido de la vida y de la muerte, sobre lo que supone la verdadera inmortalidad, de la importancia de la memoria y la razón del olvido.
Me ha gustado mucho el dibujo, sobre todo los paisajes que reflejan ciudades y civilizaciones olvidadas. Aunque es de género fantástico, tiene un toque ciberpunk con ese aire decadente y nostálgico.
Adrastea nos cuenta la historia del rey inmortal de Hiperbórea que ha tenido que sobrevivir a su mujer y a su hijo a la vez que ve derrumbarse todo el reino que ha heredado. En un viaje donde atraviesa Tracia, el Peloponeso, el Olimpo y llega al Inframundo buscando respuestas a su condición de inmortal, reflexiona sobre el sentido de la vida y de la muerte, sobre lo que supone la verdadera inmortalidad, de la importancia de la memoria y la razón del olvido.
Me ha gustado mucho el dibujo, sobre todo los paisajes que reflejan ciudades y civilizaciones olvidadas. Aunque es de género fantástico, tiene un toque ciberpunk con ese aire decadente y nostálgico.
July 12, 2022
This graphic novel was beautiful and very visual in it's storytelling. I'm a big fan of Greek myth, and enjoyed piecing what I knew together throughout. I'm not super familiar with Hyperborean stories, but recognized a lot of elements of other myth throughout. The panels and pages that show the vastness of the hero's journey are my favorite. There's so much detail and depth to the art, they're really enjoyable to look at. The odd splash of humor on occasion was nice too, like Zeus immediately going to impregnate the queen. The last several pages showing the passage of time with the content king was absolutely beautiful to see.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review!
December 1, 2022
As I am getting older and I am realizing more and more how fragile the human memory is so when a comic like Adrastea examines memory but in a far more epic sense I become immediately intrigued. Adrastea is not just about an immortal wondering around realizing how much he forgot. It was simply a way to identify with this tale ultimate form of humanity questioning the wisdom of the gods.
Mathieu Bablet’s has a different look than I am used to for French artists. His figures tend to have a more angular design and he uses a lot of lines to give more of a sketchy look. Where it shines though are the luscious backdrops he constructs. So much immaculate detail and design as if each page is destined to be displayed as its own unique piece.
Mathieu Bablet’s has a different look than I am used to for French artists. His figures tend to have a more angular design and he uses a lot of lines to give more of a sketchy look. Where it shines though are the luscious backdrops he constructs. So much immaculate detail and design as if each page is destined to be displayed as its own unique piece.
December 9, 2023
mythologie grecque - hyperboreen - immortalité
Il y a quelques temps déjà, l'on m'a conseillé cette jolie bande-dessinée. Bien sûr, le sujet de la mythologie étant abordé, je ne pouvais que vouloir le lire...
Après près de mille ans sans avoir bougé de son trône et vu tout son peuple disparaître, le vieux roi de Hyperborée se décide à partir en quête des dieux pour qu'ils répondent à ses questionnements.
Je ne connais pas vraiment toute l'histoire autour du peuple et des pays des hyperboréens, mais je vais certainement creuser le sujet de mon côté.
Cependant, c'est vraiment la poésie et toute la notion d'immortalité que j'ai adoré voir. Le temps qui passe, les gens qu'on perd, toute la quête de vérité...
Il y a quelques temps déjà, l'on m'a conseillé cette jolie bande-dessinée. Bien sûr, le sujet de la mythologie étant abordé, je ne pouvais que vouloir le lire...
Après près de mille ans sans avoir bougé de son trône et vu tout son peuple disparaître, le vieux roi de Hyperborée se décide à partir en quête des dieux pour qu'ils répondent à ses questionnements.
Je ne connais pas vraiment toute l'histoire autour du peuple et des pays des hyperboréens, mais je vais certainement creuser le sujet de mon côté.
Cependant, c'est vraiment la poésie et toute la notion d'immortalité que j'ai adoré voir. Le temps qui passe, les gens qu'on perd, toute la quête de vérité...
May 10, 2024
En cuanto a la arquitectura, el arte de Bablet me parece excelente. No me entusiasmaba tanto un tebeo en este aspecto desde Blame!, Vol. 1 y, más recientemente, PTSD. Los personajes al principio no me gustaban tanto, pero al pasar páginas y verme atrapado por la historia les he cogido el gusto. Sin desvelar nada, sólo diré que visualmente es una maravilla, que la historia es tremendamente sugerente y que casi puedo sentir el viento y la fragancia de la primavera hiperbórea.
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