The Incal Paperback – 25 Jun. 2020

Art was greatThe story was a bit silly at times but the ending was great so i didnt mindDont buy books off amazon though

When I was little in the early to mid 80’s the BBC showed a animated sci-fi film that blew my tiny mind and made me cry. For 20 years it stayed in my mind and I kept trying to find out what the hell it was. It turns out it was called ‘Les Maîtres du temps’ (or Masters of Time) and it was animated by the legendary French artist Moeibus (Jean Giraud)So when I walked into my library one day and this book was on the display stand in the entrance I snatched it up immediately. I had never heard of it before but seeing ‘Moeibus’ left me in no doubt that I had to read it. It turns out that not only is this a book by one of my favorite artists but it is regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. I can see why – for a start it’s illustrated by one of the all-time great illustrators (it’s unfathomable how amazing his imagination is) so the art is stunning.As for the story, well – it is complex, convoluted, spiritual, messy, funny – I don’t quite understand the term ‘Space Opera’ but could see it being a fitting description. All the major themes of life are contained in these pages as well as an ongoing spiritual journey about the meaning of existence. This is truly an epic book full of scope and depth and must be pretty much the high watermark of the graphic novel.

There's no denying that this is an epic tale - a classic struggle between good and evil and all grey areas inbetween. There are clear parallels with Jodorowsky's 'Holy Mountain' (the lowlife as saviour, the power struggles, the psychedelic harmonising with the universe) and also his aborted take on Frank Herbert's 'Dune' with the labyrinthine heirarchy of various clans and special powers. The scope is enormous - from giant psychic jellyfish, evil sun-enveloping black eggs and seas of acid to an underground trash universe, a robotic president/assassin patched into the world's TV networks and a hermaphrodite emperor/ess. It really is an immense undertaking. Moebius' art is spectacular - the colours and movement of the human form are second to none.However, for the uninitiated, like Jodorowsky's films, it is often easier to admire than love. I found my initial attachment to antihero John Difool deteriorated slightly through the tale as he developed into more of a superbeing and the arc of the story became more intergalactic in scale rather than the trials and tribulations of a reluctant hero.These are minor niggles though for what is a wildly entertaining and immersive read and is so beautifully presented in a hefty hardback tome. Essential reading.

Really good fun to read.And the art is brilliant.The only thing that gets me down about it is that the story is really just nonsensical at times. It may just be the French style of graphic novel. But at times it just seems like ideas are rushed or just ridiculous. But still brilliant if you like this sort of thing.

I'm not exactly a huge comic fan. I read 2000ad with Judge Dredd from issue 1 (technically Dredd started in issue 2) as a young lad, but never really found anything else that floated my boat. As time went by I was introduced to Batman: Arkham Asylum and the Watchmen, both IMO brilliant. This is up there with the aforementioned works. It has one of the craziest story lines I've come across outside of Philip K Dicks work but it is enjoyable none the less. The illustration and colouring are both excellent.As mentioned by other reviews the order in which to read the text is difficult to follow in places. However, I did not find this detracted from my enjoyment of the book, it simply provided a couple of 'doh!' moments.All in all, thoroughly recommended.

For something that came out in the 1980s this is still fresh, intriguing and out of this world. Moebius' art is crisp, detailed and sumptuous. I find my eyes wanting to drink in the depth and complexity of his compositions. The world hinted at in each panel compliments expands the narrative. Jodorowsky's narrative itself is, to borrow a phrase, far out. This is nor Marvel or DC (alothough Jack Kirby might come close to worldbuilding vision). I am sad I hesitated to delve into the jodorowsky/Moebius universe. I am glad I finally have.

Sublime art and a crazy storyline that has spawned so much immitation it's incredible. Loved it.

The book is great. Good quality paper and ink. Nice tones and colours. Although the font size is extremely small, therefore it is difficult to read. The same size of font is used in all sizes of word bubbles, so you end up with a massive bubble with a tiny reading in the middle 75% of the word bubble left unused. I wouldn't buy again from this seller. This release is not worth the money if you want to "read" as well, not just looking at the images.